4. Attend pin trading events

Once you have made a few trades around the parks, try your hand at designated pin trading events. These are often held at resorts around Walt Disney World free of charge. Some even offer their own unique pins. Pin trading events are also held by hobbyists around the country on a semi-regular basis.

Pin trading events are not only a great place to trade for some unique pins, but also provide you with the opportunity to learn from other pin traders. Although a few people are only in it to increase the value of their own collection by preying on those who don’t know better, that is the exception rather than the rule. In most cases, pin traders are a sociable, happy, welcoming bunch who are eager to share their knowledge and experience with newcomers. Just don’t expect them to take a bad trade!

While Disney cast members are obligated to trade anything on their lanyards (for a Disney pin that isn’t an obvious fake), and to allow you to undo a trade, private collectors are not.  If you offer a low-value pin for a high-value one, you will likely be gently turned down. In many cases, though, the trader will explain the reason for the decline, helping you learn a little bit more about the hobby.

5. Trade up even if you don’t love the pin

My best friend happens to be a semi-serious pin trader. She does it for the love of the hobby rather than making any real attempt to up the value of her collection. Nonetheless, she has picked up a few secrets along the way. Her favorite tip is to trade pins you don’t love for higher retail value pins that you also don’t love.

The easiest way to do this is to check cast member lanyards and trading books for pin-on-pin designs. These pins have two layers, so they are easy to spot. Assuming everything else is equal, a pin-on-pin is worth more than a standard flat pin. Whenever you have the opportunity, trade a flat pin that you are not crazy about for a pin-on-pin, even if you are not a big fan of the pin-on-pin. Later, you can trade the higher value pin for another high value pin that you really like.

6. Have fun and help others have fun

Pin trading is not a job, and should never be a cause for stress. If you start feeling obsessive, worrying over whether you are making a good trade, or spending more money than you budgeted on pins, it might be time to take a break. Walk away from the hobby for a bit and clear your head. When you return, make sure you focus on having fun. A great way to do this is to help brand-new pin traders get started. Sharing the excitement that you felt during your first trade can work wonders for helping you relax and get back into the sheer fun of the hobby.

Are you a pin trader? Do you have any helpful tips for those who are just getting started? What is the one thing you wish someone had told you at the beginning? Share your thoughts in the comments!