How to trade
- Approach politely. "Hi, would you like to trade pins?"
- Show your pins. Hold out your team's pins so the other player can see them.
- Look, don't grab. Ask before touching pins on someone else's towel, hat or lanyard.
- Trade one for one. Most trades are one of your team's pins for one of theirs.
- Say thank you, whether you trade or not.
Rules most traders follow
- It's okay to say no. Nobody has to trade a pin they want to keep.
- Trade your team's pins first. Pins you collected can be traded too, but most kids want each team's own pin.
- Be kind to younger kids. Older players often help younger traders or make generous trades.
- No pressure, no tricks. Trades should be fair and freely agreed.
- Don't trade during games or team activities; trade during set times.
Special pins
Some teams have a limited "special" pin, such as a glow-in-the-dark or rhinestone pin, alongside their regular pin. These are often traded only for other special pins. Make sure your players know which pins are which.
For parents
- Help young players count and carry pins.
- Set a daily allowance so pins last the whole tournament; see how many trading pins do you need.
- Keep a reserve with the team manager.
- Model good manners; kids follow what they see.
- Watch for safety: posts are sharp, so pins should be stored with backs on.
Where to trade
Most tournaments have trading areas or times: before opening ceremonies, in the evenings, at designated tents. Our guide to pin trading at tournaments covers what to expect.
Showing your collection
Trading towels, vests and hats show off collections and make it easy to see what others have. See trading pin display.
New to trading pins? Read what are trading pins.
What to say
Short phrases help shy players: "Want to trade?", "Which one do you like?", "Thanks for trading!" Older players can help younger ones get started by trading with them first.
When someone says no
Smile, say thanks and move on. Sometimes a player is saving a pin for a friend or wants a different team's pin. There will be other trades.
Trading with adults and collectors
At some events, adult collectors trade too. Players should trade only what they want to and never feel pressured by an adult. Parents can step in if a trade seems unfair.
Written by the Enamelore team, who proof every order. Questions about this guide? Email hello@enamelore.com.
