Question about some pins.

[Scottyboo]

Hey guys, so I just got an order of pins in from eBay. It was 100 pin grab bag. So half of the pins do not have the little Mickey stamps all over the back. I wasn't sure if all of the pins do have them. I know some of the pins are fake because they have the Mickey stamps but they have a boarder around the edge. Should I just send them all back and get my money back?? I'm still new to collections pins so I just want to make sure what I have are the right deal or not. Thanks.

 

[Abyssinian28]

Unfortunately, most large lots on eBay are fakes and scrappers...especially if the seller sells a lot of them. They might even have good feedback because so many of the families or newbies who buy them don't even know about scrappers (or they know and don't care).

To get a truly cheap, large lot, you really have to hunt down some recommended sellers from places like this forum or FB- people who buy collections for cheap, or have cast connections/access to outlets or SALSA sales. And even then, they're not likely to be as cheap as the fake stuff.

So, to answer your question, it's hard to know 100% that they're scrappers or fakes without seeing them in person, but it's a good bet. If it were me, I'd return them.

Good rules of thumb-

1.) Don't buy large lots on eBay at all
2.) If you do, make sure the photo is unique and the seller doesn't do it often. See what they say about how they got the pins.
3.) Never buy from a seller that lists lots after lots.
4.) Never buy directly from China. MAYBE if you can confirm the item came directly from HKDL...there are great Chinese traders out there, but fakes are (naturally) abundant over there.

 

[docfish2u]

I would send them back. It is very rare to find large lots of pins on ebay that do not have fake pins. Abssinian28 is giving you great advice on pins!!!

Also be aware before you go to a Disney park that most of the pins on the cast lanyards are the same fakes that you bought. Unless they are brand new hidden mickey pins then you will most likely not find real pins on their lanyards. It is a shame that Disney doesn't do more to make sure their pins are real. Those were the good ole days in cast lanyard trading.

 

[Scottyboo]

Okay thank you guys very much. I have contacted the seller and asked for a refund. Two more questions I have. Has anyone bought pins from mousepinsonline? Also do anyone know of a seller that is selling a large lot that are 100% real??

 

[Story]

I would send them back. It is very rare to find large lots of pins on ebay that do not have fake pins. Abssinian28 is giving you great advice on pins!!!

Also be aware before you go to a Disney park that most of the pins on the cast lanyards are the same fakes that you bought. Unless they are brand new hidden mickey pins then you will most likely not find real pins on their lanyards. It is a shame that Disney doesn't do more to make sure their pins are real. Those were the good ole days in cast lanyard trading.

Completely agree, especially with in park trading - I have come back from trips only to realize I traded good trading pins for nothing but scrappers. Completely ruined park trading for me =(

 

[MomeRathsOutgrabe]

I wouldn't worry so much about getting a large lot of pins. If you want to do some real trading, it's better to have a 5-10 good ones than 25-100 scrappers. In looking for pins on Ebay, maybe look for someone who is selling a smaller lot of pins, where the pins you see in the photo are the pins you are actually going to receive. Even better, look for lots of 5-15 pins that include more than just small hidden mickey pins. In my experience, that is the indicator of a "real" person just trying to sell pins they've acquired honestly. But steer clear of the professionals who are selling large lots of random pins.

 

[Scottyboo]

Yup I am done with buying pins from eBay. I rather buy pins from people on here. On a good note I did get my money back. The guy kept on saying sorry and just told me to throw the pins away. If that doesn't scream scammer I don't know what does. Lol. Again thank you guys. I'm slowly learning about this world of collecting pins.

 

[Abyssinian28]

Okay thank you guys very much. I have contacted the seller and asked for a refund. Two more questions I have. Has anyone bought pins from mousepinsonline? Also do anyone know of a seller that is selling a large lot that are 100% real??

I can't answer the first question, but the second...like the others have said, it kind of depends on what you want to do. If you're looking to trade for Hidden Mickeys off cast members, then definitely be aware that that is where those purchased scrapper lots end up (sorry if I'm going over territory you already know, btw). Families, newbies, and sharks dump those fakes from eBay right onto the cast lanyards. So getting real Hidden Mickeys is tough (best bet is those packs you can buy, followed by early morning lanyards, or being around when a cast members loads up a fresh lanyard).

If you still want to go ahead with a large lot, hopefully someone else can provide a name (I don't really buy them myself, so no clue).

