I'm new to pin collecting, too...

[*Huey*]

I guess I just had an etiquette question...

First of all, if I wear them around (to the parks, etc) is it assumed that I'll trade whatever I have? I don't imagine I'd be into the trading aspect (at least not for a while) and don't want to offend anyone if I receive an offer.

I am a converted magnet collector (magnets are useless without a fridge! I can't show them off!) and HAND PICK my magnets from the bins... a scratch or ding will disqualify it in my selection process. This habit of mine leads me to believe that I won't do much (if any) trading.

I guess what I want to ask is "does your prize collection" stay neatly displayed in a permanent collection?

Also, for those who wear their collection, are the clasps durable enough that a snag on a bag strap or something similar won't detach the pin?

Thanks for the info (and humoring the newbie!)

 

[LynniethePooh]

Hi Allie and welcome!

I know others will answer too, but I will tell you what I know!

As for trading, if you are wearing a lanyard, people may assume they are for trade, but if they ask, just respond that this is not your trading lanyard. You don't have to trade just because you have on a lanyard.......only CM must do that. I wear a lanyard for trading with the CM's and I have never had a guest approach me to trade.

As far as displaying......that varies by collector--everything from wearing them to keeping in pin books/binders/bags to framing them and using them in home decor.

As far as safety of the pins, the pin backs are okay, but not great. There is a locking pin back available, I don't know where you can get that, but I sure someone will along soon to give you that advice!

Hope that little bit helps!

 

[Mickey527]

I think Lynnie covered the basics.
If you have pins that you like you can wear them. Don't be intimidated by people who may come up to you and tell you that you have to trade with them. Unfortunately there are some bad traders out there that will try and pull whatever trick they can to get the good pins away from unsuspecting new traders. You trade the pins you want, and if someone asks you can tell them "these are my traders, these are my keepers".
I think you can buy Pin Savers from Cheappins. We can't post links here but do a search for Cheapins and you will find the site. I have some that I use that are not "pin" savers. They are called "Wheel Collars" and I get them at a local hobby store. They are cheaper than pin savers but the same thing. Pin savers are a ring of metal that goes around the pin back. You then screw this tiny screw into the metal ring and it grasps the pin back. They can't be removed until you losen the screw.
I am also a magnet collector. I make sure to pick up at least one new magnet on each trip to the parks. I barely have space on the fridge now with all my magnets. I have a few old metal magnets that I glued pin backs on and now they are pins. I don't trade these but they looked better with my pins than with my plastic magnets on the fridge.
enjoy pin trading and collecting, its a great hobby and you will meet plenty of great people.

 

[Joey27]

Hi Allie,

Welcome to the wonderful world of Disney pin trading. Since Lynnie and Peggie covered the important stuff, I'm just going to say that collect what you like or what interests you. If you have any other questions, please feel free ask. Good luck Allie.

Sincerely,
Joey