Pin trading tables at Epcot

Just got home from Memorial Day weekend at WDW. We had a great time and traded a lot of pins and gave away a lot of pins to random kids. (First one's free, kiddies! :lol We wound up with a lot of suspect scrappers too, of course.

I wanted to ask about the pin trading tables at Epcot. I know they are gone from Downtown Disney and I think also from Downtown Disney at DLR as well. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to see why. My 10 year old saw a couple of guys with books out and was busy looking through the books ooohing and aaahing. While she was doing that I saw and heard the two guys sending a woman in to buy at $17 LE pin to trade to them for something they had. I'm pretty sure it was for a not difficult to get rack pin, although I will add the caveat that I could be wrong and often am.

When I went in to buy my pins I said something to the CMs inside and they said it was a shame that those people were allowed to sit out there and do that.

So my question is, how long do you think Disney will allow that to go on before they remove those tables as well? I really hated seeing people being taken for a ride out there.

I don't hold sympathies for Sharks, the issue might bring and end to those tables but I don't see it ending for the time being. If it go really bad the person would just be escorted out of Epcot. I've had my own bad experiences at those tables, a guy tried to get me to buy a LE Labor day pin for a Cast Lanyard pin.
If the trade was for an equal or negotiable pin, that's good, but an expensive LE pin for an lesser expensive one not so much.

::shrug::

I personally don't find anything wrong with the habit in itself. There was one point that I needed a bunch of new release rack pins, and I had a lot of LE 1000-type pins, so yeah, I've done it a few times. When someone comes up to me with a single lanyard, or a baggie of scrappers, and that's all they have, but they really, REALLY want my pin, I don't feel it's wrong to exchange that way. After all, pin trading is about BOTH parties getting something they want.

That said, it can be easily abused, like how you mentioned. I would never let someone buy me a $17 pin unless they were getting a $17 value. Also, I usually let them offer to buy me something rather than ask them to.

In the end, I gave up on trading at the tables...it's all-around too messy with all the scrappers involved, and while I don't mind bending for kids occasionally, I really don't want to be $100+ in the hole taking their scrappers (or just giving them the pin) over and over and over again.

I would much rather be the walker than the table person.

To answer your question, if I had to guess, not long. Maybe by this time next year?

Some of those sharks sadly befriend the CMs. I have witnessed an interesting conversation between one shark and a CM who was in charge of the trading board that comes out in the afternoon. The CM informed one old lady shark, ahead of time before the board came out, that there were old(er) LE pins placed on the board and she would give her the first chance to trade.

I was already soured because of the counterfeits/scrappers, and witnessing that conversation totally messed pin trading for me for the rest of the trip. The CMs are supposed to look after the guests and this one was catering to the shark instead.

The same shark asked me to buy a new release pin for the Alice UK pin from the Epcot set and I did not of course.

Oh well .... I hope they go away soon.

Hi there, the guys you saw, that was me, I am no shark, as manny here know, I am not into selling my pins or ripping people off. I am pretty sure it was me since I was with my boyfriend at epcot for only 3 hours and this lady wanted 3 pins from my book, and they were from my good book not my kids book, so I told her she could buy me the tinker bell D collection that is 16 dollars and here are the pins I gave the lady, and please tell me if i ripped her off:

13439(being sold online from 10 to 75 Dollars)
17656(which I bough from a seller at 5 dollars, I buy most of my good traders)
80831(which I had traded earlier that day)

Please if you going to put a statement out, be sure you know what you talking about, I never ask people to buy things for me since my boyfriends buys me everything, I only like to trade, but it was the 3rd time the lady had come to me, and she wanted 2 pins at first and I told her that if she can find another pin I will combine them 3 for the only pin I could use which it was the tinker bell D collection which I was still going to buy a few for trading when I leave, at the same time I was going to buy more mystery stamp pouches. You are right, there are sharks at epcot, and you know how you can tell which are the sharks, they have nothing in their books but hidden mickeys, fakes and easy stuff to get, you obviously can't tell which pin is valuable and which is not, I have no hidden mickeys or easy trades in my pin bags, also the sharks like this blonde old lady that is always at epcot, will ask a 10 to 15 dollars pin for a most likely fake hidden mickeys, she knows kids are looking for the bowling hidden mickeys and other old very easy to get hidden mickeys and she takes advantages of the parents by making them buy pins for her, actually she makes them buy autographs books and other things that are not even pins. Also a shark never loses, she will never do a favor to somebody or to a kid, I however always give great pins to kids for sometimes scrappers just because I believe in pin karma and I like to make people happy.