If you're looking to trade for LE pins or you're starting to get serious about trading for HTF pins and such, then I would take the advice above, and ignore large lots all together. Your best bet is browsing for decent deals on Disneyshopping.com pins or Disney Auctions pins (both on eBay and forums/FB). Pick some popular characters (like Stitch) and try and find deals. Sometimes, you can buy a ds.com or DA lot of about 10-15 pins...those are a safer bet than large lots (harder to fake, especially with backing cards).

It's a fine balance, knowing when you should just buy the pin you want, or try to trade for it. My rule of thumb is, when you can get it for retail or less (whether it's for your collection, or as a trader), and you think it's a decent pin (good character, nice design, seems popular), then grab it! If it seems high, then wait or ignore it. There are some exceptions to that when it comes to Grail-level buying, but for the bulk of pins out there, that works fine.

EDIT: I should mention that be wary of deals that are TOO good on ds.com or DA pins. There have been some counterfeits made of some of them, and some of the sellers get creative and find backing cards to put them on. Of particular note, a lot of the "Jessica as..." and "Tinker Bell as..." pins have been faked.

I know, all these fakes are a huge pain in the butt. Eventually, you'll start to get a feel for when something is a good deal, and when something is a suspicious deal. Pin friends can help with those conversations.

 

[2RoundEars]

Hi Scottyboo. I think MousePinsOnline may be your best best, and I agree with MomeRathsOutgrabe that you don't need more than a 15 or 25 lot. I took advantage of their free lanyard special and was happy with both the lanyard and the pins. Out of the 15 pin set, they were all legit per the PinPics description, with the exception of 2 vinylmations which appear to be really good counterfeits - I hope to find some traders at the Epcot tables when I go, to get a second opinion. MPO is also good about including some HM's and at least 2 LEs in the lot. Outside of this purchase, all of my pins have been purchased from DPF members. I plan to make one more grab bag purchase from MPO before my WDW trip because I realized I only have 6 pins I'm willing to part with to trade with CMs as I'd rather save the rest for "real" trades. Hope this helps and have a great trip!! :wavey:

 

[momin.ator]

That is really sad that they said to trash the pins. We use them as push pins on our bulletin boards and other people
make magnets and ... there are many uses for worthless pins, except trading them of course.

 

[Scottyboo]

I can't answer the first question, but the second...like the others have said, it kind of depends on what you want to do. If you're looking to trade for Hidden Mickeys off cast members, then definitely be aware that that is where those purchased scrapper lots end up (sorry if I'm going over territory you already know, btw). Families, newbies, and sharks dump those fakes from eBay right onto the cast lanyards. So getting real Hidden Mickeys is tough (best bet is those packs you can buy, followed by early morning lanyards, or being around when a cast members loads up a fresh lanyard).

If you still want to go ahead with a large lot, hopefully someone else can provide a name (I don't really buy them myself, so no clue).

If you're looking to trade for LE pins or you're starting to get serious about trading for HTF pins and such, then I would take the advice above, and ignore large lots all together. Your best bet is browsing for decent deals on Disneyshopping.com pins or Disney Auctions pins (both on eBay and forums/FB). Pick some popular characters (like Stitch) and try and find deals. Sometimes, you can buy a ds.com or DA lot of about 10-15 pins...those are a safer bet than large lots (harder to fake, especially with backing cards).

It's a fine balance, knowing when you should just buy the pin you want, or try to trade for it. My rule of thumb is, when you can get it for retail or less (whether it's for your collection, or as a trader), and you think it's a decent pin (good character, nice design, seems popular), then grab it! If it seems high, then wait or ignore it. There are some exceptions to that when it comes to Grail-level buying, but for the bulk of pins out there, that works fine.

EDIT: I should mention that be wary of deals that are TOO good on ds.com or DA pins. There have been some counterfeits made of some of them, and some of the sellers get creative and find backing cards to put them on. Of particular note, a lot of the "Jessica as..." and "Tinker Bell as..." pins have been faked.

I know, all these fakes are a huge pain in the butt. Eventually, you'll start to get a feel for when something is a good deal, and when something is a suspicious deal. Pin friends can help with those conversations.

Thank you for all of your advice. It really does help.

 

[Scottyboo]

Hi Scottyboo. I think MousePinsOnline may be your best best, and I agree with MomeRathsOutgrabe that you don't need more than a 15 or 25 lot. I took advantage of their free lanyard special and was happy with both the lanyard and the pins. Out of the 15 pin set, they were all legit per the PinPics description, with the exception of 2 vinylmations which appear to be really good counterfeits - I hope to find some traders at the Epcot tables when I go, to get a second opinion. MPO is also good about including some HM's and at least 2 LEs in the lot. Outside of this purchase, all of my pins have been purchased from DPF members. I plan to make one more grab bag purchase from MPO before my WDW trip because I realized I only have 6 pins I'm willing to part with to trade with CMs as I'd rather save the rest for "real" trades. Hope this helps and have a great trip!! :wavey:

Thanks for telling me about MPO. One question though. Did you contact them about the two pins they could be fake? If so what did they say? Sadly there is no trip to Disney. We got back about a week ago. I want to still be there. Lol

 

[Scottyboo]

That is really sad that they said to trash the pins. We use them as push pins on our bulletin boards and other people
make magnets and ... there are many uses for worthless pins, except trading them of course.

