Windy City Pin Traders Meet April 9th

[Mr. Plutonium]

Hi!
It's that time again!
Ken's Beef
16 N Bartlett Rd
Streamwood, IL

Wed, April 9
6:00 PM

Bunny Ears and Cotton tails will be optional.

Directions:
NW Tollway eastbound exit Sutton Rd (59) south to Schaumburg Rd
NW Tollway westbound exit Barrington Rd south to Schaumburg Rd
Bartlett Rd is midway between Barrington and Sutton Rds
Ken's is next to the 7-11

There will be door prizes and possibly (fingers crossed) our new WCPT pin will be delivered by then. Kids of all ages are welcome.

-Gene

 

[house_of_princesses]

Mr. Plutonium,

I'm new to the DIS and newer at pin trading. We live south of the city. Can you shed some light on the whole phenomena of trading, a good way to get started and what happens at the WCPT meet specifically?

Thanks! Vicki

 

[Mr. Plutonium]

Vicki:
Windy City Pin Traders, the short history.
Some of us started trading in line, at the Disney Store, while waiting for pins to go on sale.
After all, it was at least 2 hours every Saturday morning and we all got to know each other.

When the pin series was over some of us wanted to keep trading pins with each other. One of the cast member's dad owns Ken's Beef and they offered
to host the event every month. We have been doing this for over a year now and are awaiting the delivery of our Club Pin from the factory in China.

We've met some folks who trade at Chicago Ridge Mall. Call their Disney Store for info. Sometimes we meet them and others on Saturdays every few months...various locations. We find out by e-mail or at Ken's. I think there is going to be one in Elmhurst on April 19. I'm not in charge of that one.

Beginners are always welcome. It is OK to say no to any trade, no hard feelings. Heck, I get turned down as much as I have successful trades. This is normal. If you don't understand something just ask and let it be known you are a beginner. We were all you once, not long ago.
I let you look at my pin book, you let me look at yours. I see something I like.
Maybe you see something you like in mine. If we agree, it is a deal. Some folks want only limited ed pins and the size of the edition is important to them in the trade. Like any thing else, scarcity drives value up so it is not usually just any pin for just any other pins. Most of us are addicted to the action and it is a nice way to meet some very fine people.
You do have to make quick decisions under some pressure and you will make some mistakes. I do it all the time. Usually I trade for a pin I already have at home. No biggy, I just put it in my trading book. Some folks bring their whole collections. Not everything is for trade then, so you have to ask. Some people are easier to do deals with than others. Get to know them and what kind of pins they like. Let them know what you like. Trading with friends is much easier than with strangers. Hope this helps.

-Gene

 

[house_of_princesses]

Thank you, Gene, for your reply. If I may ask you two more questions? Are children involved at the pin trading (DD is 10)? and what are good "starter pins"? I assume if we walk in with a few of the ordinary ones, we won't be seeing much action !

 

[house_of_princesses]

Thank you, Gene, for your reply. If I may ask you two more questions? Are children involved at the pin trading (DD is 10)? and what are good "starter pins"? I assume if we walk in with a few of the ordinary ones, we won't be seeing much action !

Vicki

 

[sbasowski]

My husband and I live in Frankfort, and try to get to this meet about every other month depending on what is going on. From what I've heard, there is also meets at the DS in Chicago Ridge on the first Tuesday of the Month....that's next week! Bring your daughter.....kids of course are always welcome to look at our book!

 

[Mr. Plutonium]

Vicki:
Bill, brings his 3 kids. At least 2 of them are school age. They are all experts.
I'll trade with your child. I have a couple of bags of Disney Store pins I bought on sale to do lanyard trades in the parks or to trade with kids.

As far as starter pins go you have some choices.

Some Disney Stores have a bin of pins that are on sale.
Woodfield does not. You should call first and ask. They might have some in back. Don't pay full price.

OK and I'm giving away the store here:
cheappins.com
Bob McKeon has not only very inexpensive Disney Store pins he also has some reasonably priced Disney pins from Japan, Paris, Disneyland Resort, WDW, some other Disney pins . Last time I looked he had several Disney Auction pins and Artist proof pins for sale. Other Disney pins too, from framed sets without the backgrounds or the frames.
Your order arrives in about a week. I order from him several times a month.

There are many other places on the "pinternet" but they usually charge full price for their pins or more.

-Gene

 

[house_of_princesses]

Thanks for the intro to pin trading! Gene, don't worry, we won't take advantage of your insider info! At least not too much.

Sbasowski, we live in Frankfort, too! Small world, this pin trading!

We have April 9 on the calendar. We have four children, youngest is 2, so whether or not we make it depends on a sitter situation. Don't want to keep the 2 & 4 year olds out late.

Thanks again! Now, on to the pinternet!

Vicki

 

[Mr. Plutonium]

Hi!
Vicki:
Ken's closes about 8:30.
Hope you can make it.
-Gene

 

[sbasowski]

I sent you a Private Message!

 

[Mr. Plutonium]

Hi!
I just took delivery of the Windy City Pin Traders pin!
It turned out really nize! (say it with a very long i)
They will be for sale or trade at Ken's Beef during pintrading.

-Gene

 

[Mr. Plutonium]

Hi!
This is really a bump since the meet is this Wed.
However I will have available a limited number of Windy City Pin Traders pins,
signed by the artist. Those who preordered 10 or more will receive one. I will have a few left over, after the preorders are delivered, for trade. See you all there!

-Gene