Your Guide to Pin Trading Online!!
USING PINPICS.COM
Read the PinPics Term of Use and understand the rules to pin trading!
PIN TRADING 101: RESEARCH YOUR PINS!
If you are new to online pin trading, please take a moment and look up your pins on PinPics.com.
1)When starting out, LEARN some information about your pins, such as:
*the year it was released,
*how many pins were released (ie: Limited Edition size),
*if the pin is retired,
*how many people want the pin,
*how many people are trading the pin, and
*the retail cost of the pin.
2)What makes one pin more valuable or more desire over another?
* Some pin traders will see their pin as more valuable than your pin because their pin was made many years ago, is sold out (or sold out in minutes versus months), or has a lower edition size.
* Some pins may have a been pulled or cancelled, so even though a pin may have been released as an Edition Size of 1500, it may actually be lower because many pins were damaged or destroyed. Therefore the edition size is not 1500, but realistically 500. Knowing a pin has 500 in circulation would make this more valuableK especially if the pin is sold out, or retired!
* Some pins are more valuable based on the character. Some characters like Tinker Bell, Maleficent, or themes like Haunted Mansion will be more popular than characters like Lion King or even Mickey Mouse. Like the stock market, some characters or themes has its high values or low values. For a time, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, and Jessica Rabbit were THE HOT characters to collect. Then the market got over saturated, and the popularity teetered or slightly declined. Then, new traders came on board and some of the characters made a come back in popularity.
* Some pins can be more desired because you had to attend a specific event, had to purchase specific merchandise to obtain it, or it could be an exclusive pin to Cast Members (ie: employees).
3) Ask questions about the pin! This forum is a great place!
Unless you know the pin comes from a Disney Resort or an authorized Disney location, ask questions about the pin if you are not sure about its origin.
Email info@pinpics.com if you see this message:
*** ATTENTION ***
When you are looking up references and see this warning:
The person that you are trying to look up a reference for has been banned from the Dizpins Reference Center (DRC) by the DRC Administrators. Get ahold of the ref center asap
How to make that trade....
You get an email and a Trade Requst you want to make.
Before accepting a trade, always Check References at the Dizpins Reference Center!
1) Get the trade agreement in writing, and confirm the trade by exchanging mailing addresses.
For example:
You wanna trade pin number 1
Thanks, Minnie Mouse
Minnies Addy
City,state ,zip code
The other trader responds with
I will trade pin number 2 for your number 1
a) Keep a copy of the email agreement (showing the swapping of addresses) until the trade is complete.
In the event you need to file a complaint, you have proof that both parties agreed to the trade, and that you agreed to any extras that may not have been shipped to you.
b) Do not accept a "verbal" agreement such as in the chat room or in the post forum.
c) If the trade sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.
If the trade is one sided (regardless in whos favor) point out the lopsided trade. If you believe in Pin Karma, it could reward you later when you least expect it!
d) Do Not Assume that the pin trade comes with the extra frills. If the pin you want comes in a box, special backing, or a display card, please verify that the other trader is sending you the special items. Request certain items be packaged with extra cardboard or in a box if you do not want items to be bent.
(1) If the other trader will be spending more postage, you can compensate the other trader with more pins or reimburse the person the added postage.
2) If the other person has little or no references, or, if you are unsure about a trade, email a moderator who can be the neutral party.
a) The moderator can be a third party where both traders will send the package to the moderator. (see the 3rd party trade post below)
3) Plan on mailing the pin within 24-48 hours of the agreement.
a) Notify the trader if you cannot ship within 48 hours, but advise when you can.
b) The Moderators do not approve of holding pins. Meaning, not shipping yours until you receive the other person's pin. This practice will not be tolerated, and if a complaint is made against you, the Moderators will side with the other pin trader, regardless of your reason for doing this.
4) Each trader is responsible for their own trade until it reaches its final destination!
a) Package the pin(s) with foam, bubble or padded material.
b) Do not use a common #10 paper envelope or a regular paper manila envelope. The envelope may tear or the pin may be crushed when the USPS runs it through their machines.
c) You can reuse old bubbled envelopes or buy the bubbled size #00 or #000 envelopes at an office supply store, the Dollar store, Walmart, Online stores (ie: mailersandmore.com) or even the US post office!
