Anyone who is an avid patch collector, knows that this can be a very gratifying hobby.

But it can be very frustrating as well. There are a lot of people trying to sale misprinted, mass produced, and hollywood patches, as if they were the real deal. You can also be scammed by thinking your getting a brand new patch, and find it used, or described improperly.

When viewing patches that are for sale on eBay, be sure to look at the detail carefully. A lot of patch printing/embroidery companies, will sell, or even give away misprinted patches, that eventualy find their way to eBay. A seller will try to sale these as a genuine item, when in fact it is missing stitches, borders, or is misspelled. Look at the photos carefully, and ask the seller any questions that you may have. Make sure that the patch pictured, is the one you will receive. (You do not want to be looking at a great patch, then receive a mis printed one that was in a stock pile, and find the photo was a stock photo).

Some patches used in Hollywood movies, are being sold as genuine police patches. If you are not aware of a specific agency's current or historical designs, you can be easily fooled into thinking it is the real thing. Be sure to look up these patches by going to the agency's respective web sites, looking at current designs, and sometimes contacting the web master, or public information officers, to inquire about patch histories, and current designs.

When an item is described as USED, be sure to look for signs of wear, both in the photo, and the item description. A used patch can range from one that is still rigid, with only thread and needle holes, to one that is creased, soft, mangled, with loose threads, and stained. If a patch is simply described as USED, be sure to ask the seller about creases, stains, softness, and loose threads. Do not be fooled into buying a used patch, and getting junk.

Likewise, if a patch is described as like new, be aware, that it could be used. Be sure to ask exactly what like new means. Is it a used patch, that is still rigid, and appears like new? Ask if the patch has ever been worn, either sewn on a uniform or ironed on.

A patch described as brand new, should be received as brand new.

Again, look carefully at the photos and descriptions. Do not be afraid to ask questions, to both the seller, and others in this hobby that have experience. Ask if the seller has a return/refund policy. Can you return the patch if you receive it, and it is not what you expected?  

Buyer beware...after all, it is your collection.

Collectible Police Patches