Rant from a CM at DLR about APs buying too many duplicate pins

[Vixy]

Her rant was unprofessional, but it sounds like a symptom of the ongoing struggle of Disneyland to deal with the tensions between the notoriously low-spending regulars/AP holders and the spend-crazy tourists.

...I"m a spend-crazy regular AP-holding non-local tourist!

 

[PinHunters]

Disney cares about everyone once it is vacation season. SoCal people are allowed to do monthly payments just to get us in the parks and do some spending. If the pins are only sold online then we wouldn't go to the parks or buy a pass for that matter. Why spend 600 dollars on a pass when we can spend it elsewhere? There are other parks (that are getting run down even at their incredibly LOW season pass) out here.

If they do online releases like everyone wants then do it for all the parks not just DLR/DCA.

As for her comments, they were very rude and unprofessional. Last we were there we have noticed a huge decline on guest services. They just don't care about it too much anymore. We've had several cast members (even one in city hall working guest service) be completely rude to us and ruin our night. We've also had absolutely amazing CMs that do their job with a smile and an overall professional way.

The limit would not work as the limit has always been in place people just go to different stores. They can go to DTD buy two (there is no need to show ticket/AP pass as it is unnecessary to enter the store). I think the hotels hold LE pins as well? There is no need there either. So that's two more. Two at DLR any store (so that adds up) and unless they have a huge system that tracks it for BOTH parks (which I doubt), then that's more at DCA.
So there is your two pin limit.

 

[drb195]

She's complaining about us buying more than our limit?? That's funny because I saw her selling 7 of the LE 400 puzzle pins to one person. This was last friday when I came down here looking for the pixar pins. It's so funny how disney does not put a limit on Limited Release pins, which are just as difficult as LE when someone can wipe a store out at once if they want to. Where is the outcry for this rule change from CM's????????? I think that if rule changes are going to take place look into this first, before they worry about Limited editions.

Which brings me to my second point, Me and my fiance are in this hobby together and usually buy pins together. Sometimes I come down after work and buy pins without her so if I buy pins in two different locations, what is the difference than if she was with me and we bought 4 pins at once??? The same 4 are still gone from the available pool.

 

[drb195]

3rd point: I pay for both our pins, so that is 4 pins on one pass at time of purchase?? How much work, and how much waiting in line if the CM had to scan every single member of a family's pass and charge them individually. that will not happen!! They are already getting complaints about having to wait forever to get into the park because of this picture taking thing for eople with park hoppers, now imagine the frustration of people trying to buy souveniers too waiting forever behind a family of six buying twelve pins in six seperate transactions. people will just avoid the shopping and Disney will eventually start to lose money overall!!!!

 

[Amandie1989]

"She then started giving the example of how many thousands of guests come from all over the world and spend thousands to stay in the Disney hotels and expect to be able to buy the latest pins that come out during their vacations and can't.....whereas us APs snatch them all up and "only give us 500-600 bucks a year"

It doesn't make sence. Isn't it much easier for those coming out of states to get pins when there are people reselling them on the internet? It sounds like she wanted people to come over to get pins, and spend a lot extra on hotel, food and park ticket.

 

[Chilikitty]

So I hold an delux AP and I have been to the park 41 times in one year.... I spend anywhere from $30-$80 every time I go. This is NOT including the pins I purchase at DSF, WDI, and any that are special releases. That CM needs to stay within her circle of concern.....

 

[Diablo]

That CM needs to stay within her circle of concern.....

Preach it Kitty... well said.

 

[karkura]

I could not purchase a Valentine Duffy plush this year because he is sold out everywhere. Why? Because resellers are going to dlr and buying 30 at a time to ship to Japan. Yes 30! That's the limit for Duffy. Don't tourists want to purchase cute valentine bears too?

Just thought I would add that little tidbit to this Disney stupidity. So annoying.

 

[Lamorak]

I'm thinking the bean counters are ecstatic and the CMs are the ones taking the heat for product selling out and the distribution being unfair.

Since bean counters rule the world, I don't foresee anything changing in the near future.

