How to list Boy Scout and Cub Scout Patches and Badges in Your Auction

Many people try to sell their old Scout patches in auctions only to come away fustrated that they didn’t get what they wanted or the patch didn’t even get any bids at all. The biggest reason most auctions fail is having a poor description and/or photo. Here are some tips that might help make this a better auction for you.

Accurately list the patch you have for auction. There are many websites you can refer to help you find out which patch you have. Here are some that we have used: arapaho. net , oaimages. com, councilstrip. com just to name a few. If you do not know what patch or badge you have, describe it to the best of your ability including size, colors, and any words or markings.

Always include at least one picture of the item you have for auction. Some patches have very subtle differences and even the experts have trouble identifying them at times. A good quality digital picture will go a long way in helping id your patch. Pictures of the back may or may not be necessary, but if there are numbers or writing on the back -which may correspond to a loom run-, be sure to make note of it and provide a picture if possible. Note if the patch has a plastic coating on the back, or If the plastic backing has a logo printed on it

When writing your description of the patch or badge, be as exact as possible. Give both measurements of height and width or diameter. The thickness is usually not important unless it’s abnormal.

If you are knowledgeable of patch types, specify if the patch is fully embroidered, has rolled edges, is a twill or partially embroidered patch, or any other distinguishing characteristics. If you do not know, DO NOT GUESS.

Also describe what material the patch is it made of. I.E. Cotton, Felt, Plastic, Leather, Metal, Woven, Silk, etc.

Patch collectors collect different patches for many different reasons. Some are VERY SERIOUS about what they collect so take extra time and care in making your listing accurate. It will serve you well in the long run.

Unless you know a patch is rare or valuable, we suggest starting out with a low asking price. If the patch is of value, the auction will usually do well. Do not try to make up for a low starting price by asking absurd shipping & handling costs. This just gets bidders angry. Most patches can be shipped, with insurance, for under $ 5.00

Some terms to know when selling patches

CSP ?Council Shoulder Patch ?A Patch put out by a Boy Scout Council in a specific geographical area to identify the Council. This patch is worn on the Scouts left shoulder.

JSP ?Jamboree Shoulder Patch ?Special Council or region patches worn by participants to a national or world jamboree, again identifying a specific geographical region.

OA Flap ?A Patch worn on the right shirt pocket flap by members of an Order of the Arrow Lodge. This patch identifies the OA Lodge the Scout belongs to in a council or geographic area.

Rolled edges, or mar-rowed edges, are applied to a patch after it is made. They are characterized by rolling around the edge of the patch from the front to the back. A rolled edge has an interlocking stitch on the front and the back often called the lock stitch in descriptions.

Cut edge. A cut edge is an embroidered type of border that is embroidered directly into the patch at the time it is made and then the edge is cut around the perimeter.

FDL or Fleur-de-Lis - Refers to the BSA proprietary symbol or logo that is on many CSP’s, OA patches, and neckerchiefs. The proprietary symbol is usually a fleur-de-lis (FDL), but may be a scout sign, trefoil, BSA or sometimes Boy Scouts of America spelled out.

NOAC - Lodge delegation to a National Order of the Arrow Conference. Typically listed with the year of the NOAC e.g. NOAC - 07

If you are new to listing patches and badges on an auction, you should browse the other selections in the auction to get a feel of what to write, how to write your copy, and how to price your item. Do some research, be honest, and have some fun.