Kids want to try pin trading - question

[TXStormtrooper]

Okay, so I'm not sure how exactly to approach this without getting flamed, but I am just going to put this out there. We are heading back to Disney World in 2 weeks. My children are both excited to do pin trading on this trip. Neither of them has pin traded before, but my daughter has purchased a few pins in the past that she will not be trading.

That means we need to have pins available for them to trade. I have read that the majority of the pins (obviously not all) circulating around The World are scrappers. My kids don't really care, as they are just wanting to do it for fun. If there is a pin they really want, they will buy it outright from a gift shop, as my daughter has done in the past. Obviously that only works for current pins, but they aren't really interested in collecting them long term - just trading for the fun of it.

That being said, I don't want to spent a fortune on authentic pins for them to trade out for a bunch of scrappers. I also don't want to buy a bunch of scrappers online and contribute to that problem.

So, what's a girl to do? I am honestly seeking wisdom and advice. What are you opinions of scrappers in the parks? Do those of you who are true collectors just accept it and not bother trading unless you know it's an authentic pin? Is it okay for kids to buy and trade pins that are sure to be scrappers?? Is there a place I can buy pins for less than retail, but not bulk cheap scrappers? I have searched and not been able to find anything other than obvious scrapper lots or pricey collectibles (that may or may not end up being scrappers, anyway).

I just don't know what to do. They are so excited about it and I want them to be able to experience it, but I don't want to do something that will be frowned upon, or end up wasting a ton of money and end up with garbage.

 

[figment_jii]

It's a tough choice to make because as you said, the majority of the pins on the CM lanyards tend to be scrappers. If you do trade (with CMs), you just have to accept that there will be scrappers.

"True collectors" probably don't trade with CMs except perhaps right when a new Hidden Mickey pin set is released and the scrappers haven't had a chance to get into the system yet. Other than that, the collectors probably only purchase pins.

If you want to buy authentic pins, you're pretty limited in your options. Booster/starter sets are one options (still looking at spending $5 per pin or so) or clearance sales (either at the outlets or on DisneyStore.com). You can also look at the list of good eBay sellers and see if any have pin lots at a reasonable price.

I try to avoid buying and trading obvious scrappers, but I know I have them both in my collection and I have traded them. It's pretty much a given if you trade with CMs. So I accept it and continue to trade anyway.

 

[TXStormtrooper]

Well, I decided to purchase several new in package booster sets from a known reputable eBay seller. They were less than retail, but more than the big lots of fakes. I know my kiddos will end up trading some of them for scrappers, but at least I will feel better knowing we 1) didn't shell out a fortune on pins, and 2) didn't directly contribute to the mess of scrappers going into the parks.

 

[ericstac]

I bought my kids a bunch from this lady: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPins

seems legit, but im clueless to the pins and trading, just want the kids to have fun trading.

 

[MND]

Okay, so I'm not sure how exactly to approach this without getting flamed, but I am just going to put this out there. We are heading back to Disney World in 2 weeks. My children are both excited to do pin trading on this trip. Neither of them has pin traded before, but my daughter has purchased a few pins in the past that she will not be trading.

That means we need to have pins available for them to trade. I have read that the majority of the pins (obviously not all) circulating around The World are scrappers. My kids don't really care, as they are just wanting to do it for fun. If there is a pin they really want, they will buy it outright from a gift shop, as my daughter has done in the past. Obviously that only works for current pins, but they aren't really interested in collecting them long term - just trading for the fun of it.

That being said, I don't want to spent a fortune on authentic pins for them to trade out for a bunch of scrappers. I also don't want to buy a bunch of scrappers online and contribute to that problem.

So, what's a girl to do? I am honestly seeking wisdom and advice. What are you opinions of scrappers in the parks? Do those of you who are true collectors just accept it and not bother trading unless you know it's an authentic pin? Is it okay for kids to buy and trade pins that are sure to be scrappers?? Is there a place I can buy pins for less than retail, but not bulk cheap scrappers? I have searched and not been able to find anything other than obvious scrapper lots or pricey collectibles (that may or may not end up being scrappers, anyway).

I just don't know what to do. They are so excited about it and I want them to be able to experience it, but I don't want to do something that will be frowned upon, or end up wasting a ton of money and end up with garbage.

My advice is to buy in bulk on ebay. The cheaper the better. I have done this a few times and have always been happy with my purchases. The pins have always been tradeable by my family at the parks. Plus, some we even have liked and have kept.

Mike

 

[MND]

I bought my kids a bunch from this lady: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPins

seems legit, but im clueless to the pins and trading, just want the kids to have fun trading.

These look nice, but others will probably claim they are "scrappers'. However, we're not talking about diamonds here, these are tiny little pins that are intended for trading. I bet you will be happy with them and you'll have no problem trading them at the parks.

Mike