 

[prolif1k]

I can partially understand the THEORY of her rant, but I would take a large issue with her general tone of assumption that anyone who buys more than one of a pin is a re-seller. It was absurd of her to list off the details of the annual pass contract. You could be buying one for you and one as a gift or one for you and one as a trader. She has no business assuming that a second pin automatically means *DING DING DING* reseller.

 

[CaffeinatedWool]

I can partially understand the THEORY of her rant, but I would take a large issue with her general tone of assumption that anyone who buys more than one of a pin is a re-seller. It was absurd of her to list off the details of the annual pass contract. You could be buying one for you and one as a gift or one for you and one as a trader. She has no business assuming that a second pin automatically means *DING DING DING* reseller.

Pretty much came to say this. I rarely buy more than one of a certain pin - it only happens if I have a pre-trade lined up or it's being gifted - and I wouldn't care if they set up some type of system to enforce it better. I would, however, be very annoyed at the CM's lack of professionalism. In all honesty, I would've marched myself to guest relations to complain.

 

[imp]

I'm thinking the bean counters are ecstatic and the CMs are the ones taking the heat for product selling out and the distribution being unfair.

Since bean counters rule the world, I don't foresee anything changing in the near future.

+1 - as long as they're selling I doubt that Disney cares who's buying...if they were worried about us tourists not getting a fair shake at certain pins they'd make the edition sizes bigger.

 

[buckout911]

I can see where Disney might want to limit the amount of pins you can buyat a discount, but I have a hard time believing they care at all about who buysthem at the regular price. I think it'sa numbers game for them. As long as they sell the same amount whocares if it's 100 people buying them or 500. Even the secondary market helps Disney. As the secondary market drives up the price, Disney continues to chargemore and more. I remember when almostall pins were $6.00, now it is not unusual to pay $15.00 for a pin. Disney continues to close the gap between theoriginal sale and the secondary market prices.

 

[stitchfan1015]

recently: Peter Pan box set, Snow White box set, Monsters Inc. box set, Brave box set, Wreck It Ralph (jumbo + box set), Finding Nemo 3d box set, etc...

Pretty sure there have been plenty of LE pins released on the online disney store since last August

No they don't. I don't recall being able to purchase anything released that was LE from a Disney website, or anything from the DSF for that matter. Unless you camp out and are physically there, there are a lot of pins you cannot obtain unless you are physically there, therefore making it impossible for the majority of people that live no where close to the parks can obtain these, unless it IS on the secondary market.

 

[Psycho Pixie]

recently: Peter Pan box set, Snow White box set, Monsters Inc. box set, Brave box set, Wreck It Ralph (jumbo + box set), Finding Nemo 3d box set, etc...

Pretty sure there have been plenty of LE pins released on the online disney store since last August

I think what mylittleguy was referring to was LE's released at parks and at DSF. Rarely do these pins, once released, last more that a few days. Disney has a policy of not putting the LE park pins into online availablity for 30 days... and I am not sure that DSF does it at all anymore, they used to allow phone orders 2 weeks after a release. So i do see the point with that comment.

What it comes down to:
~if you want DS.com pins, you have to wait up til midnight to see what uploads.
~if you want DSF and are not local, secondary market market.
~if you want park LE's but are not local,chances are again, secondary market.
~if you want DLRP, DSUK, JDS, HKDL, if not a local, it is secondary market too.

Every single pin retailer has a secondary market. And they all release pins that are OE, LE, high demand, and low demand. I do not foresee Disney majorly changing any policies in the near future.

 

[Ozzie1988]

We must all understand that this anger and annoyance must come from somewhere, I can personally tell you as a former cast member I did not like some pin traders (before I started pin trading) I hated when I was forced to use the GC pin lanyard because I had to deal with real jerks. One big one that always pissed me off to no end was when I was working Main Street GC two people waled up to me at the same time, an older man and a little girl about 8-10 she loved this old rack pin and really wanted it but the older guy started to yell at her saying its his and she should not even look at the lanyard until he is done. I was so mad I wanted to say something but I didn't. I ended up giving the girl a whole new bag of The Little Mermaid Shells and telling her sorry.


