Top Mistakes Beginners Make When Collecting Pins – And How to Avoid Them!

So you’ve fallen down the enamel pin rabbit hole. Welcome to one of the most addictive, colorful, and wallet-draining hobbies out there! Pin collecting (whether it’s Disney, fantasy art, band merch, or hard enamel lapel pins) is pure joy… until you make the classic rookie mistakes that leave you with scratched pins, fakes, or an overflowing “maybe” drawer.

Here are the top 10 mistakes I see new collectors make all the time—and exactly how to dodge them.

1. Buying Without Researching the Artist/Brand

Mistake: Impulse-buying every cute pin you see on Instagram without checking who actually made it. Result: You end up with low-quality mass-produced AliExpress knockoffs or bootlegs of popular artists.

Fix:

• Always check the backstamp (most legit artists stamp their name or logo on the back).
• Google the design + “original artist” before buying.
• Stick to official shops, Patreon releases, or well-known retailers (Strange Ways, Punky Pins, etc.).

2. Ignoring Pin Grading (A, B, C Grades)

Mistake: Thinking “a tiny scratch is no big deal” and buying every “B-grade” or “seconds” pin to save money.

Fix:

• Know the grading system: – A Grade = Nearly perfect (standard price) – B Grade = Minor flaws (scratches, low fill, screen-print errors) – C Grade = Obvious defects (usually very cheap)
• Decide upfront if you’re okay with imperfections. Many collectors only buy A-grades for high-value or limited pins.

3. Not Understanding Hard vs. Soft Enamel

Mistake: Thinking all shiny pins are the same quality.

Fix:

• Hard enamel (smooth, polished surface, more durable, usually more expensive)
• Soft enamel (textured metal lines, cheaper, scratches easier) Neither is “better”—it’s preference—but know what you’re paying for.

4. Storing Pins on Corkboards Forever

Mistake: Leaving your collection on an unprotected cork or foam board in direct sunlight.

Fix:

• UV light fades enamel over time.
• Dust and humidity are your enemies.
• Consider locking acrylic cases, Itoya portfolios, or pin banners that can be rolled and stored in a dark closet when not displayed.

5. Using the Rubber Clutch Backs That Come With the Pin

Mistake: Trusting those cheap clear or black rubber backs.

Fix: Upgrade to locking metal backs (hearts, stars, or standard round locking clutches). They cost pennies each in bulk and will save you from the heartbreak of a $60 pin sliding off your jacket and disappearing forever.

6. Overpaying on the Aftermarket Too Early

Mistake: Panic-buying a sold-out pin on eBay for 5× retail two days after release.

Fix:

• Many “limited” pins get restocked quietly.
• Join mailing lists and set notifications on apps like Grail (iOS) or PinDrip.
• Wait 2–4 weeks. The FOMO price usually drops once the initial hype dies.

7. Buying Giant Collections on Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace

Mistake: Thinking you scored 300 pins for $100… only to discover 290 of them are 2012 Hot Topic clearance junk.

Fix: Ask for close-up photos of the actual pins (especially the backs). If the seller can’t show detailed pics, walk away.

8. Not Cleaning Pins Properly

Mistake: Scrubbing pins with alcohol or tossing them in an ultrasonic cleaner “to make them shine.”

Fix:

• Most modern pins have screen-printed details or glitter that can be damaged by alcohol. Safe cleaning: warm water + mild dish soap + soft toothbrush, then pat dry immediately.

9. Falling for Fake “LE 50” or “Fantasy Pin” Scams

Mistake: Buying Disney “fantasy pins” (unofficial designs) thinking they’re rare official trader pins.

Fix:

• Official Disney pins always have the ©Disney backstamp and usually a waffle/mickey pattern.
• Fantasy pins are fun, but know they have zero trading value at the parks.

10. Having Zero Focus and Buying Everything Cute

Mistake: Ending up with 400 random pins and zero cohesive collection (guilty ✋).

Fix: Pick 1–3 themes early on (e.g., only moths, only 90s nostalgia, only black & gold, only your favorite artist). It’s okay to love everything, but your wallet and display space will thank you for having rules.

Final Bonus Tip: Start a “Pin Fund”

Every collector I know who’s been in the game 5+ years has a separate savings envelope or PayPal account labeled “Pin Money.” Treat it like any other collecting hobby—budget monthly, and the regret stays low.

Happy pinning, and may all your future purchases be A-grade, reasonably priced, and equipped with locking backs!

Which of these mistakes have you made already? Drop your horror stories in the comments—I need to feel less alone. 😅🧷