Pin trading CMs?

[Cruise]

I was wondering if anyone knew of certain CMs that really get into the pin trading. I know Barb talks about Sasha on the Wonder being a big pin trader. Any others?

I stocked up on some of the Virginia state pins from the Disney Store. As far as I know, you can only get them in the state they relate to. I thought I might find some CMs that collect pins and see if they might need one.

Thanks!
Julie

 

[wovenwonder]

Don't know of any in particular -- but they had pretty many at the designated pin trading meets. Look on your navigator for the days/times. It was alot of fun.

 

[mmouse37]

On the Magic, I believe Winston was the CM from Mickey Mates. I think he was really into pins. I think it was him that was at the pin trading every night with a lanyard.

MJ

 

[smilingmouse]

Ok, I feel a little sheepish, but I have to ask this question.

If you wear pins on your lanyard do you HAVE to trade one every time someone offers? Or, is it optional?

SmilingMouse

 

[Dancind]

CM's have to, but you don't. A good option is to put your keepers, the ones you want to show off, on one side of your lanyard if you're so inclined. Put the ones you're willing to trade on the other side. We only wear traders on our lanyards (with the good traders kept in our pin bags, and the keepers left at home), so we're happy to consider trades off of them. Diana

 

[sistert]

Dancind is correct, but I will clarify:

1. If you see a pin on a cast member that you'd like to trade for, ask that you'd like to trade for it and select a pin of yours you're willing to trade for it. They don't have a say in this (the cool part) but the rule is one for one.

Now if the pin you'd like is part of their own personal collection, see #2. Typically, a cast member will have a separate lanyard, hat, or even a towel with their own pins if this is the case.

2. If you want to trade (or visa versa) with anyone else, it is up to those involved if the trade happens. If someone wants to trade with you, it is up to you if you want to complete the trade. If the pin is something you're really in love with, of course don't trade it. You can wear it proudly on your lanyard, just politely decline the offer. If you want to trade with someone, be just as polite and ask if the party is interested.

YOU NEVER HAVE TO TRADE A PIN WITH SOMEONE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO!

For full rules on how pin trading works, check out this website:

http://disney.go.com/eventservices/howtopintrade.pdf

Pin trading is a hoot. Everybody has their own personal way to do it. I'm mostly into villians, certain characters from certain movies, and attractions that mean something to me. Though of course I'm not limited to it. My mother treats it as a scavanger hunt for pins she sees in the stores. She only buys the ones she doesn't find by the end of the trip (or if it's a limted edition that is best bought that looked for).

I wear a lanyard with a selection of traders for the day (otherwise I'd go nuts on the first day in the park) and maybe one or two really cool ones that I want to show off.

I love watching the kids trade and have no problem trading with them. They get so excited. I also try to help them know what they've got. I've seen too many "sharks" try to scam kids or any unknowning pin trader out of really nice pins. Kids tend to want the character pins and a shark will see them wearing a hot item- some pin that is limited edition (LE), a mistake, a CM only, or something like that- and try to convince them to trade the hot item for a rack pin (one that anyone can buy from the stores). I hope this isn'a concern on the cruise but it's all over the park.

For Disney's special pin trading site, go here:

http://psc.disney.go.com/eventservices/index.html

Can you tell I like pin trading?

 

[Mickeycrazie]

I've never been one to wear my pins on a lanyard. The lanyard would get on my nerves. I've always carried them in my belly pack and traded with cast members. Is that going to be acceptable on the cruise also?

 

[sistert]

YOU don't have to have a lanyard to trade. I've seen lots of people use books, hats, whatever is best. HECK, Disney even sells pin trading backpacks. The lanyard is just what started it all. Go with what is comfortable.

In the park they have what are called "Super Traders" which are CMs who are wearing vests covered in pins. I have yet to get a hold of one though. I saw one and lost them before I could get close enough to trade.

Some pin trading advice: Regardless of what you use to trade pins on, be careful of flying pins. That is, if your pin uses the old metal backs, they tend to fall off and next thing you know, your pin is no where to be found. Most of the pins now come with nice tight plastic backs that are a bear to take off but you don't have to worry about your disappearing pins. Disney sells just bags of plastic pin backs that I've switched most of my pins to. CMs are good for asking if you want to keep you plastic back if you are trading for one that has a metal back.

