Tell me about lanyards & pins

[SFMommy]

I have heard of pin trading and lanyards, but really have no idea what this is all about. We received vouchers through our Costco Travel package for each of us to get a free lanyard and pin. But what do we do once we get them?

Sorry if this is a silly question!

 

[skiingfast]

Layards are common in the parks. And people put thier trading pins on them. Some lanyards have a package of some variety at the end to store things in too.

Cosco give you the layard and pin as a perk that probably costs them $5. And it is product placement for them when you wear it.

Generic Layard

Disney trading Pins on a lanyard.

 

[RedRosie]

You can get pins on ebay. They usually come in a "lot" of 15, 25, or more. They are random, and may not be super high quality that die hard traders would want. But if you are looking for fun for kids, they are fine. (I hope I am not breaking a DIS rule!) It doesn't matter if the pins you get are your favorites or not because you can trade them with Cast Members (staff). CMs that wear lanyards or square black pin holders (like a flat fanny pack) on their belts will trade. My kids really enjoyed talking with the CMs and deciding on whatever was their goal for the day (i.e. my daughter wanted all the Chip and Dale pins she could find). We also had some so that we could give one to a new friend they met in line so that the other child could trade to get a favorite. It is a create way to meet CMs and other people and a good alternative as the kids get too old for character autographs. Happy Trading!

 

[SFMommy]

Thank you! If I don't buy pins ahead of time, how much do they cost at the parks? My daughter is 5.5 years old and still likes autographs. But maybe pin trading will be fun for her too. Thanks for your help!

 

[Rainasunshine]

Pins are a great way to further interact with CM's and other park goers The lanyards are really just a nifty way to carry around your favorite pins. My DBF looooves collecting pins (and vinylmations too I have no idea what to do with that boy sometimes ) so not only does he have a lanyard for his favorites but like a binder full of other favorites and ones he is willing to trade. Along with the CM's you might be lucky to spot those super die hard collecters standing outside of certain shops and whatnot. However, while CM's cannot tell you no when you are asking to trade (which is a great thing because lots of unsuspecting people give away fantastic pins) other traders can set any limits to how they would like to trade. You can get pins from pretty much anywhere in DL along with online or even sometimes through craigslist. I too hope I didnt break any rules :3 I hate being so new to things lol. I hope I was able to help feel free to ask any questions.

~Raina

 

[skiingfast]

Thank you! If I don't buy pins ahead of time, how much do they cost at the parks? My daughter is 5.5 years old and still likes autographs. But maybe pin trading will be fun for her too. Thanks for your help!

It depends on the level of the pin, but about $7-$15. Some pins are simple some more extravagent with hinges or moveable parts. There are tons to select from, featuring everything Disney you could think of.

 

[skiingfast]

It's ok to post about where to get pins as long as you aren't refering to yourself as the place to buy them.

Be cautious about buying them on Ebay or Craiglist. Many of the sellers sell fake ones, and ones that look like they are tradeable too but still fake. It takes a super good eye to spot the fakes, known as scrapperss.

There are websites devoted to fakes, and a big thread here on the DIS about buying on Ebay.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2213419

 

[pixiewings71]

Definitely be cautious about getting pins from eBay, you can find good pins but you may also get "scrappers". Please follow the link that skiingfast posted to get some information before ordering from eBay.
Having said that, pin trading can be tons of fun!! CM's are great to chat with while trading, we've met some really great people pin trading, mostly try to remember that pin trading should be fun!

 

[starry_solo]

If your child ends up wanting to trade pins, get the 7-pack boosters for $29.95 at the parks (with AP discount, it will end up at about $4 per pin after tax).

 

[kirstie101]

Just wanted to add that you dont HAVE to trade them either! DD has a lanyard with quite a few pins on it now that she wears at the parks but she doesn't want to trade them, not yet anyway. She just wants to talk mommy into buying her new ones

 

[gmi3804]

I get my traders from eBay for about .75 each, free shipping, then trade with CMs. I'll purchase some must-haves at the parks. Take note of any eBay seller's RECENT feedback. It should be 100% positive and they should accept PayPal (use a credit card to pay for extra protection from the cc company.)

About lanyards, they're not easy to find, but I bought one this last weekend at the park (Tomorrowland pin seller place) that's a "double-wide," which is to say twice as wide as all the others. It was black with the DL logo and fireworks on it, $10.95, $1 more than the others.) The CM at Westward Ho said they're not sold everywhere and may be being phased out. Then again, just because a CM said it doesn't mean it's accurate.

 

[skiingfast]

IAbout lanyards, they're not easy to find, but I bought one this last weekend at the park (Tomorrowland pin seller place) that's a "double-wide," which is to say twice as wide as all the others. It was black with the DL logo and fireworks on it, $10.95, $1 more than the others.) The CM at Westward Ho said they're not sold everywhere and may be being phased out. Then again, just because a CM said it doesn't mean it's accurate.

Disney lanyards are super easy to find. Sold in hotel gift shops on harbor and all lover the parks. Easy to find on ebay or amazon.

The double wide Pin lanyards mention above are not as easy to find.

 

[MND]

I get my traders from eBay for about .75 each, free shipping, then trade with CMs. I'll purchase some must-haves at the parks. Take note of any eBay seller's RECENT feedback. It should be 100% positive and they should accept PayPal (use a credit card to pay for extra protection from the cc company.)

I just bought a bunch on ebay for around 60¢ each. Great quality and quick shipping. BTW, even the best ebay sellers won't have 100% positive ratings. Rather, I would suggest looking for sellers who carry the Top Rated Seller designation. That is hard to earn and keep and notes a seller who has a long history of quality products and service.