* If the pin is fragile, consider using a box instead of an envelope
* If you are trading a hard to find pin, or an irreplaceable pin, spend the extra money and use a tracking service like delivery or signature confirmation.
* You can also insure the item.
* For international trades, send it by Registered Mail. It may cost more, but this is extremely secure!
5) When mailing your pin, make sure the envelope is legible!
a) If you do not have legible handwriting, use a computer to type a label.
b) Provide the sufficient postage. Remember that mailing a pin is considered oversized and a regular first class stamp is not sufficient!
You can also go to http://postcalc.usps.gov/ to look up the most recent rate
c) US First Class Mailing domestic rate using a bubble envelope
1 oz - without delivery confirmation $1.17
2 oz - without delivery confirmation- $1.34 * (most common weight)
3 oz - without delivery confirmation- $1.51
(Each additional ounce is .17)
Add $0.75 for delivery confirmation (unchanged)
(If you have a Paypal account, you can print your mailing label with postage, and your delivery confirmation will only cost $0.18.)
Add $2.10 for signature confirmation (Don't know if this is still the rate)
Insurance, $0 to $50 = $1.70
$51 to $100 = $2.15
$101 to $200 = $2.60
6) Got Paypal? Paypal offers a shipping service (see additional information below!)
7) Email the other pin trader the date you shipped the package.
a) Email the tracking number if applicable.
b) Be patient after mailing your package!
i) Mail within the US can take from 1 to 7 days, even if it is within the same city.
ii) Packages from the US to Europe and Asia packages can take anywhere between 3 days to 6 weeks.
8) Even though the package has been shipped, the trade is still not complete!
a) Check your email regularly. Checking email does not mean every day, but at least once a week.
b) If you will be on vacation or there's an unexpected illness in the family, use your email "out of office/ auto reply" or email info@pinpics.com and notify the Moderators what is going on.
c) Local libraries, FedEx-Kinko, and internet cafes have low cost or free computers.
d) Got a cell phone? You can also send a text message from any cell phone to info@pinpics.com with a quick note telling us your username or real name, and you are away on vacation, family emergency, etc.
e) Always communicate until the pin trade is complete
Whats a 3rd Party Trade
Most of the Mods (moderators) will help you out via a third party trade. How does it work? Well both parties must agree to doing a third party trade. Then both people send their pin to the THIRD PARTY TRADER. You must include postage and packaging for the next part. When the THIRD PARTY TRADER receives both pins, he/she then forwards the pins to the new owner, using the packaging and postage included with the pin.
If for some reason, one of the pins doesn't show up, then the THIRD PARTY TRADER returns the pin he/she did get to the original owner.
Many people choose this option when trading rarer pins, etc.
To contact a moderator about this possibility, click on their name at the top of the main board and send them an e-mail.
Hi and welcome! Since many of you are new traders, I wanted to mention the reference center that is assessible from the DPF Home Page.
When trading with someone through pinpics, you can check their references simply by clicking the link on the top of the page labeled "Reference Center". You can leave references or check the references of another trader - all you need is their email address.
Checking references is very important when trading, and can help avoid issues later.
If you have any questions, please post them, and we can try to answer as best as possible.
What is Pin Zapping
Pin Zapping is a way to acknowledge someone.
So for you newbies who got pin zapped... meaning you got a pin in the mail for no apparent reason... congrats! If you have not been pin zapped yet... don't be alarmed! Pin Zapping can occur any time... and it could be tomorrow, next month or next year. You just never know when!
Pin Zapping is not JUST for the newbies.
If you find an old timer who you feel deserve a pat on the back, you have the option of zapping that person too. If you need addresses, email the mods here at DPF or ME
Pin Zapping can be anonymous or you can identify yourself. However, you SHOULD include a note telling the person that he or she got Zapped.
So... feel free to Zap Away!
