Ebay Question...?
 

Hey Ladies,
I was looking for rings for Chi O, and came across the Chi O pin turned into a ring (it was just on one of the messages about our pins being on Ebay). I saw one bidder was an alum, but it seemed as though the others were just collectors. I don't understand why people would bid and want something they have no idea what it means. I would love to bid on it and send it back to nationals but I have no means money right now (or will get any by the time the bidding ends). Why are there collectors out there, and what do they do with these pins once they obtain them? I think if I won a million dollars I would buy all the pins on ebay to prevent collectors from taking them, because it is really frustrating and heart-breaking seeing a pin just get sold to a collector.

CW Love,
Kim

You know, in 1400+ posts I don't think I've ever voiced my opinion on badge collectors! (This topic has been debated to death in multiple forums, but since you posed the question here, Berlee, I'll give my 2 cents.)

Most of us agree -- we hate to see our badges in the hands of non-members; however, none of us have the resources to purchase every single pin on eBay or in antique shops. Personally, I save my money for the rare or unique item & if I win it -- donate it to the National Archives. (It did make me sad to see the original Tri Delta Constitution for sale.)

This being said, my view on collectors is this: There must be many reasons someone would want to collect GLO jewelry, not the least of which is that they are beautiful! (I admit drooling over the Phi Delta Theta & SAE badges recently for auction.) Honestly, my feeling is that 99% of collectors who purchase badges respect them (even though not knowing the full meaning).

The only thing we can do to "control" this situation is to better educate our members on what to do with their badges to keep this from happening.