1) Start by collecting only what you like. Everyone has a favorite Disney character or theme. This will ensure that you return home with pins that you want.
2) You will want to trade with cast members and ultimately fellow pin collectors. Starter sets and lanyard sets are a good way to get pins for trading.
3) When looking for higher level pins to trade, if you can afford them pick up extras of Limited Edition pins at the park. Again look for the more popular characters as they will be easier to trade.
4) You will be drawn to the collections of the older (been trading longer) pin "traders" at the park. For the first few visits, realize that you will be doing more looking, longing than trading. Think of it as visiting a museum of pins. While there are many friendly traders who will be happy to make a deal with you, beware as there are sharks in these waters.
5) Know what you are trading in both cost to you and what you are getting in return.
6) You are inevitablly going to hear about counterfeit Disney pins (aka: Scrappers). Sadly, if you trade, you will see them and you will ultimately get them. You can learn how to spot the more obvious ones in othe threads on this forum.
7) You can rapidly build your trading collection by taking advantage of Disney Character warehouse outlets - where old park merchandise goes to be sold, pin sell outs - see sales section of this forum, and via the Targets, Walmart, and souveinere stands selling authorized Disney merchandise such as "Jerry Leigh pins". Some of the recent Jerry Leigh pin releases are actually highly desired by collectors for their creative designs and originality. Thift stores/garage sales can be your friend as many near the park will be selling off pins not knowing their value on the secondary market.
8) MOST IMPORTANTLY have FUN. This is intended as a hobby that will allow you to gain a little bit of Disney magic, meet and interact with your fellow guests, and have an opportunity to interact with the Disney Castmembers. As with any collectable item, you could "someday/maybe" make some money when the time comes to part with your treasures or by trading up. But if you focus on just having a good time and the activities associated with your trading activity, I think you will later have those good memories and experiences to complement the momento of your journey.
1) Start by collecting only what you like. Everyone has a favorite Disney character or theme. This will ensure that you return home with pins that you want.
2) You will want to trade with cast members and ultimately fellow pin collectors. Starter sets and lanyard sets are a good way to get pins for trading.
3) When looking for higher level pins to trade, if you can afford them pick up extras of Limited Edition pins at the park. Again look for the more popular characters as they will be easier to trade.
4) You will be drawn to the collections of the older (been trading longer) pin "traders" at the park. For the first few visits, realize that you will be doing more looking, longing than trading. Think of it as visiting a museum of pins. While there are many friendly traders who will be happy to make a deal with you, beware as there are sharks in these waters.
5) Know what you are trading in both cost to you and what you are getting in return.
6) You are inevitablly going to hear about counterfeit Disney pins (aka: Scrappers). Sadly, if you trade, you will see them and you will ultimately get them. You can learn how to spot the more obvious ones in othe threads on this forum.
7) You can rapidly build your trading collection by taking advantage of Disney Character warehouse outlets - where old park merchandise goes to be sold, pin sell outs - see sales section of this forum, and via the Targets, Walmart, and souveinere stands selling authorized Disney merchandise such as "Jerry Leigh pins". Some of the recent Jerry Leigh pin releases are actually highly desired by collectors for their creative designs and originality. Thift stores/garage sales can be your friend as many near the park will be selling off pins not knowing their value on the secondary market.
8) MOST IMPORTANTLY have FUN. This is intended as a hobby that will allow you to gain a little bit of Disney magic, meet and interact with your fellow guests, and have an opportunity to interact with the Disney Castmembers. As with any collectable item, you could "someday/maybe" make some money when the time comes to part with your treasures or by trading up. But if you focus on just having a good time and the activities associated with your trading activity, I think you will later have those good memories and experiences to complement the momento of your journey.
I'm gonna get this entire post tattoo'ed on my back, then walk around shirtless at every pin trading event.
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