Printing Postage from Home
For those of you who do not have stamps.com, endicia.com or any online postage account... did you know you can ship your pins from your home computer? Paypal offers this service for free. In some cases, its even cheaper than going to the Post Office!
So, say you want to ship a bubble package (aka: an LBE) with deliver confirmation. Its 8:00 pm and obviously the post office is closed. Here's what you do:
1) Log onto your paypal account.
2) Click the tab that reads AUCTION TOOLS
3) Click the link under Shipping and Tracking that says Shipping Center
4) Scroll down to Print multiple U.S. Postal Service labels at once with MultiOrder Shipping
A secure pop up window will be launched.
5) In the upper left corner, select "File" and select Create New Orders
6) Click the tab Shipping Details
Apply preset to first class mail
Do not change the package/thick envelope selection
Select the correct weight.
Most regular sized pins weigh 2 ounces, and lanyard pins weigh 1 oz. If you have 2 regular pins, estimate it as 3 oz. If you have multiple items, you should weight it using a postal scale. Most office supply stores and even Costco have scales under $20.
Select Signature Confirmation if you want that service. Delivery Confirmation is automatically applied, and costs $0.18
7) Fill out the shipping information of the person who you are sending the package.
8) The Ship From address should contain your information
If you are done creating your shipping label, click Save and Close. If you want to create more ship labels, click Create another.
The tab that reads Orders to Ship will show how many labels you have to ship. Print the labels by selecting Pay & Print. The money will be deducted from your paypal account, and your labels will print.
If you need to reprint a label, or void a label, go to the History tab. You get 2 chances to reprint a label.
You can use a regular white piece of paper, or Avery sells 8x11 labels (#5165). After the labels have printed, cut them to fit your Bubbled Envelope. Use clear package tape, but do not tape over the bar code. If you have an inkjet printer, put a piece of clear tape over the address.
Now you are ready to ship! Simply take the LBE to any post office or mail box, and it's postage ready to go!
This info was on Dizpins.com
Thought I would bring it over here for new traders
Read the PinPics Term of Use and understand the rules to pin trading!
PIN TRADING 101: RESEARCH YOUR PINS!
If you are new to online pin trading, please take a moment and look up your pins on PinPics.com.
1)When starting out, LEARN some information about your pins, such as:
*the year it was released,
*how many pins were released (ie: Limited Edition size),
*if the pin is retired,
*how many people want the pin,
*how many people are trading the pin, and
*the retail cost of the pin.
2)What makes one pin more valuable or more desire over another?
* Some pin traders will see their pin as more valuable than your pin because their pin was made many years ago, is sold out (or sold out in minutes versus months), or has a lower edition size.
* Some pins may have a been pulled or cancelled, so even though a pin may have been released as an Edition Size of 1500, it may actually be lower because many pins were damaged or destroyed. Therefore the edition size is not 1500, but realistically 500. Knowing a pin has 500 in circulation would make this more valuableK especially if the pin is sold out, or retired!
* Some pins are more valuable based on the character. Some characters like Tinker Bell, Maleficent, or themes like Haunted Mansion will be more popular than characters like Lion King or even Mickey Mouse. Like the stock market, some characters or themes has its high values or low values. For a time, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch, and Jessica Rabbit were THE HOT characters to collect. Then the market got over saturated, and the popularity teetered or slightly declined. Then, new traders came on board and some of the characters made a come back in popularity.
* Some pins can be more desired because you had to attend a specific event, had to purchase specific merchandise to obtain it, or it could be an exclusive pin to Cast Members (ie: employees).
3) Ask questions about the pin! This forum is a great place!
Unless you know the pin comes from a Disney Resort or an authorized Disney location, ask questions about the pin if you are not sure about its origin.
Email info@pinpics.com if you see this message:
*** ATTENTION ***
When you are looking up references and see this warning:
The person that you are trying to look up a reference for has been banned from the Dizpins Reference Center (DRC) by the DRC Administrators. Get ahold of the ref center asap
How to make that trade....