Don't let someone handle your lanyard (book, whatever). If they want to take a closer look, you can hold the lanyard closer. I know of too many people who while the person was looking at a pin, popped off the pin they were really after out of sight. Again, the plastic backs have slowed this down considerable.

 

[atigeg]

You definitely don't have to wear a lanyard, but if you do, the CMs who are into pin trading (for private collections...the ones who do the "Disney trading" will be wearing lanyards) will often approach you and set up an off-duty time to meet if you are interested. Many of the CMs love to trade pins, and they often have some great ones...that's how I got my Halloween 2000 pin. If you don't like to wear a lanyard, don't be shy about asking CMs to tell you who is into pin trading on the ship. They are very friendly and will probably know who the traders are.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[mcnuss]

Originally posted by sistert
Don't let someone handle your lanyard (book, whatever). If they want to take a closer look, you can hold the lanyard closer. I know of too many people who while the person was looking at a pin, popped off the pin they were really after out of sight. Again, the plastic backs have slowed this down considerable.

Wow, how sad is that? People stealing Disney pins for heavens sakes.... I will make sure my DD is careful from now on; it never, ever occurred to me that someone would steal one right off her lanyard.

ABN

 

[Cruise]

Ok... now I'm just scared.

Seriously, thanks for all the info, guys. I've never actually done any pin trading before but thought the state pins would make a nice little extra gift for a CM.

sistert, thanks for the links for pin info. Do you happen to know of one that lists "desirable" pins? Just what I need... another hobby that DH is going to roll his eyes at me for.

Also, I have several of the same pins... should I wear them all at once as a sign that I'm willing to trade them? Or wear them one at a time and just see how it goes?

Thanks again guys

Julie

 

[juniorbugman]

My nephew and I traded a lot of pins on our April Magic cruise. On pin trading nights in the atrium there is a Disney CM with a book of pins that you can trade with, the only rule other than one for one is that you can not trade your pin to them if they already have that pin on the page, so bringing a lot of unique state pins with you will help you to trade from the CM's book. There are also pin trading nights when even some of the senior ships's staff have trading lanyards. While nephew traded I talked to the CM's about their home countries. Usually I keep a supply of trader pins in my pocket to assist DN with his trades, while the one's on my lanyard are mostly keepers. Make sure that you buy the daily special pin and the ones from Castaway Cay as these are not sold onboard ship. Have fun trading
Watch out trading can become very addictive!!

 

[sistert]

Originally posted by Cruise
Ok... now I'm just scared.

sistert, thanks for the links for pin info. Do you happen to know of one that lists "desirable" pins? Just what I need... another hobby that DH is going to roll his eyes at me for.

Also, I have several of the same pins... should I wear them all at once as a sign that I'm willing to trade them? Or wear them one at a time and just see how it goes?

Thanks again guys

Julie

Nothing to be scared about. Pin trading is a hoot! Just use common sense and you'll be fine!

On to your questions:

#1 How to know what's hot and what's out there in general.

There are two sites you'll want to check out.

http://www.dizpins.com

This is the ultimate site on pin collecting. You'll see what pins are coming out all over the "world" as well as what's been out that you may have missed. There are lists of events, a message board, and so much information, you'll be there for a good long while.

Then there is http://www.pinpics.com

I believe this site has joined with Dizpins as they have a major link there. Anyway... Pinpics lets you catalog your pin collection, also chat with other collectors, and just browse through all the pins they are aware of.

Both sites try to keep up as fast as they can with every new pin that is introduced.

#2 Best way to display beens for trading.

There really is no wrong way. In your particular case, this is my suggestion. Put a selection of your pins on your lanyard (or whatever) and keep your duplicates in a purse or hip pouch. As you trade away pins, replace the newly acquired with the duplicates. My mother, caught up in the frenzy, once traded away a pin she had just traded for with out realizing it until it was too late!

More Pin Information:

- If you get a chance to trade in the parks, check out all CMs not just those you see behind counters and at attractions. I've gotten some of my best trades from CMs I wouldn't have thought would be participating. I got a press pin for the grand opening of Asia at Animal Kingdom from a CM parking strollers! If a CM is wearing a lanyard, they are fair game!

- Talk to the CMs you are trading with. They can give you some geat information on how to trade, what to look for, and what may be coming out soon. I had one CM hint fairly loudly that I wanted a particular pin on their lanyard that though I had looked, wasn't sure about. Turned out it was a retired LE.