So please inform yourself first before saying something is unfair or such. And please if anybody think that the trade was unfair, say it, because I don't make people buy me things but she wanted my pins very much so I told her I could trade it for that D which is the only pin I will need at the end of the day anyways. Please give me your thoughts.

Merryweather said:

Some of those sharks sadly befriend the CMs. I have witnessed an interesting conversation between one shark and a CM who was in charge of the trading board that comes out in the afternoon. The CM informed one old lady shark, ahead of time before the board came out, that there were old(er) LE pins placed on the board and she would give her the first chance to trade.

I was already soured because of the counterfeits/scrappers, and witnessing that conversation totally messed pin trading for me for the rest of the trip. The CMs are supposed to look after the guests and this one was catering to the shark instead.

The same shark asked me to buy a new release pin for the Alice UK pin from the Epcot set and I did not of course.

Oh well .... I hope they go away soon.

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I think I know who u taking about and I am tired of her bringing that bad image to pin traders, she is always leaving with bags full of merchandise, also is sad when you look at her book, she have nothing but fakes(which most likely she don't know they are fakes, because she makes this a business) or in my personal opinion easy traders, also because I am so tired of her doing this at epcot I decided to take a pic of this lady and I was going to start a thread about this issue at epcot which will encourage Disney to dismiss pin trading at this location because of people like her, seriously she hates my guts, the other day she was asking this lady to buy her one of the birthstone limited release tinherbell pins for this year in exchange of a orange bird hidden Mickey, I heard her saying that the pin is very hard to get and that only release them in the mornings in special ovations, I was so bothered by this that I went to the lady that was going to buy the tinker bell, I have her the Orange bird hidden Mickey her daughter wanted, and 3 more of the orange birds for her to keep just as a gift, because of this, this lady and I don't get alone, and most of my friends(some expiremce traders here at DPF) don't trade with her because we all think of her the same thing, a heartless Bit**.
I will post a pic of this lady later when I get to my computer. I don't care if she finds out, I think she should have some heart and stop asking little kids to tell theirarents to buy her merchandise for silly Esau traders.

Simbanino,

First, for you to recognize that you are the one being mentioned here, and that you came here and owned the situation says that you are a person of high character. Basically, you traded each of those pins at a $5/pin value. I think that is more than fair. I have always hoped that if more honest traders occupy tables along side the blonde shark, maybe she will be weeded out!

Spiffie said:

Simbanino,

First, for you to recognize that you are the one being mentioned here, and that you came here and owned the situation says that you are a person of high character. Basically, you traded each of those pins at a $5/pin value. I think that is more than fair. I have always hoped that if more honest traders occupy tables along side the blonde shark, maybe she will be weeded out!

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Thank you very much, and yeah I agree with you, some people decided not to trade at this tables anymore because of this lady but I decided to go and proof that there are fair traders and actually manny times I get manny hugs by the kids and parents for just trading for really a pin I do not need at all, I end up with almost two complete sets of those pins you get when you spend certain amount at epcot, that you can buy the entered lanyard with I think 8 pins for 15 dollars, I don't need those pins but I like to make people happy and most of the time I lose but as long as i make the person happy I am happy most of the time. Thanks for your kind words.

simbanino said:

I think I know who u taking about and I am tired of her bringing that bad image to pin traders, she is always leaving with bags full of merchandise, also is sad when you look at her book, she have nothing but fakes(which most likely she don't know they are fakes, because she makes this a business) or in my personal opinion easy traders, also because I am so tired of her doing this at epcot I decided to take a pic of this lady and I was going to start a thread about this issue at epcot which will encourage Disney to dismiss pin trading at this location because of people like her, seriously she hates my guts, the other day she was asking this lady to buy her one of the birthstone limited release tinherbell pins for this year in exchange of a orange bird hidden Mickey, I heard her saying that the pin is very hard to get and that only release them in the mornings in special ovations, I was so bothered by this that I went to the lady that was going to buy the tinker bell, I have her the Orange bird hidden Mickey her daughter wanted, and 3 more of the orange birds for her to keep just as a gift, because of this, this lady and I don't get alone, and most of my friends(some expiremce traders here at DPF) don't trade with her because we all think of her the same thing, a heartless Bit**.
I will post a pic of this lady later when I get to my computer. I don't care if she finds out, I think she should have some heart and stop asking little kids to tell theirarents to buy her merchandise for silly Esau traders.