You get an email and a Trade Requst you want to make.
Before accepting a trade, always Check References at the Dizpins Reference Center!
1) Get the trade agreement in writing, and confirm the trade by exchanging mailing addresses.
For example:
You wanna trade pin number 1
Thanks, Minnie Mouse
Minnies Addy
City,state ,zip code
The other trader responds with
I will trade pin number 2 for your number 1
a) Keep a copy of the email agreement (showing the swapping of addresses) until the trade is complete.
In the event you need to file a complaint, you have proof that both parties agreed to the trade, and that you agreed to any extras that may not have been shipped to you.
b) Do not accept a "verbal" agreement such as in the chat room or in the post forum.
c) If the trade sounds too good to be true, chances are it is.
If the trade is one sided (regardless in whos favor) point out the lopsided trade. If you believe in Pin Karma, it could reward you later when you least expect it!
d) Do Not Assume that the pin trade comes with the extra frills. If the pin you want comes in a box, special backing, or a display card, please verify that the other trader is sending you the special items. Request certain items be packaged with extra cardboard or in a box if you do not want items to be bent.
(1) If the other trader will be spending more postage, you can compensate the other trader with more pins or reimburse the person the added postage.
2) If the other person has little or no references, or, if you are unsure about a trade, email a moderator who can be the neutral party.
a) The moderator can be a third party where both traders will send the package to the moderator. (see the 3rd party trade post below)
3) Plan on mailing the pin within 24-48 hours of the agreement.
a) Notify the trader if you cannot ship within 48 hours, but advise when you can.
b) The Moderators do not approve of holding pins. Meaning, not shipping yours until you receive the other person's pin. This practice will not be tolerated, and if a complaint is made against you, the Moderators will side with the other pin trader, regardless of your reason for doing this.
4) Each trader is responsible for their own trade until it reaches its final destination!
a) Package the pin(s) with foam, bubble or padded material.
b) Do not use a common #10 paper envelope or a regular paper manila envelope. The envelope may tear or the pin may be crushed when the USPS runs it through their machines.
c) You can reuse old bubbled envelopes or buy the bubbled size #00 or #000 envelopes at an office supply store, the Dollar store, Walmart, Online stores (ie: mailersandmore.com) or even the US post office!
* If the pin is fragile, consider using a box instead of an envelope
* If you are trading a hard to find pin, or an irreplaceable pin, spend the extra money and use a tracking service like delivery or signature confirmation.
* You can also insure the item.
* For international trades, send it by Registered Mail. It may cost more, but this is extremely secure!
5) When mailing your pin, make sure the envelope is legible!
a) If you do not have legible handwriting, use a computer to type a label.
b) Provide the sufficient postage. Remember that mailing a pin is considered oversized and a regular first class stamp is not sufficient!
You can also go to http://postcalc.usps.gov/ to look up the most recent rate
c) US First Class Mailing domestic rate using a bubble envelope
1 oz - without delivery confirmation $1.17
2 oz - without delivery confirmation- $1.34 * (most common weight)
3 oz - without delivery confirmation- $1.51
(Each additional ounce is .17)
Add $0.75 for delivery confirmation (unchanged)
(If you have a Paypal account, you can print your mailing label with postage, and your delivery confirmation will only cost $0.18.)
Add $2.10 for signature confirmation (Don't know if this is still the rate)
Insurance, $0 to $50 = $1.70
$51 to $100 = $2.15
$101 to $200 = $2.60
6) Got Paypal? Paypal offers a shipping service (see additional information below!)
7) Email the other pin trader the date you shipped the package.
a) Email the tracking number if applicable.
b) Be patient after mailing your package!
i) Mail within the US can take from 1 to 7 days, even if it is within the same city.
ii) Packages from the US to Europe and Asia packages can take anywhere between 3 days to 6 weeks.