a cast member told me what triggered this whole thing as well. When the Pixar boxes came out a known reseller bought over 100 boxes with the aid of a cm, buying out a good portion from the store. Than reselling the Pixar pins locking the price at such a ridiculous price, (this is why I am more than willing to wait, let's not forget the stamps how much are they now? That's right at $2-5$) this monopoly of pins is not ok, I don't mind reselling and asking for whatever you want that's your choice, but to hord boxes and not let anyone else buy the boxes than esantualy shark people into trading low LEs for a limited release pin. I understand the chasers there LE 200 and that is a reasonable trade but the non LE, comeon guys. Don't get me wrong it's not only the owner who is to blame its the traders that are willing to pay and trade for the pins that are just as much to blame. If we all refuse to pay such high amount or trade high than the supplier would have to go down in value. I personally like this new plan this just means I might have a chance to buy and get some princes Carrosel pins.


I have so many horror Stories about pin traders that I so understand this anger. It's not everyone but it only takes one to tarnish our comunaty in there eyes.

 

[drb195]

We must all understand that this anger and annoyance must come from somewhere, I can personally tell you as a former cast member I did not like some pin traders (before I started pin trading) I hated when I was forced to use the GC pin lanyard because I had to deal with real jerks. One big one that always pissed me off to no end was when I was working Main Street GC two people waled up to me at the same time, an older man and a little girl about 8-10 she loved this old rack pin and really wanted it but the older guy started to yell at her saying its his and she should not even look at the lanyard until he is done. I was so mad I wanted to say something but I didn't. I ended up giving the girl a whole new bag of The Little Mermaid Shells and telling her sorry.


a cast member told me what triggered this whole thing as well. When the Pixar boxes came out a known reseller bought over 100 boxes with the aid of a cm, buying out a good portion from the store. Than reselling the Pixar pins locking the price at such a ridiculous price, (this is why I am more than willing to wait, let's not forget the stamps how much are they now? That's right at $2-5$) this monopoly of pins is not ok, I don't mind reselling and asking for whatever you want that's your choice, but to hord boxes and not let anyone else buy the boxes than esantualy shark people into trading low LEs for a limited release pin. I understand the chasers there LE 200 and that is a reasonable trade but the non LE, comeon guys. Don't get me wrong it's not only the owner who is to blame its the traders that are willing to pay and trade for the pins that are just as much to blame. If we all refuse to pay such high amount or trade high than the supplier would have to go down in value. I personally like this new plan this just means I might have a chance to buy and get some princes Carrosel pins.


I have so many horror Stories about pin traders that I so understand this anger. It's not everyone but it only takes one to tarnish our comunaty in there eyes.

You are 100% right about hoarding these types of pins, But Disney Policy only reflects limits on Limited Edition, Not Limited Release. Until they change this policy, there is nobody to blame, but the Disney Suits that make these rules!!
This is straight from the Disney Pin Trading Website:

WHAT IS THE LIMITED EDITION / LIMITED RELEASE PURCHASE POLICY? Guests may purchase up to two (2) Limited Edition pins of a particular style (e.g. SKU), per Guest, per day. In other words, if Disney pin or set is released and it contains a Limited Edition stamp ("Limited Edition of"), a Guest may purchase up to two (2) of those items per day. The next day, a Guest can purchase another two of those same Limited Edition items. This policy covers any individual Disney pins or sets stamped with the specific words "Limited Edition."
This policy does NOT include any individual Disney pins or sets stamped with the words "Limited Release." Examples of these Limited Release items could include individual logo pins or mystery sets. Guests may purchase as many of those limited release items as desired.
Disney reserves the right to modify this policy. In the rare instance a modification is made, this information will be communicated via DisneyPins.com.

If this is what set her off, then do not take it out on Innocent people who buy their two pins with a smile and move on.

 

[karkura]

I agree with Ozzie1988.

It seems that one person will anger cast members enough that they will then take it out on everyone.

But I think I recall in the past with Limited Release pin boxes, we were able to purchase 10 boxes only. Then again, this was at wristband events. But they should be limited at all times to that number.

