What's Inside a Gen Con Pin Bazaar Starter Set?
By Foam Brain Games - Plastic and Metal RPG Dice, Enamel Pins, and | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Curious about the Gen Con Pin Bazaar Starter Set? We break down what's inside each year's exclusive soft enamel pin collection, how pin trading works, and what makes these retail-only sets special.
Quick Answer
A Gen Con Pin Bazaar Starter Set is a retail-only pack of exclusive soft enamel pins released for a specific convention year. Each set contains 2-3 pins, and the designs are only available while supplies last, making them a collectible for pin traders and RPG enthusiasts.
Why Buy a Starter Set Instead of Individual Pins?
Starter sets bundle multiple exclusive designs at a lower price than buying the same pins separately, if they are even sold individually. Because these are retail-only releases, the sets are a straightforward way to get the year's core pins without hunting for them at the convention or online.
What About Rare Pins?
Some starter sets, like the 2020 edition, are shipped after the convention so that any rare pins you earn through the Pin Bazaar program can be included. If you plan to trade or collect rare pins, check the product description for shipping timelines and eligibility rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many pins come in a starter set?
- Most Gen Con Pin Bazaar Starter Sets contain 2 to 3 exclusive soft enamel pins. For example, the 2019 set has 2 pins, while the 2020 and 2022 sets each have 3 pins.
- Are the pins in a starter set exclusive?
- Yes. Each starter set includes designs that are only available in that specific set and are not sold separately. They are retail-only, so once stock runs out, they may not be restocked.
- Can I trade pins from a starter set?
- Absolutely. The soft enamel pins are 1.5 inches, a standard size for pin trading at conventions. Because the designs are exclusive, they can be desirable trade items for other collectors. If you plan to trade, keep the pins in their original packaging to preserve their condition and value.
- When does a starter set ship?
- Shipping depends on the year. Some sets ship immediately, while others, like the 2020 set, ship after the convention to allow rare pin inclusion. Always check the product listing for the expected ship date.
- Do starter sets qualify for rare pins?
- It varies. The 2020 starter set notes that buying at least 4 Gen Con 2020 Pin Bazaar Pins qualifies you for free rare pins. Other sets may have different rules, so read the product description carefully. If earning rare pins matters to you, confirm the promotion details before purchasing.
Starter Set Examples
- Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2022 Starter Set: The Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2022 Starter Set includes 3 exclusive 1.5-inch soft enamel pins, and it is a retail-only offering. If you want the 2022 designs, this set is the only way to get them, and they are limited to available stock.
Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2022 Starter Set - Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Starter Set: The Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Starter Set contains 3 exclusive 1.5-inch soft enamel pins and ships after Gen Con 2020 to allow inclusion of any rare pins you earned. Ordering this set before the convention means you can receive both the starter pins and any rare pins you qualify for in one shipment.
Pin Bazaar: Gen Con 2020 Starter Set