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I've always wanted to trade at the tables at Epcot, but the one time I had the opportunity, the trader with the big books that I wanted to see was occupied with some kids, and I had to leave with my party to get fast passes in the park. I did however trade a figment pin off my lanyard for a boo pin off some couple's little cork board, and I later realized that the enamel on her hand and half her arm had chipped off, it revealed wire or metal underneath! I was really disappointed with it, because I didn't inspect it carefully before I traded for it! Your story really makes me angry, I can't believe that a grown adult would be So manipulative for a hobby that's Supposed to be fun and enjoyable. Kids who are her victims won't even know better, but their parents are the ones who suffer from paying out of their own pockets. If you could do something to complain to Disney about her, (maybe get her banned?) that would be doing a favor to the rest of the community of honest pin traders

You know what? I said I could be wrong and often am and apparently in this case I was, so my apologies to you. I hope you will not hold it against me.

HeatherFeather said:

You know what? I said I could be wrong and often am and apparently in this case I was, so my apologies to you. I hope you will not hold it against me.

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No problem, I just got a little upset becauSe I felt like I was being mistaken for somebody like that girl I dislike so much at epcot, but no worries, glad you posted this though, because now next time u see me u not going to think of me as a shark or anything like it, and I am not going to wonder: "why is she giving a dirty look" lol.

Also, no worries, I willhold it against you" I am not Britney Spears.

I appreciate your understanding.

Nothing like starting out my week by doing something really stupid....sheesh!

I don't see anything wrong with buying a pin to trade for a pin, but I agree with Abyssinian28-it should be of equal value. Buying a $12 pin for a hidden Mickey-NO, but for a LE or sold out rack is alright. I have even traded on the boards or through pin pics where someone really wants my pin, but I am not interested in their traders-they offer to buy a Disneyshopping pin of equal value (LE or $).

Re this shark that is evidently notorious at Epcot. I'm not sure...but maybe if a LOT of you complain separately to the CMs there, this person will be kicked out. I would ask to talk to a manager and discuss it seriously and calmly. Ranting I'm sure will get nobody anywhere. Have your evidence and facts presented clearly. Maybe something can be done that way, to rid the parks of this person.

I saw nothing wrong with your trade either Simba . I have a problem with a couple of men, older, one with white facial hair . Big Time Shark ! I stay clear of him . I don't know the woman yet . I'll be on the lookout for her .
I'm known to give pins to the kiddies too or enjoy trading with them . If I have an LE 1000 thats not really that rare, I'll trade a rack pin for it . HeHe

Yeah I heard of the old guy with facial hair, big shark as well, but never seen him. As for the blonde woman, I was able to snap a pic of her and will post it as soonas I get a chance, she is ALWAYS at epcot( at least every weekend) with a book that really is two book attached together scamming people till her husband picks her up. Her husband is nice though, but she, arrgg, frustration seeing people getting her things like a big pin bag($40) for like 5 or 6 hidden mickeys. Is Luke nit fair, no matter how you lookat it.

Hey Simbanino, when you post the picture-don't mention shark. Just state a picture of trading fun in EPCOT (just in case the shark reads the boards). I know when I mention a time I had a very bad experience with a trader, I was blasted on the boards. I received supportive PM's from members who knew I was being dragged through muck. You never know if this person has "friends" who know her as Sister Mary Catherine of the Holy Pin Church who should be canonized.

I'm happy to report that when we were there in January, there were 3 tables of us trading and all of us were honest traders so it's not always all bad. That's where I met Juan (Simbanino) and we were very generous to everyone that came to us.

I just heard about the lady with the double books at our Nashville pin trading meet. She wasn't at Epcot the weekend I was there or I definitely would have said something to her. Here's my thoughts of why the CM's are cozying up to her. Although many claim not to like the sharks, those sharks are the exact people driving their sales up. I'm sure they have quotas that are expected of CM's so any sales they get are good for them and they aren't going to bite the hand that feeds them. Yes, it's wrong, but wondering what your thoughts are on this?