8) Even though the package has been shipped, the trade is still not complete!
a) Check your email regularly. Checking email does not mean every day, but at least once a week.
b) If you will be on vacation or there's an unexpected illness in the family, use your email "out of office/ auto reply" or email info@pinpics.com and notify the Moderators what is going on.
c) Local libraries, FedEx-Kinko, and internet cafes have low cost or free computers.
d) Got a cell phone? You can also send a text message from any cell phone to info@pinpics.com with a quick note telling us your username or real name, and you are away on vacation, family emergency, etc.
e) Always communicate until the pin trade is complete
Whats a 3rd Party Trade
Most of the Mods (moderators) will help you out via a third party trade. How does it work? Well both parties must agree to doing a third party trade. Then both people send their pin to the THIRD PARTY TRADER. You must include postage and packaging for the next part. When the THIRD PARTY TRADER receives both pins, he/she then forwards the pins to the new owner, using the packaging and postage included with the pin.
If for some reason, one of the pins doesn't show up, then the THIRD PARTY TRADER returns the pin he/she did get to the original owner.
Many people choose this option when trading rarer pins, etc.
To contact a moderator about this possibility, click on their name at the top of the main board and send them an e-mail.
Hi and welcome! Since many of you are new traders, I wanted to mention the reference center that is assessible from the DPF Home Page.
When trading with someone through pinpics, you can check their references simply by clicking the link on the top of the page labeled "Reference Center". You can leave references or check the references of another trader - all you need is their email address.
Checking references is very important when trading, and can help avoid issues later.
If you have any questions, please post them, and we can try to answer as best as possible.
What is Pin Zapping
Pin Zapping is a way to acknowledge someone.
So for you newbies who got pin zapped... meaning you got a pin in the mail for no apparent reason... congrats! If you have not been pin zapped yet... don't be alarmed! Pin Zapping can occur any time... and it could be tomorrow, next month or next year. You just never know when!
Pin Zapping is not JUST for the newbies.
If you find an old timer who you feel deserve a pat on the back, you have the option of zapping that person too. If you need addresses, email the mods here at DPF or ME
Pin Zapping can be anonymous or you can identify yourself. However, you SHOULD include a note telling the person that he or she got Zapped.
So... feel free to Zap Away!
Printing Postage from Home
For those of you who do not have stamps.com, endicia.com or any online postage account... did you know you can ship your pins from your home computer? Paypal offers this service for free. In some cases, its even cheaper than going to the Post Office!
So, say you want to ship a bubble package (aka: an LBE) with deliver confirmation. Its 8:00 pm and obviously the post office is closed. Here's what you do:
1) Log onto your paypal account.
2) Click the tab that reads AUCTION TOOLS
3) Click the link under Shipping and Tracking that says Shipping Center
4) Scroll down to Print multiple U.S. Postal Service labels at once with MultiOrder Shipping
A secure pop up window will be launched.
5) In the upper left corner, select "File" and select Create New Orders
6) Click the tab Shipping Details
Apply preset to first class mail
Do not change the package/thick envelope selection
Select the correct weight.
Most regular sized pins weigh 2 ounces, and lanyard pins weigh 1 oz. If you have 2 regular pins, estimate it as 3 oz. If you have multiple items, you should weight it using a postal scale. Most office supply stores and even Costco have scales under $20.
Select Signature Confirmation if you want that service. Delivery Confirmation is automatically applied, and costs $0.18
7) Fill out the shipping information of the person who you are sending the package.
8) The Ship From address should contain your information
If you are done creating your shipping label, click Save and Close. If you want to create more ship labels, click Create another.
The tab that reads Orders to Ship will show how many labels you have to ship. Print the labels by selecting Pay & Print. The money will be deducted from your paypal account, and your labels will print.
If you need to reprint a label, or void a label, go to the History tab. You get 2 chances to reprint a label.
You can use a regular white piece of paper, or Avery sells 8x11 labels (#5165). After the labels have printed, cut them to fit your Bubbled Envelope. Use clear package tape, but do not tape over the bar code. If you have an inkjet printer, put a piece of clear tape over the address.
Now you are ready to ship! Simply take the LBE to any post office or mail box, and it's postage ready to go!
This info was on Dizpins.com
Thought I would bring it over here for new traders
Last edited:
