[ISUKappa]

I know not all orgs have badge rescue groups--that post was geared towards those who do. I can't recount the number of times I've watched a badge auction and seen that sisters are bidding against sisters--most likely unknowingly--and only succeeding in driving the price up.

If you aren't sure your org has a group--check around; talk to your HQ and other alumnae. Watch auctions and see if the same bidders come up time and time again on badge auctions from your GLO. If possible, contact them.

If you don't have a group--start one. Talk to other alumnae or your HQ on ways to make it work. Talk to orgs that do have groups and find out how they make it work. Do research--learn the actual value on badges and what to look for to prove its heritage--and bid accordingly. Start off with a good relationship with the sellers and collectors and learn from them so you don't end up working against them.

If you do have a personal connection with the item, contact the seller and let them know. See if something can be arranged that benefits both of you. I agree with wptw that most sellers don't put these items up out of spite--if you are willing to work with them, they are most likely willing to work with you. But that also means you can't be accusatory when contacting them.

If more people were educated on how to bid smartly and responsibly, I believe that we would be able to win badge auctions at much lower prices (that really goes for any online auction). Unfortunately there are some that will always make their way into the hands of collectors and we're just going to have to accept that. Even though it doesn't have the same meaning to them as it does to us, hopefully it does have some meaning to them and will be taken care of.

Yes, we do need to educate our members and cut off the supply, but we also need to learn more economic ways to reclaim the badges that are already out there.