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DO figure out what scrapper and counterfeit pins look like before you begin trading.

Disney pin trading

Image: Ricky Montalvo, Flickr (license)

Scrapper pins are officially-licensed pins that feature some kind of manufacturer error. They might have dips in the enamel, incorrect coloring or other blemishes. It’s perfectly okay to trade a pin like this as long as the person trading for it knows of the issues ahead of time.

Counterfeit pins, on the other hand, are imitation Disney pins that were illegally made by non-Disney manufacturers. They’re often copycat pins and will look near-identical to the authorized version. For help on figuring out some telltale signs of counterfeit pins, be sure to check out this handy-dandy guide. Knowingly trading counterfeit pins with cast members or guests is a big faux pas—don’t do it!

It’s also prudent to familiarize yourself with common tactics used by trade scammers (i.e. people who try to take advantage of new pin traders by working a trade in their favor, often in order to resell or score more valuable pins at someone else’s expense). If someone continually dismisses the pins you have for trade, repeatedly insists that you’re getting the better end of a trade or comes off as too pushy or aggressive, it may be a good time to take a step back. The bottom line? Go with your gut. That’s the best way to gauge whether or not a trade is right for you.

DON’T worry about pin values… too much.

Disney pin lanyards

Image: Kevin Slavin, Flickr (license)

As you may have guessed, the resale market for Disney pins is crazy. Pins that cost the initial buyer no more than $15-20 can shoot up to $600+ on eBay overnight—and yes, those are prices that someone is willing to meet for a pretty piece of enamel. It’s a good rule of thumb to do a quick eBay search and figure out what your pins are worth, as this can help you make a fair trade with another pin collector. At the end of the day, though, any given pin is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If you’d like to make a fair trade without doing a deep dive into perceived pin values, try to conduct trades for pins of similar edition sizes and types as the ones you have (e.g. LE for LE, Hidden Mickey for Hidden Mickey, PTD for PTD, etc.).

DO ask permission before touching someone else’s pins.

Disney pin books

Image: Ashley Varela

Let’s get into the nitty gritty of pin trading. This rule also applies to trading for pins worn by cast members, of course, but it’s a good principle to adhere to while dealing with other guests, too. Enamel pins are fairly delicate, and scratches, dents, bent or broken posts, and other blemishes can severely mark down their value and desirability. While you may have the cleanest fingers and best of intentions, it’s always better to ask for permission before reaching for someone’s pin book or lanyard.

 
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