When I was there in May, there was one total AHole . He was a younger guy with short dark hair . I wanted Figment in the tuxedo and Tinkerbell Vinylmation LR pins . He wanted me to go in the pin station and buy him 2 POMP . Another pin trader that was near by heard him and told me that pins were still available in the store . She had them and would trade for whatever I got . The trails of PD had followed . Both boxes Figment and then Tinkerbell beside , the other 2 were Dreamcatcher & The Pirate . I went ape ! The CM was :lol: I was like a kid in a candy shop . I passed him and called him an AHole too .

This is a very interesting thread and I applaud the person who was there coming back. I am going to flame so apologise now. I am losing interest with dpf having been ehre from the begining over posts like this. There needs to be some moderation going on. No one knows what other peoplea re doing and making assumptions doesnt help as we see here. There is nothing wrong with asking someone in a fair trade to buy a pin for you of equal value. You cannot assume people are sharks yes we know theya re out there but I for one would be grateful that in future unless you are 100% sure of your facts you dont post and that mdoerators here start doing something about this. Frankl;y if it continues I am out of here and that would be a pity
Jacqui

Tinker said:

When I was there in May, there was one total AHole . He was a younger guy with short dark hair . I wanted Figment in the tuxedo and Tinkerbell Vinylmation LR pins . He wanted me to go in the pin station and buy him 2 POMP . Another pin trader that was near by heard him and told me that pins were still available in the store . She had them and would trade for whatever I got . The trails of PD had followed . Both boxes Figment and then Tinkerbell beside , the other 2 were Dreamcatcher & The Pirate . I went ape ! The CM was :lol: I was like a kid in a candy shop . I passed him and called him an AHole too .

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Hmmm... this sounds oddly familiar but I remember something slightly different. And now that I see your sig pic, I believe it was you (I remember the crocs).

http://disneypinforum.com/showthread.php?3933-PTN-Last-Friday-Night&p=48598&viewfull=1#post48598

If this is the same situation, it was in MARCH (not may), I did NOT have a figment (only had tinkerbell and all figments go into my collection), I did NOT ask for anything from the store (only 2 Hid Mickeys from your lanyard). You marched in and brought a CM out and pointed at my book and they said more were available inside.
And what you may not have noticed, when you called me an Ahole, there was a little kid and parent standing right next to me.

Please get your facts straight and look around before you start calling people Aholes!

**If this isn't the situation, please disregard, but I have a hard time believing such similar situations occurred**

Jacqui8374 said:

This is a very interesting thread and I applaud the person who was there coming back. I am going to flame so apologise now. I am losing interest with dpf having been ehre from the begining over posts like this. There needs to be some moderation going on. No one knows what other peoplea re doing and making assumptions doesnt help as we see here. There is nothing wrong with asking someone in a fair trade to buy a pin for you of equal value. You cannot assume people are sharks yes we know theya re out there but I for one would be grateful that in future unless you are 100% sure of your facts you dont post and that mdoerators here start doing something about this. Frankl;y if it continues I am out of here and that would be a pity
Jacqui

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+1

I agree Jacqui, if your asked to buy a pin of similar value there is nothing wrong with it .I'm talking about the people that ask you to go in and buy an LE pin for a Hidden Mickey or rack pin . I have often myself bought a pin or even a lanyard of pins when I have traded at the event . I buy pins all the time to trade with so whats the difference .
I also agree with the moderation, but won't go into my feelings there .
Juan, it was in March ! Excuse me, I owe you a huge apology, hope you will accept . I've been through a lot lately that started at that time .Not that it's an excuse ! My mom which I cared for for 3 months went into a nursing home walking . She is now bed ridden . She has given up . My memory isn't what it was! I now know it wasn't you that asked me to buy the two pins . It was over the Figment and another I wanted, but still have yet to get .

Thanks, Tinker. No hard feelings here. If you see me at the parks again, please stop by. I'm always interested in meeting fellow DPF'ers.
With all the sharks there, it's always helpful to have another set of eyes to warn each other.

Ps hope your mom does better

There is nothing wrong with asking someone in a fair trade to buy a pin for you
of equal value.

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I agree. A shark will you that if you go into the store and buy three LE Jessica pins (or whatever) for them they will trade their you-can-still-buy-it-in-any-Disney-store rack pin. I've had that kind of thing happen to me at DLR, and while I want to tell them in no uncertain terms what they can do with their pin trading "skills," I'm polite, say no thanks, walk away and never bother looking through their books again.