Custom Trading Pin Articles

ROCK THE OPTIONS!

As teammates, parents and coaches gather to consider the 2010 Little League season trading pins, the design possibilities are endless. Trading pins have evolved over the years, adding extras that raise the trading value. Today's pin traders expect a lot more than just a basic cloisonne pin.

The good news is, working directly with our art staff gives you the opportunity to add your own creativity to your trading pin design. Options on today's pins can range from danglers to spinners to sliders, glitter to bobble heads to blinkers. You can mix and match or combine 'em all to create a one of a kind pin for your kids. The goal is to have the best trading pins at the tournament, right? The more you rock the options, the better your pins will trade.

Start with the basics. Baseball and softball bats, balls, and diamonds are a given. Sure, include them on your pins, but be aware, EVERY pin out there is likely to have some variation on these design elements. Where you go from there is what gives your pin value.

Glitter is the most basic option. Add glitter enamel to your design and you add dimension and sparkle. It's an inexpensive way to make your pins more popular.

Danglers add a second pin hanging from the main pin. These can specify the year of the tournament or showcase other things such as your state or region. Or you can go for baseballs, gloves and other aspects of the game.

Spinners and sliders give your pin an extra element - motion. That raises the "cool" factor immensely, giving the pins a playful feature unique to your team.

Got mascots? Get blinkers! Blinking LED eyes create a memorable impression, and add action to your design. Blinkers also can be customized for many other uses.

Bobble heads send the cool factor off the chart. Typically these show the head of a uniformed player in the team colors, but our artists can work with you to create a special bobble pin for any design you can imagine. As with spinners and sliders, you're adding motion to the pin, in an eye-catching way. These are among the most desirable pins you can have.

Can't make up your mind? Go for 'em all! Add as many design elements as will fit on the pin. Every element you add will add value to your pins. You'll have the design everybody else wants.

The other thing to keep in mind is that size matters. Bigger trading pins are always in higher demand. Most teams will order anywhere from 1.75-inch to 2.5-inch pins. In addition to the natural visual appeal of a bigger pin, it also gives you more real estate to add options. An extra 1/4 inch doesn't sound like much, but it increases the surface area of your pin up to 25%. An additional 1/2 inch increases the surface area of your pin by up to 40%!

Whatever the design you choose, order early. The sooner you get your order in, the less you have to worry about factory backlogs. Keep in mind that the Little League season is THE busiest time for all the trading pin factories. Get your order in early to avoid the backlogs and delays that start piling up by June.

Need some help with your design? No problem. Our talented graphic artists at Trading Pin Superstore will help you create the perfect trading pins, with all artwork and revisions absolutely FREE! Give us a call TOLL FREE at 1-866-862-8842, or email sales@tradingpinsuperstore.com and we'll get to work on your design!