You need the traders to participate in trades not necessarily in the chips@face. The chips@face list provides a forum to allow people who are willing to pick up an extra chip or two during their travels for other collectors under the auspices that you'll be willing to sell them at face value (plus the shipping charge). I usually offer them for face or trade of something I don't have. Rather have the chips than the money but either way is good.

But to start your collection next time you take a road trip to a casino, make sure to pick up 1 for yourself and maybe 2 extra. You'll be amazed at how fast you you get a few traders, then trade them then get a few more and then suddenly... you have a collection...