COLLECTOR'S BEST PRACTICES
Fair Trade & Happy Paws
Trading is the heart of our picnic! We believe every swap should leave both parties smiling. Use this guide to navigate values, rarity, and kindness during your visit.
- Ask before you touch another collector's pets
- Be transparent about condition (marks or loose joints)
- Compare values using our community rarity chart
- Kindness always trumps a 'perfect' trade
Be Fair
Balanced trades create a happy community. Check rarity guides and pet conditions before saying yes.
- Check rarity guides
- Match pets conditions
- Fair valuations
Principles of Fair Trade
Be Kind
The picnic is for friends. Use kind words and be patient with newer collectors during swaps.
- No pressure tactics
- Help new collectors
- Stay friendly
Be Respectful
Respect a 'no' with a smile. Always handle others' pets with clean hands and great care.
- Accept 'no' gracefully
- Safe pet handling
- Ask before touching
Best Practices for Trading
Trading should be fun, fair, and kind for everyone at the pet picnic. Follow these simple guidelines to ensure a respectful exchange:
- Ask Before Touching: Always request permission before picking up another collector's pets.
- Fair Discovery: Talk about rarity and condition openly before finalizing.
- Kind Negotiating: Keep conversations friendly and polite, even if you don't reach a deal.
- Clear Agreement: Ensure both parties are happy once the trade is completed.
Trading Hand-In-Paw: Simple Scenarios
Common situations LPS collectors might face at the picnic, with easy tips to keep every trade fair and kind.
What if someone says no to a trade?
Smile and say thank you anyway! Not every trade is a perfect match, and that’s part of the fun. Keeping it positive means everyone stays happy.
I’m unsure if a trade is fair.
It’s perfectly okay to ask for a minute to think. You can check a rarity guide or ask a friend for their opinion before you decide.
How do I verify a pet's authenticity?
Ask politely to hold the pet and check for neck pegs or icons. Most collectors at the picnic are happy to help you verify a potential swap!
What if someone is being pushy?
If you don’t feel comfortable, it’s always okay to walk away. Trading should feel fun and easy for everyone involved in the circle.
BE KIND * TRADE FAIR * SHARE JOY * BE KIND * TRADE FAIR * SHARE JOY *
Fair Trade Guide
Trading at the picnic should be fun for everyone! We've put together this guide to help you trade respectfully and avoid any misunderstandings.
Got a question during the event? Find an organiser wearing a lanyard.
What is a 'Fair' trade?
A fair trade happens when both collectors feel happy with the swap. Collectors often consider rarity, condition (like neck rust or chips), and the generation of the pet. If you're unsure, it's okay to ask for a second opinion from a community member!
Tips for Kind Trading
- Always ask before touching someone else's pets.
- If someone says 'no' to a trade, respect their choice without pressure.
- Clearly state if your pet is a 'fake' or a 'custom'.
- Be patient and give others time to think.
How to identify fakes?
Check the neck peg—most authentic pets have a clear or white peg. Look for the 'LPS' logo and ensure the seams are smooth. If it's a 'fake', that's fine, just make sure you disclose it before trading!
Managing Misunderstandings
If a trade feels wrong, it's okay to step back. Take a breath, politely explain your concern, and if needed, find an event organizer to help mediate. We're all here to have a good time!