This is a sponsored guest post.
If you are considering pin collecting, including the prospect of trading with others involved in the same endeavor, there is some etiquette practices that you need to bear in mind. By following these tips and suggestions, you will be in the best possible position to get the most out of pin collecting.
In the proverbial grand scheme of things, when you follow these tips and recommendations, you will make the most out of your pin collecting efforts. This includes making the most when it comes to developing an enviable pin collection you can be proud of on all levels. It also means that you personally will find yourself truly enjoying the pin collecting and trading process.
Collect Pins You Desire
When it comes to pin collecting, do not just amass a bunch of pins that you think have monetary value. You need to infuse your own sense of self into your pin collection. Experienced pin collectors will tell you that individual pins have stories. You want to develop your own pin collection that tells a story and is not just about dollars and cents.
You will have a pin collection you truly enjoy and take pride in if it is comprised of pieces that you enjoy in and of themselves. By having pins you desire, you will also find the trading process to be more interesting and worthwhile.
Conduct Research
You should take the time and do some due diligence before you add a particular pin to your collection. Having done some research about a particular pin you add to your collection, the information collected will be invaluable if the time comes to make a trade. You will have more of a story to tell about a particular pin, including if you decide to make a trade at some point in time in the future.
Some of the things that you are to know about a particular pin include:
- origin of a pin
- how many were made
- date of issue
- designer’s name
Do Not Throw Away a Pin
If you grow weary of a pin, do not just toss it away. This situation provides you an opportunity to start a category of pins within your own collection that you are more readily willing to trade.
The only exception to the do not throw away rule is if you determine that you have some sort of fake or counterfeit pin. For example, Disney pins oftentimes are counterfeited. Definitely destroy and dispose of a pin you determine to be counterfeit.
If you find you obtain a counterfeit or fake pin through a trade, you need to inform the individual you received the pin from of the situation. You need to convey this important information in a considerate and non-accusatory manner. You need to keep in mind that the trader may have no idea about the nature of the pin.
Maintain Proper Storage
Make sure that you have proper storage for your pins. You definitely want to keep them safe and secure. By ensuring that you have proper storage for your pins, you provide the level of protection necessary to keep them in the best condition possible.
Take Pride in Your Pins
In addition to displaying your pins, take pride in them. You can really take pride in your pins by wearing them. If you take care when wearing your pins, you will avoid causing damage or needless wear and tear. Keep in mind that if you are interested in trading pins, the best way to display what you have available on a consistent basis is to wear your pins.
Maintain a Pin Inventory List
When it comes to your pin collection, you need to know what you have. Keep a written inventory of all your pins. The inventory can include all of the basic information referenced earlier about each of your pins. As part of the inventory, note the pins that you are willing to trade at any given point in time. The list of pins that you are willing to trade will change from time to time.
Be Social When it Comes to Your Pins
There exists a myriad of different online resources through which you can connect with fellow pin collectors. These include everything from pin clubs to pin swap groups. You can even sign up for newsletters through which you can obtain and share valuable information about pins and pin collection.
Don’t Rush a Potential Pin Trade
If you have connected with someone that has an interest in trading pins with you, don’t rush the process. There isn’t a need to pressure a trade. If a trade is meant to be, it will happen all in good time. Not only do you never want to rush a possible pin trade, you always want to be polite and respectful.
Enjoy Yourself
In the end, pin collecting should be an enjoyable experience for you and those you interact with through the trading process and in other ways. When it comes to pin collecting, and trading, a key element of the whole affair is to ensure that you have fun.
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Jessica Kane is a writer for The Monterey Company, who have been manufacturing custom lapel pins for over 25 years.
