Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Join a pin trading club and ask to be put on the mailing list for trading events. Some of the more popular pin clubs feature pins from the Olympics, the Hard Rock Cafe and Disney World (see links under Resources below).
Create a pin trading club in your local community. Find interested collectors and set up meeting times at public places to trade your pins. Or, if you know your club members well, consider arranging meetings at your homes. Post information at local flea markets, antique stores and libraries. Ask if you can put information in free publications and also ask collectible store owners to spread the word about your new club.
Attend lapel pin or collecting conventions. You will find collectors displaying their pins for you to view and possibly trade. Contact your local Lions Club to find out about the closest Lions Club trading event in your area. Also, contact city visitor centers and convention centers to see if there are any trading events during the year and mark them on your calendar.
Use the Internet as a resource for your interest in trading pins. Not only can you discover where shows may be taking place, you can do actual trading online. Popular sites include myPins, DizziPinz, Pin Fever and eBay (see links under References below).
Attend a special event with some of your pins displayed on something you are wearing, such as a hat or scarf. You may be asked by others if you are willing to trade pins. The Olympics are a perfect event for trading pins because there are people from across the world, so you may find some unique pins. Some more accessible events in your area that bring together a lot of people may include college and professional sports events, such as a national championship. Keep in mind that you do not have to attend the games, just hang out with fans before the game and show your interest in pins. Political campaign rallies are also an opportunity to find pin collectors. Festivals allow you to interact with other people, so consider music festivals, cultural festivals and holiday festivals. Tourist attractions such as national parks, museums and historical attractions can also help you find pin collectors from around the world.