Anyone can trade Olympic pins... the trick is to do it with finesse and to build an outstanding collection. Before the Games, start by preparing your trader stock, which should include duplicates of pins from your permanent collection and any other pins you’re willing to part with. Its best to take a variety of traders, even if you collect just one particular type of Olympic pin – sponsor, National Committee, commemorative or whatever. Although some collectors prefer to trade like pins for like pins (media for media, mascot for mascot, etc.), the majority are more flexible. Exchanging a trader for a pin outside your specialty may later bring you a pin you really desire. Also consider buying Olympic pins now that you think might be hot at the Games.

Next, decide how best to display your traders. Collectors who spend a lot of their time at the Coca Cola Official Olympic Pin Trading Center of other high-traffic spots often affix pins to towels, scarves, cloth-covered boards and the like. Those who move around a lot and trade off the cuff should wear pins on hats, vests or other articles of clothing; this is also the best way to advertise yourself as a collector.

Plan to leave room in your luggage for a fanny pack, backpack or a pin-pal. These provide excellent temporary storage for the keepers you acquire at the Olympic Games. Equally important, jot down your name, address and phone number on small slips of paper to hand out to fellow collectors; this way you can continue trading by mail after the Games. Some collectors have business cards printed, complete with a mention of the types of pins and other collectibles they seek.

Finally, establish a goal – such as to collect one NOC pin from each participating nation. Some collectors also suggest setting financial limits for yourself. Although trading is more popular than buying at the Games, some pins do sell for fairly sizable sums. Keep in mind that pin trading is only par of the Games experience. Meeting people from around the world can provide just as much fun.

At the Games, unabashed collectors will make trades on airplanes, in airports, at rest stops, and at any other point en route to the host city. The approach is simple: “Want to trade?” usually suffices. Gesturing often works well when dealing with collectors who don’t speak your language. In the host city, expect collectors to seek you out at events, on public transportation and in hotels and restaurants – even in bathrooms! Wear pins and you’ll attract collectors.

Among the prime Olympic pin trading locations are the Olympic venues, popular sports are swimming and gymnastics. Today’s Olympic pin seekers inevitably gather at pin trading centers where traders can use the space to display their offerings and admission is usually free.