The Pacific Pin Club, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Tactics give collectors a bad name

September 21, 2009

The tactics exhibited by a few are giving the majority of pin collectors a bad name.

Case in point ... a European collector's request sent to a number of 2010 sponsors that asks for a pin and a lanyard, includes a list of 13 other friends and associates who want the same thing, and includes mailing instructions too !!

That may be the reason why some 2010 partners, sponsors, supporters and suppliers are choosing to say "No" to such requests and tell legitimate collectors that their pin programs are "strictly internal" or "just for our employees and customers".

Others, however, realize the tremendous goodwill created by saying "Yes" and do send pins when requested. These organizations get it and understand that a simple lapel pin can extend their brand and reach consumers and customers - many of whom are collectors - in a new and different way and at very little cost.

Many 2010 corporate activation strategies are also including pins ... the BC Lottery Corporation, CTV British Columbia, COLD-FX, Wonder Bread, Vincorp, Saputo and Coca-Cola to name but a few.

So, in the interest of awareness and education ... please, please, please do not ever, ever, ever send a letter like this:

Dear Mr. XX,

For many years I'm enthusiasticly collecting lapel pins (badges), as well as lanyards. Today I'm referring to you to ask you to support me in my efforts to upgrade my collection. I would appreciate very much if you could send me free of charge several lapel pins and/or lanyards of XX company. Of course I would appreciate very much to receive especially any pins commemorating your involvement in the upcoming Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Please don't hesitate to leave me a short message, if you should have no stocks of lapel pin badges and/or lanyards at the moment.

With best regards

Should you hold enough lapel pins or other similar items, I would like to ask you furthermore to also provide several of them to some of my fellow collectors (please see the list below). Of course it would be a pleasure to me to forward some pins to them if you are not capable to send individual mailings.

[1]
XX

[2]
XX

[3]
XX

[4]
XX

[5]
XX

[6]
XX

[7]
XX

[8]
XX

[9]
XX

[10]
XX

[11]
XX

[12]
XX

For the following pin collectors club from XX - due to the distance - I would appreciate if you could send them an individual package with several pins:

[13]
XX

Please try to send the pins well-packed in a bubbled envelope or something similar to avoid damages during the transit.

Last updated: 21 September 2009