 

[KT07]

*Have not read all the post Yet*

But i must say... +10000 for taking your pass if you brake the rules. Mayb that is what it will take for sum ppl to finaly get on track with how this hobby should work. Sorry for all the ppl that slip up and get caught. Im sure sum of the re-sale ppl will just pay full price a make a little less.... But than when wrist band micro chips or other tracking kick in.... they will get you too... LMAO

Go Mouse.!!!!! Save the Magic Walt left for us. Disney is about family and fun... not making money of this hobby.

PS. yes she was not doing the mouse way to tell you what was going on. But big shock that CMs have feelings also and dont like the bad traders. More power to her for speaking her mind. CMs should always b nice and not take it out on next ppl or any ppl. At times this seems hard to do.

$$ extra ps after reading post above. i was in a pin shop this weekend and sum guysaid he would like 80 boxes of pixar. That would b just right for me LOL. the CM said. "we are sold out.. and thats thousonds of dollars" with a odd look on his face. not sure what good reason anyone could make up for needing this amount of pins.

 

[starry_solo]

$$ extra ps after reading post above. i was in a pin shop this weekend and sum guysaid he would like 80 boxes of pixar. That would b just right for me LOL. the CM said. "we are sold out.. and thats thousonds of dollars" with a odd look on his face. not sure what good reason anyone could make up for needing this amount of pins.

Cuz they want to see if they could get the 80 regulars & chasers? And 40 boxes just won't do?!

 

[StoneColdBoo316]

I agree with Ozzie.
Usually my view is some people get mad for no reason and are just negative unless they are talking about pin people then the negativity is probably valid. lol
But I know 90% of traders were the type of people that if there were no limit theyed only buy two then a lot of folks would not wanna do the hobby At The BaTB release I purchased 1,My mother purchased 1,My nephew purchased 1 and my brother purchased one none were traders and all are still with us here in our personal collections wouldn't it be awesome if every pin was limit one?or am I alone on that?

 

[markheardjr]

I'm pretty sure I know who you all are talking about and she has her favorites. So if she see's someone take advantage and shark out a release and her pinpals weren't there to get some she will get snippy. If you are there with one of her buddies you get treated like royalty. Go after a shark went through and just say "Hi" and watch out! Selective memory too. On one day I went from a very rude response to my request to see Pluto's Christmas PODM's when I was in the presence of a known reseller, to the nicest lady that let me see like 10 scenes when I came back alone. CM's do remember certain people. They also think "guilty by association."

I think it was unprofessional to be rude but at the same time, they are unhappy because they see the unfairness/greediness of the pin community first hand all the time.

 

[markheardjr]

wouldn't it be awesome if every pin was limit one?or am I alone on that?

No. Limit 2 makes it so you can trade or pick one up for a friend. It also means you can sell one if that's what you want to do. They limit 2 to give everyone a chance. But until they start monitoring every store's sales and stop people from running the pin circuit, there will always be people getting 6,8,10, etc. of whatever pin.

The problem at hand is when they release something so popular, that's not LE, it causes a rush and it's not limited to just 2 per person. I think this fairly new. I don't remember too many LR releases that were crazy. The reveal/conceal girls weren't insane when they came out. Maybe the mystery train cars? Anyways, they need to learn to limit people to 2 of everything, not just LE. And track from store to store. But I'm sure then sharks will ask tourists to buy them for them. Slimy people are called slimy for a reason. They always find the cracks in the system to make it work for them. You cut them off one way and they figure out another. I think this is the real "CKC" or "Cool kids club" the ones that whisper the ways to get around things. Lying to get in early with character breakfasts. Wearing sweatshirts and pulling their wristbands up to get another one. Trading junk to tourists and having them buy them pins. Having a CM friend hold pins for you till you get there, or selling them to you a day early so you can scalp the market. Or holding new hidden mickey's for their buddies. Etc.

I don't often skirt the system. I have in the past made the pin circuit and bought more than my 2. So I'm not just pointing a finger. But I am more than willing to give up extra pins to give myself and others a more fair shot at popular releases. If there is less profit to be had there will be less profiteers.

 

[Psycho Pixie]

Emphasis on "real" CKC... oke:

Unlike my CKC which is good and wholesome and kind and generous.

 

[melodypins]

yup i did ....