I for one am happy they don't want there pins back. Now I don't have to pay for the return shipping. My wife already told me to keep them. She is planning something for them.

 

[Tbird]

I'd be interested in buying some of the fake pins if you haven't thrown them away, I make necklaces out of them.

 

[Abyssinian28]

Thank you for all of your advice. It really does help.

No problem! We all remember being new!

I'm glad your wife has a project in mind for what you ended up with!

 

[pinbum]

You should keep a couple of the fakes to compare with real pins their is a big difference.

 

[rik1138]

I for one am happy they don't want there pins back. Now I don't have to pay for the return shipping. My wife already told me to keep them. She is planning something for them.

Actually, if you bought the pins on eBay, it's so _they_ don't have to pay return shipping. Buyers no longer have to pay shipping for a return, the sellers do.

I had to return an item recently, and was going to pay the shipping myself as I didn't mind. Ebay wouldn't _let_ me. I had to use ebay' pre-printed buyer return label that was postage paid (and I assume eBay isn't eating that cost). I had never had to use that before... (Haven't had to return anything in years). But I bet a lot of sellers dealing in junk will start saying. 'Just keep them, here's your money back, especially if they are overseas...

 

[jadeites-lady]

Actually, if you bought the pins on eBay, it's so _they_ don't have to pay return shipping. Buyers no longer have to pay shipping for a return, the sellers do.

I had to return an item recently, and was going to pay the shipping myself as I didn't mind. Ebay wouldn't _let_ me. I had to use ebay' pre-printed buyer return label that was postage paid (and I assume eBay isn't eating that cost). I had never had to use that before... (Haven't had to return anything in years). But I bet a lot of sellers dealing in junk will start saying. 'Just keep them, here's your money back, especially if they are overseas...

That's nice to know. eBay made me pay return shipping (but that was last year) for a counterfeit pin I bought

 

[momin.ator]

I just paid return shipping on an item I just returned. I printed the ebay label,
it said that my paypal would be charged $3 if I used it.

 

[2RoundEars]

Thanks for telling me about MPO. One question though. Did you contact them about the two pins they could be fake? If so what did they say? Sadly there is no trip to Disney. We got back about a week ago. I want to still be there. Lol

I haven't contacted them as I don't know for sure. I need to see some other vynles to compare. Will let you know how my next transaction goes. Just curious, are you going to get the pinpics bag? I'm contemplating whether to make a book or buy a bag.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Scottyboo]

I haven't contacted them as I don't know for sure. I need to see some other vynles to compare. Will let you know how my next transaction goes. Just curious, are you going to get the pinpics bag? I'm contemplating whether to make a book or buy a bag.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I just bought a grab bag from them yesterday. Hopefully everything is good with the pins. I just talked to my wife and yes we are getting the pinpics bag. We will be ordering it tonight. Will post pics whenever we get it.

 

[DISNEY GRAILS]

Just returned from WDW and 99.999% of pins on lanyards are scrappers or fakes. Beware of those selling large lots of pins for low prices. You get what you pay for!!
From what I understand these pins come from China.

 

[Purplemandms]

I actually ironically just posted this on your intro post. If you're able to make it up to Sawgrass Mills mall in sunrise, they have a Disney Character Warehouse store that has pins on clearance! (They range anywhere from a dollar to three on average.) It's a great place to stock up if you'd like to buy the pins in person.

 

[docfish2u]

You might want to look up MyDPins for a place to get inexpensive traders. Josh (MyDPins) is also a member here and has a store close to Disneyland. I have been told he has great prices on real traders. Don't forget to check the sales boards here. There are several members who sell real pins in lots here as well.

 

[Scottyboo]

I actually ironically just posted this on your intro post. If you're able to make it up to Sawgrass Mills mall in sunrise, they have a Disney Character Warehouse store that has pins on clearance! (They range anywhere from a dollar to three on average.) It's a great place to stock up if you'd like to buy the pins in person.

That's funny because my wife and I just got done talking about our plans this weekend. Which includes the Disney Character Warehouse store and a comic book store. So I am very happy for this weekend.