Dr Frank’s Tips for Pin Trading ‘08

The most important part of pin trading is to have fun and meet new people. This is the true goal of pin trading. All trading should occur entirely without the exchange of money!

Trading should be conducted in a fair and honest manner. Traders should never take advantage of younger or less experienced traders. Pin trading should be done according to the “FAIR PIN TRADING CODE.”

There will be 4 areas designated as “Fair Pin Trading Zones”. These will be:          

                                          The Presidential Courtyard

                                          The Convention Center

                                          The area outside of the Team Registration Site (tues/wed)

Pin trading can occur in public areas inside competition sites and at the evening activities. However, trading should never occur inside the competition rooms and is especially forbidden during another team’s performance.

A Fair Trade is one where both parties involved get what they want and are happy with the deal. If you are unsure whether or not a trade is a good one, ask around to see what other traders are offering. It is considered unsportsmanlike to take advantage of younger and inexperienced traders!!! It is your responsibility to let them know the approximate “value” of what they have for trade and to trade fairly with them.

Remember that it is acceptable to decline a trade.  You don’t have to make any trade that you aren’t happy with.

Parents and TMs are encouraged to take an active role in teaching their team members about fair trading practices. On occasion, adults get caught up in the pin trading frenzy and start to interfere with the kids’ trading (or take over and make trades for their kids). This violates the spirit of the challenge—enthusiastic adults should get their own pins and make their own trades.

We strongly encourage the practice of trading 1 pin for 1 pin, or a pin set for another pin set of equal number.  Sometimes you may need to “sweeten the deal” and give an extra pin for one that is really desirable or “hot”. However, taking advantage of others and asking them for large numbers of pins in exchange for one or yours is prohibited.

Be patient!! The week is long and you will meet hundreds of other traders. If you see a pin that you really want, but can’t seem to be able to trade for it…be patient!! Don’t make a foolish trade or allow somebody to take advantage of you. If you keep trying, eventually you will find a trader who has the pin that you want and who is willing to make a fair trade. Remember: you can try to get an extra “hot” pin and try and “trade up” for that really cool pin.