Collect or trade?

[Narnian_Princess]

Just last December I started really collecting Disney pins. I have no clue what I'm doing, and I'm just basically collecting what I like (Narnia, my favorite attractions, Star Wars Weekends). I'm wondering whether to just collect or begin trading. I'm really quite shy in real life, and I don't know if I could ever go up to a CM and ask "May I trade for that pin?", besides not knowing pin values or having the resources to buy hundreds of pins. Should I just stick with collecting, or should I venture out into the trading world? Thanks.

 

[EpcotMatt]

Definitely start trading. It’s a ton of fun. I’ve never traded with any guests in person at the parks, only CMs. They are super friendly & love to trade. I would too if I was a CM. It’d be a nice change of pace from the normal work routine. I also trade with other people on PinPics. It’s a great website. You can also try trading on the DISBoards as well by listing what you have & are looking for. For instance, I have a few of the Disney Store Narnia pins released earlier this year for trade. If you’re interested, feel free to PM me or just post your traders on the boards here. Either way, I say go for it & have fun. It’s a blast.

 

[rthib]

The best part of trading with the CM is you get a chance to meet and talk with them a little more.

Some people just walk up and trade.

My DD would always find out where they were from and how long they had been at WDW.

Heard some great stories.

The CM also seemed to enjoy talking about themselves.

We also noticed some interesting trends that there would be clusters of people from the same state in certain parks.

 

[daber]

The whole idea behind this pin thing is trading. WDW releases pins that are exclusive to FL. Same with DL, DLPR, Japan, Hong Kong, Disney Cruises, Disney Stores, Disney Stores UK, Disney Soda Fountain, Disney Auctions, Disneyshopping.com, etc.

You can't be everywhere, so if you wanted a Narnia pin from Japan, you are going to have to jump into the trading arena.

The best part is the friendships that develop over time with people.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have met great people from all over that I would not have met otherwise, except for pin trading. That is the best perk of all. And solely due to looking at CM pin lanyards is how we ended up chatting with a CM and chosen as MK Grand Marshals one year.
Pin trading will help take away some of the shyness. I am still an introvert, and always will be. So trade next to nil face to face, except with park CMs.

 

[msklcassidy]

I started my son pin trading when he was 5. It was his 2nd trip to Disney and I wanted him to feel comfortable talking with the CM's so that if he ever lost mom and dad, he would be OK with getting a CM to help him.

So...my advice is trade! It's a ton of fun. You get to find out what other people like and why. Even my hubby (a BIG introvert) enjoys it now. At first he was intimidated (yep, he's 6'4" and 240 lbs which would intimidate some from talking to him) but now he's found out a lot about Disney and got a great tip from a CM about doing the Segway Tour at EPCOT that he loved! The CMs are REALLY nice and often give you great tips about where to see the parades, what rides have short lines when, etc.

Just set a goal to talk to one CM...and you'll be on your way!

 

[KarenAylwood]

My mom and I like the pins (we just collect what we like too) and had been buying the last few times we've been to the world. We have never traded anything, and then this year our resort (POR) gave us a coupon for a free pin (ok, I'm sure all the resorts do this).

When we got the free pin- it was a tiny bus with a Mickey on it- there were two of them, "one to keep and one to trade" it said. So each of us took one, and the last day we were there, we decided to suck it up and trade with a CM at the resort gift shop. OMG it's addicting! I was sad we were leaving in a few hours because we liked it so much! I got a very cute 2002 Beauty and the Beast pin and it was very fun.

Next time we're at the world, I'm sure we'll start trading.