Smudges on a new pin.

[MaidMarian]

I got my Belle October Calendar pin in the mail and it's brand new. The outside looks great, but when I opened it I found that Belle has a smudge on her apron, a dark streak on her dress, and there is a smudge near the top center of the calendar. These look almost like pencil smudges. I tried using a damp Q-tip to remove them but it didn't do any good. Has anybody had to remove smudges like this before? Do you have any suggestions for how to clean or polish it? I'm a little afraid that a rouge polishing cloth will damage the metal, but I'm willing to try. I'm very disappointed.

Also, should I take this up with the seller? I know the package had been opened because the baggie was flipped around to the wrong side when I got the pin. I think these are manufacturing defects, but I'm hesitant to leave a positive feedback since the seller probably knew there were these smudges.

 

[Romancing_Train]

If you cannot remove the smudges from the pin, you know the bag was opened, and it will do more damage to do anything about it I would NOT leave feedback at all until you contact the seller. Maybe they can switch it for you or return it.

 

[MaidMarian]

Thanks, Romancing_Train. I just noticed that my seller accepts returns, so I think there shouldn't be a problem. Though I still won't have the pin. :/

Did anyone get this pin in good shape? I'm pretty sure this was a manufacturing defect, so I'm worried it will be difficult to get a clean one.

 

[Romancing_Train]

I know it kind of sucks, but you can always put the money towards a new one later :3 It's better to get one you feel you want to keep then to settle with one you definitely know you aren't happy with.

 

[MaidMarian]

I'm sure you're right. I usually don't like to make a fuss, but I know it'll make me unhappy every time I look at it.

I initiated a return, so hopefully it will all work out.

 

[Ninpin]

Yikes! Never had a smudge like that on a new DSF pin before, but some of my DSF pins have minor production problems that I notice all of the time. I have three of a certain pin, just because I wanted a perfect one, and all three of them have some sort of minor error that only I would probably notice and it drives me nuts! And no, they aren't counterfeits, which is the saddest part!

Hopefully the seller who sold you this pin didn't actually know about the smudge, though it sounds fishy if it was clearly opened beforehand! Would hate to think that they sold it off specifically because it wasn't a good one!

Good luck with your return!

 

[MaidMarian]

Thanks, Ninpin. I would be really surprised if they hadn't noticed; I tend to be kind of neurotic about these things, but I showed the pin to two friends and they both immediately found all three smudges. But I suppose it's possible that they just took it out to photograph the front and didn't even open it. *shrug* When it's closed it looks gorgeous. Which just made it a bigger letdown when I opened it!

 

[starry_solo]

The QC on these calendar pins have been bad. Mulan & Tiana were pretty blech.

 

[MaidMarian]

That's really a shame. :/

 

[dancecats]

First, let me just say that I share your frustration with the situation. You have paid good money for a pin and you would expect that pin to be in mint/flawless condition. And when you finally receive the anticipated pin in the mail and find the condition, well, is less than flawless ... enter disappointment stage left. If you truly are that disappointed with the condition of the pin, by all means contact the seller and see what he/she is willing to do for you before you leave feedback. But before you write that message/email, please consider the following in mind:

1. Quality control for pins has deteriorated to the extent that (in some cases) one might wonder if it still exists. I have both seen and purchased pins that had I not known they were directly from Disney, I would have sworn they weren't legitimate, the quality was so poor.

2. It is possible that the seller did not open the bag and see the flaw - and here's why. While it doesn't happen often, pins have been inserted into the pin bags upside down (I have purchased a few pins like this over the many years I have been collecting). It doesn't happen often, but I would imagine it's more likely to happen when the CMs putting the pins know said pins are going to be sold behind a counter and not placed on racks (increased carelessness and lack of quality control).

I hope this helps; good luck getting your pin situation sorted.

 

[beckysaurus]

I use a tiny bit of toothpaste on a Q-tip rather than water, and it's taken off everything I've thrown at it. As pins are made with enamel, it's the same as using toothpaste on your teeth. It's perfectly safe, and effective, and exactly what it's made for I would give it a shot.

 

[MaidMarian]

I use a tiny bit of toothpaste on a Q-tip rather than water, and it's taken off everything I've thrown at it. As pins are made with enamel, it's the same as using toothpaste on your teeth. It's perfectly safe, and effective, and exactly what it's made for I would give it a shot.

omg, this worked like a charm. I really wasn't sure it would, but the pin looks fine now. Thank you, beckysaurus! I'm so glad I don't have to return the pin!

 

[Ninpin]

omg, this worked like a charm. I really wasn't sure it would, but the pin looks fine now. Thank you, beckysaurus! I'm so glad I don't have to return the pin!

Wow! Glad it worked! I will have to remember this trick for the future!

 

[dancecats]

I use a tiny bit of toothpaste on a Q-tip rather than water, and it's taken off everything I've thrown at it. As pins are made with enamel, it's the same as using toothpaste on your teeth. It's perfectly safe, and effective, and exactly what it's made for I would give it a shot.

This. Is. Brilliant. I must remember to try this the next time I get a pin with smudges on it.