I bought a new pair of Pagid brake pads for the front of my 997.2 C2S from Pelican Parts about a week ago. Just got the pads in yesterday and they seem to have some abnormal wear and tear on the outside. I've bought pads from them before and they were in perfect condition. These however, on the opposite side of the pad, show a lot of wear (can't even see Pagid on two of them).

I contacted them and they say it's normal. I'm reaching out to the community to see if this is true. Including the pic I took of all four. Actual side for braking looks intact.

 

If the pads had been installed/used I think you'd know it.

Any sign the pad backing plates were in contact while in the box and vibration caused some abrasion of the backing plate paint/coating?

That's what it looks like to me from the pic. Or the machinery that "printed" the logo/graphics on the backing plate was low on ink/paint.

Or the pads were boxed with the ink/paint wet and it just got smudged.

 

Thanks Macster. Appreciate the insight man. What you suggested might be the case as the pads look fine.