check your sources
Although most counterfeits are not produced by the same factory that made the originals, always vet manufacturers before using them. Here are a few things to check:
- Are they selling counterfeits?
- Are they using pin artists' images to advertise?
- Does someone you know recommend them?
- Are they a middleman or a factory? If middleman, how long have they been working with their supplier?
- Are they claiming to be made in the USA?*
- Do they have certifications? (Disney, Sedex, etc)
- Do they provide inspection reports?
*There are very few pin factories in the US, UK, or Canada. Hard enamel pins are not produced in these countries at all. If the price per pin is under $8, it's probably not made in the USA.