Mike

PS, ebay is a great place to find other Disney merchandise including shirts from the parks.

 

[pixiewings71]

I get my traders from eBay for about .75 each, free shipping, then trade with CMs. I'll purchase some must-haves at the parks. Take note of any eBay seller's RECENT feedback. It should be 100% positive and they should accept PayPal (use a credit card to pay for extra protection from the cc company.)

About lanyards, they're not easy to find, but I bought one this last weekend at the park (Tomorrowland pin seller place) that's a "double-wide," which is to say twice as wide as all the others. It was black with the DL logo and fireworks on it, $10.95, $1 more than the others.) The CM at Westward Ho said they're not sold everywhere and may be being phased out. Then again, just because a CM said it doesn't mean it's accurate.

I just bought a bunch on ebay for around 60¢ each. Great quality and quick shipping. BTW, even the best ebay sellers won't have 100% positive ratings. Rather, I would suggest looking for sellers who carry the Top Rated Seller designation. That is hard to earn and keep and notes a seller who has a long history of quality products and service.

Mike

PS, ebay is a great place to find other Disney merchandise including shirts from the parks.

With those prices, I'm pretty sure you both got scrappers.

Lanyards are pretty readily available in the shops in the parks. I've never had any problems finding any, they run about $6-15 depending on the lanyard you pick.

 

[MND]

With those prices, I'm pretty sure you both got scrappers.

Lanyards are pretty readily available in the shops in the parks. I've never had any problems finding any, they run about $6-15 depending on the lanyard you pick.

No, I got traders!!!

 

[gmi3804]

No, I got traders!!!

Same here. I don't buy traders/scrapers from eBay to add to my collection. I buy them so I can trade them.

Lanyards are easy to find. If you want the wide one (there's only one design available) you'll have to look a bit harder.

 

[skiingfast]

No, I got traders!!!

Same here. I don't buy traders/scrapers from eBay to add to my collection. I buy them so I can trade them.

In all likelihood neither of you can probably see a difference in good or bad pins or if you can, you are breaking the rules to trading them.

Fake pins is such a big problem it has sprouted sites and threads devoted to education on the subject.

Again Good/Bad Internet and eBay Pin Sellers

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Scrappers take several forms. Many of these will carry the pin trading identification. As such , the CMS will take them in trade because they don't have the time to divert from their normal duties to identify a scrapper at the time of trade. All they can do is chuck em and take em out of circulation once found.

Some common scrappers.
1. Over runs of first quality. The factories often make more pins than Disney needs. The extras are supposed to be destroyed. But they aren't and are sold at cheap prices. These will carry the pin trading logo.

2. Seconds. The factories are supposed to destroy any pin not up to standard. But again they do not. These are also sold for cheap prices. These will also carry the pin trading logo.

3. Complete fakes. Some of these will be of pins that Disney never put out. Some will be copies of Disney pins. Some of these may indeed carry the identifying marks.

Red Flags for scrappers.
1. Buy it now prices that are under $2 a pin.
2. Item ships from China.
3. Big lots under $2 a pin.
4. Seller advertises or claims the pins are able to be traded. When asked if they are scrappers, they'll answer the question with a non-answer that they are able to be traded.
5. Seller has a large number of auctions of the same pins.

Note that a high amount of positive feedback isn't all that meaningful. By the time many people learn they've been fleeced with scrappers, they've already left positive feedback. And many people never realize they've gotten scrappers. Scrappers aren't easy to spot.

Also note that many an ebay seller will set up an account on Disney fan sights and give glowing reviews of ebay. That is within the rules of most sights because they aren't advertising their own specific auctions.

Many ebay sellers are indeed selling legit pins. And ebay itself has guides on how to avoid scrappers.

 

[MND]

Scrappers take several forms. Many of these will carry the pin trading identification. As such , the CMS will take them in trade because they don't have the time to divert from their normal duties to identify a scrapper at the time of trade. All they can do is chuck em and take em out of circulation once found.

Some common scrappers.
1. Over runs of first quality. The factories often make more pins than Disney needs. The extras are supposed to be destroyed. But they aren't and are sold at cheap prices. These will carry the pin trading logo.

2. Seconds. The factories are supposed to destroy any pin not up to standard. But again they do not. These are also sold for cheap prices. These will also carry the pin trading logo.

3. Complete fakes. Some of these will be of pins that Disney never put out. Some will be copies of Disney pins. Some of these may indeed carry the identifying marks.

Red Flags for scrappers.
1. Buy it now prices that are under $2 a pin.
2. Item ships from China.
3. Big lots under $2 a pin.
4. Seller advertises or claims the pins are able to be traded. When asked if they are scrappers, they'll answer the question with a non-answer that they are able to be traded.
5. Seller has a large number of auctions of the same pins.

Note that a high amount of positive feedback isn't all that meaningful. By the time many people learn they've been fleeced with scrappers, they've already left positive feedback. And many people never realize they've gotten scrappers. Scrappers aren't easy to spot.

Also note that many an ebay seller will set up an account on Disney fan sights and give glowing reviews of ebay. That is within the rules of most sights because they aren't advertising their own specific auctions.

Many ebay sellers are indeed selling legit pins. And ebay itself has guides on how to avoid scrappers.

I respect your opinion, but it is just that an opinion. Plus, how am I fleeced by paying 60¢ for pins that I am happy with and happy to trade and collect? The fact of the matter is, that pin trading would not exist if people had to pay $6+ for each pin. Ebay pins in bulk are a much better and economical way to acquire pins for trading.

Mike

 

[larina]

Who knew pin trading was so political? LOL