It's good that I work in merchandising!
Pin trading indeed is one of the hottest collectables in recent Disney history. Since you are starting out, let me give you some tidbits about pin trading.
Most pins start at $6.50, with more elaborate designs starting at $8.50 on to $15.00 for pins that light up for example. All limited edition pins start at $8.50. Edition size can be as high as 7500 or as little as 50 during some pin events. Lanyards are $8.00, a starter lanyard set is $25.00 with four trader pins. If your collection gets bigger, we have pin books at $20.00, a pin backpack for $32 and a larger Pin Book with strap for $36.
I usually tell guests to not just go for the LE's, but for the pins that you like. There are thousands and thousands of pins that have been released throughout the world. You aren't going to get them all. I usually stick to Minnie Mouse pins since she is my favorite.
Remember, you can trade with the Cast Members! If a CM has a laynard with pins, you can trade for up to two pins...and any pins! Well, not just
any pin. We can't accept duplicates or pins that aren't copyright Disney. I'm sure you won't have any problems with that.
For more information on pins and pin trading, check out these sites:
Dizpins Dizneypins
-For the latest in pin information and upcoming events
Pinpics
-A massive pin database featuring over 11,000 pins. You can also trade online using the personal trade assistant. I got a lot of good trades using this site!