- Buy your traders, if you can, at your local Disney Store. They are much cheaper than in the parks. I've also heard that the grocery store across from the main entrance as well as the Walmarts. Just remember, if it doesn't say Disney on the back, you can't trade it. Pins from stores and restaurants on the property are OK though.

- This is probably best for trading in the parks: If you happen to have pins for trade that you're already seeing on CMs, consider making Trader Trades. Officially, a CM is not suppose to trade with you for a pin they already have on the lanyard (however some are more lenient with this rule than others). To keep from missing out on trades, consider trading with CMs for something that you haven't been seeing a lot of. It may not be something you particularly care for bu, if you see that prized pin on a lanyard, you can safely trade for it without worrying about the duplicate rule.

Keep the questions coming, I'm having a balling!

 

[Cruise]

Wow... what a wealth of information!

Since you're having such a ball ( ), I'll just ask a couple more questions then quit taking this board for pin questions. I notice there's another board for collector's, but it seems like everyone over there is pretty immersed already and I'm still wading in.

I'll be going to the UK in November and found out where the locations of the Disney Stores are where I'll be. I think I read somewhere that UK pins are different from US pins... is this correct? And, if so, does that make them good traders? I'll try to stock up if they would be since we'll (hopefully) be crusing in February. Would be a good time to trade

Also, about 2 months ago, I was visting a friend in DC and happened to walk into a Disney Store that was having a "buy one, get one free" pin sale. I bought the states ones, but nothing else since I wasn't considering pin trading at the time. Of course, now I could kick myself. Do they have these sales often? Is there anywhere to check to see when another might be happening?

Thanks again! I can tell you've been doing this a while and really enjoy it

Julie

 

[sistert]

It's pretty addictive so you'll be caught up in no time, though financially could be a bad thing

Anyway... Not sure what you read but yes, you'll more than likely see exclusive pins to the UK stores. I know there are specific pins for the stores in Japan (I know they had an entirely different set of pins for the 100 Years promotion), and there are pins specific to cities and states (the characters riding a trolley in the San Francisco stores, Minnie as the Statue of Liberty in the New York stores, etc...).

As for when the next 2 for 1 sale is going to be (or anything like it), the only way to know is to ask a CM at the store. Though they might not know any faster than you from what I've heard.

Hope that helps!

 

[Cruise]

sistert,

Thanks again for all your help and advice. We'll see how this thing goes!

Btw, I called my local Disney Store today and the CM there said she didn't know of any particular pin sales coming up but that "they might go on sale as part of a bigger sale for Columbus Day." So, we'll see!

Julie

 

[SueEllen]

Don't forget about all of the wonderful information and pin traders on the DIS's own Collector's Board! You completely left us out!

There is a FAQ about pin trading, pin trading etiquette, a trade/wants board, and much, much more here on the DIS Collector's board.

Also, Larry offers a wealth of information over at www.dizneypins.com

Sue Ellen

 

[Cruise]

Originally posted by Cruise
I notice there's another board for collector's, but it seems like everyone over there is pretty immersed already and I'm still wading in.

Hi Sue Ellen!

I wasn't leaving you out! Just wanted to get a little info before I came over that way and started in with all my annoying newbie quesitons

Thanks!
Julie

 

[Mike Bartenhagen]

We just returned from the Wonder last night. I bought my daughters who are 3 and 5 pin trading books and also found 50 Disney pins on ebay for 60.00 before we left. We took these along to trade for our first experience with pin trading. They had a lot of fun. We went down everynight to the pin trading. I never saw any guests trade among themselfs and only saw few others besides us trade with the CM's. There was a book with many pages of pins you could trade with and also several CM's around the atrium to trade with. The first night the girls wore their lanyards the rest of the trip we carried a few pins with us. There was also a CM with a vest there every night with a lot of pins (I believe someone said they are called super traders). On the Wonder there is a male CM with an English accent (can't recall hsi name) that was very nice to my oldest daughter. He helped her out and always remebered her name. It was obvious he was very excited about Pin Trading. My daughter birthday is in 4 days and on the last night of the cruise they brought her a birthday cake in the restaurant and also a pin that said "DCL Cruise Line It's My Birthday."

I was also unsure of what to expect with the pin trading but it was very painless. The CM's tried hard to promote it and help out.

 

[psimon]

If you flew to Orlando, did you pack your pins in your luggage or keep them in your carry-on?

Haven't decided which is best.

Thanks... Paul