How to Avoid Scrappers in the Parks?

[theworldneedscolor]

I am just beginning to take part in pin trading, and I am going to Disneyland this fall. I have heard most Cast Members don't know the difference between a authentic pin and a scrapper. How do I avoid getting a scrapper in a pin trade with a CM?

 

[IsaacandAmanda]

There are some sure signs. And the correct term would be fakes not scrappers. I would trade during the day as you can see better but its all preference. You cant really avoid fakes. Theyre everywhere. Sure signs of fakes would be thick outlines of characters or a thick lines and dull paint. No gloss or glaze (shine), bad backstamps of the OPT logo (Look at a real pin's pin trading logo for awhile and study it. This will tell for sure if a pin is real or not.)

Anyway. Hope we helped!

IsaacandAmanda

p.s. Dont get disheartened or upset if you keep finding fakes. Think of it like a treasure hunt! Then finding an authentic pin will be that much more rewarding! We like to think of it like gold and fool's gold. Gold was and is hard to find and sometimes its not. People ran into fool's gold (fake pins) but with persistence and ambition real gold came their way (authentic pins)

 

[jfgibson73]

Even after trading for years, there are still times I can't tell until I look the pin up and see the scrapper info for that particular pin. It gets easier the more you come in contact with pins, but you really have to hold and examine lots of pins before you can get good at avoiding them. The problem is, then you're stuck with the bad pins.

 

[prolif1k]

It's not always the case, but the fake versions can usually be thinner than the real thing. Once you get the feel for a bunch of them (especially when dealing with hidden Mickey pins), you'll realize right away that the pin is too thin and the metal is just cheaper feeling than a real one.

 

[Vixy]

I believe it's okay to ask to see the pin prior to trading it, isn't it?

Read up on the sticky thread in the pin comparison section for the big things to look for-- dull enamel, visible grinder marks, dips in the paint, rough edges, borders on the back-- and maybe you can try to take a look at pins on lanyards before you actually trade.

 

[Romancing_Train]

When trading ask to see the back of the pin. Also if you don't like the pin when you get it simply trade it back to the same cast member you tradedfd it tooo.

 

[Roxane]

As a local, I can tell you lots of times CM lanyards are ALL scrappers. I hardly ever trade in the park anymore, only when the new HMs are just out.

 

[KT07]

dont belive what u read. many Cm lanyards have very nice pins. yse fakes are everywere. So all you do is say "may i please hold that pin b we trade. Than if u think its bad. u say. "no thank you" Thats it.. dont go in to why you dont want it... unless they ask. Sum CMs really care and have just not been shown what to look for. So with that said. you have to do your best to know what you are looking out for.

There is a guide here that can b printed out and than you can take that with u to the park. The more u learn the more you will see the diffrence betwen the good pins and the fake pins.

good luck to you. if you need help...just ask... many of us are pretty good at fake pin help.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Thanks for all the help guys! I'm starting to think trading in the parks might not be worth it...it's really a shame that fakes had to be thrown into the mix. Oh well, collecting will be just as fun

 

[pauly88]

Just pass up what you feel is not right no need to study every pin on lanyard.. also i found many great pins on lanyard you just gotta look good.

 

[Psycho Pixie]

lots of fakes/scrappers. but lots of good pin on CM's as well. If unsure, if a pin looks sloppy dont take it.

 

[Merryweather]

I stay away from HM and Vinylmation pins.

 

[theworldneedscolor]

Thanks for more tips guys Maybe I will give it a shot after all...I'm just afraid I won't be able to tell the difference and I'll come home with a bunch of fakes! That would be a total bummer