Pin Trading--How To Start?

[sunb75]

So, I've read about a million posts/blogs/etc about trading pins. I think my kids and I want to try this when we go to WDW. We are newbies and I'm not sure where to start.

Are lanyards the only way to display pins? I see books, too, but for being in the park, are lanyards best? Or is there something you don't have to wear around your neck (I'm "sensitive" ).

I've read about good ebay sellers. So I'm looking at a few starter pins. But, how many should we get?

Also, do you just trade with random CM around the park? Should we visit resorts to do it, too?

Thanks

 

[KristenRB]

We love pin trading! It gets addictive, so get ready! I wear a lanyard, I have a few of my favorites that I pack with me along with the pins I'll want to display or trade. (I leave my prized ones at home)

I've seen people with jean vests, hats and messenger bags covered in pins. Get creative! Although I'll always love my lanyard

They sell "starter" packs at almost every shop you'll go to. A good place to start is with your favorite characters, then rides, parks, holidays, etc. Make sure to pick up a couple of packs of extra pin backs. Believe me, they'll come in handy!

 

[pad406]

Our kids started us on it and now we're hooked too. We all use lanyards as they are do handy but there are also pouches that you can hang on your belt. I would also consider getting a packet or two of locking backs to make sure you don't loose any of your favourites. Have fun

 

[figment_jii]

Are lanyards the only way to display pins? I see books, too, but for being in the park, are lanyards best? Or is there something you don't have to wear around your neck (I'm "sensitive" ).

Neck lanyards are probably the most common way to display/wear pins, but as the PPs have said you'll see guests with vests, hats, etc. They also sell hip lanyards that you can clip to a belt which might help if your neck is sensitive. I tend to just carry my pins in a pouch in my bag; I didn't like the weight around my neck or the pin backs jabbing me.

I've read about good ebay sellers. So I'm looking at a few starter pins. But, how many should we get?

Pin trading can be addictive, so I'd buy more pins than you think you'll need. You'd be surprised how many you can trade in a single day. As a start, I'd maybe to with 5 pins per person per day.

Also, do you just trade with random CM around the park? Should we visit resorts to do it, too?

You can trade with CMs at the parks and at the resorts. Pin trading is very popular and pretty prevalent throughout WDW. You'll find CMs with lanyards (neck or hip) and pin boards in both the parks and resorts, so it's always worth looking whenever you visit any place.

 

[jvattes]

I have a question about the recommendations for # of pins pp/pd. If you are trading, aren't you going to have the same # at the end of the day as at the start - and if that is true, why would it matter how many you have?

Clearly clueless, but interested in learning

 

[Cchristmas01]

I have a question about the recommendations for # of pins pp/pd. If you are trading, aren't you going to have the same # at the end of the day as at the start - and if that is true, why would it matter how many you have? Clearly clueless, but interested in learning

Eventually you will find ones you will want to keep. I have 3 people to buy pins for and that can get very pricey when paying $5 to $13 a pin. Because they have collections, we have a pin board at home to bank those said pins. Therefore, the pins are removed from the lanyard and placed on the cork board which results in a lesser amount left on the lanyards. I purchase all my pins near Disney at a Hope for Humanity store off 192. They carry pins for $1 to $3 a pin. We buy in lots of 30 for 30 bucks; which gives 10 per person about ever 3 trips.

 

[kettinger]

I would recommend the online forums and communities like Disney Pin Forum as a great place to buy starter pins (just google the name and you will find it). If you go to the "Pins for Sale/Wanted" thread there there are often people selling high quality pins at good prices (significantly better than what you will see in the parks). And, it's fun to see what other collectors are buying and offering!

Kaki

 

[njpyro]

I like to keep my pins in a pouch in my bag. I have lost several pins over the years off of lanyards, but I've also found several, so it evens out. (The first pin I found I turned into guest relations, but instead of lost and found, they stuck it right on the pin board for trading! So now I keep any that I find.)
I have a pouch with two pockets, so the ones to keep stay in one pocket, ones I'm willing to trade in another.