Not so much money as value. I would like to trade some off and start my own collection, but everywhere I turn people try to screw me or blow me off. Am I wrong in trying to make a fair trade or to want to become more informed about what I'm trading (both sides of the trade)

I'm not trying to screw anyone, but I know NOTHING about the tides of this 'industry', so I'm trying to collect as much information as I can before I start trading or selling. Isn't it in my best interest to get the best trades? I'm not saying find a sucker to give me $500 for a chip valued at $.50, but find someone that wants to trade an even value? And how do I figure the value of a chip when I have so many?