This page represents a collection of replies received on my article (Beanies, Then and Now) The messages that appear are how I received them. I do not edit anyone else's material. I have a difficult enough time editing my own! LOL
I do remove portions of their name and all e-mail addresses.

Just wanted to write you a quick note of thanks and to let you know how much it means to me to be on your mailing list. I find your articles interesting and very informative and look forward to each one (and sometimes more) that I receive each day. I know that a lot of time, effort and work goes into each and everyone of these, so I wanted to send you a quick note of thanks and let you know how much I appreciate
it. Not only do I learn about Beanies but other things of interest as well. THANKS!!
Michele
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Janie, I loved your article just posted on TY. You have done a marvelous job day in & day out. I look forward to your news. I collect the beanie babies. I love to save them for future grandchildren, I love to give them away on Birthdays, the elderly, homeless, & the sick. They truly bring a smile. TY makes a wonderful product if you purchase at retail. I refuse to pay higher & will not drive around to find the
newest releases. I have used E-Bay for certain immediate occasions. I will end this hobby at the end of this year, but will follow the news & market. My latest experience was wrong. I have a wonderful florist-gift shop near my home. The owner has been very kind to me in my search for particular beanies. However, on the summer trio, she did reserve them for me & I picked them up. I felt like a criminal as she
told me not to tell anyone where I got them. This did send up a red flag to me. To the best of my knowledge the trio was never placed on the shelf for sale. I am not judging only questioning my thoughts on this product of TY beanie babies. So far they have not received any of the new releases. Their September order was canceled. Who knows?? But the joy is gone. The Birthday Bear beanie should be massed produced for potential gift giving. I would have done this item for everyone. (all birth dates have not been assigned) I truly think he will simply change the tags on future items, another generation of hang tags & tush tags. (Millennium Bean E ) Thank you again for your consistent news. I enjoy the year-to-date happenings. Best Wishes for your continued success. A side note for baseball fans, the Team Beans, are a wonderful product in detail. The cost is higher but I was impressed. Anne
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Hi Ms. Jane,
I thoroughly enjoyed your article and wish to say.... Thank You for caring... it is not always popular to take a stand ... ANY STAND... but when you do... well you do set yourself up for others to point the finger or pat the back.. that takes GUTS. and love and caring for the issue you support.

I have been collecting for about 2 years and have enjoyed it immensely,,, with all of its pitfalls and there are many, I have come to the conclusion anything worthwhile is not without it's problems.... and I suppose beanies are no different.

I support you in what appears the ongoing success of true beanie collectors who love them. If there is anything I may do please let me know.. as I totally agree.. one must stand firm and support their beliefs and convictions on issues. We must unite our common goal.... KEEP the collecting of beanies alive and enjoyable.

Again thank you from an avid beanie lover and a respectful person of your dedication to the survival of beanie collecting.....

God bless,
Sharon
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Amen is all I can say. You said it very well. Thanks for the pep talk!!
Cindy :-)
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Hi Janie
I agreed with you in all your comments. I am a collector from around February 1997. I have enjoyed collecting beanies and I have watched these small stuffed toys get better and better in quality. It is a hobby
I will continue until Ty no longer makes them. This is my personal collection and hobby. Please continue to keep me informed as to what is happening. Thanks
Judy
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ms janie-i read your article and say i do agree with your comments i have been a collectors for 6months now and have read alot of things on different sites and i say i totally agree with your comments and the way you present them and you know your going to catch alot of slack for this. :)
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Hi,
Speaking from collectors point of view and someone who seldom paid more than the normal price for a beanie, I wonder why it has taken Ty so long to "crack down" on the many retailers who sell "back door" to the secondary market. I live in the Dallas TX area and during the height of the frenzy in 1998 I know
of only a handful of stores that actually sold at retail prices and even then everyone of them raised the price to at least 10.00 for a new bear etc. or hard to find or recently retired hard to find. I made the rounds to hunt for beanies for myself and my kids, and couldn't believe some of the things that the retailers themselves were doing. Even the ones that mostly sold for normal prices, you had to buy an old to get a new, minum purchase of $100 or more for certain beanies, held them for certain customers, or wouldn't answer phone calls regarding beanies etc. I called Ty several times during the past one and half years to try and become a retailer myself, however I was always told that they were not giving out any more accounts at the time. I could have written a small book describing the retailers practices in this area,
but no one at Ty would have cared.
Personally I am selling my collection, however my kids still have theirs. My father passed away this June and I realized once again, that when you go, you don't take anything with you! I have sold my set for less than what I have in it. My father would have gotten the biggest laugh knowing that the sale of my beanies will purchase his headstone. I wish the person who's buying it from me the best of success in selling what she needs to sell. As for my kids, the two collectors don't have much interest anymore and my other one has always played with hers. She still enjoys the thrill of the chase, but frankly, I'm too tired to run.
CCB
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Collectibles are only Collelctibles if we keep collecting them!
Simple, straight, the end.
Becki
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Thanks for a well written article! I am in agreement with your stand as a business person and collector. My children and I have a wonderful collection that includes almost all the beanies retired since 1997, and we are also fans of the other Ty lines such as Attic Treasures, Buddies, Plush, and Pillow Pals. Although many of the announcements from Ty have been confusing, I do give a tremendous amount of credit to Ty Warner for his ingenuity and concern for those of us who do buy as a means of recreation.

Ever since my 12 year old daughter was given Garcia as a present many years ago (a bear that I cut the tag off of since I was a concerned parent and did that for all stuffed animals), beanies have been a passion for us. Even though he is tagless, has her initials on his tush tag, and is rather worn and dirty from his trips in her bookbag, he has remained one of her favorites... and it is very rare that she even thinks about what he would've been worth if we had kept him MWMT.

Six months ago we had a little boy, and he has many Ty products (beanies included) that have also had the tag cut off so that he can play with them. I know that Ty products are made so that they CAN be played with, so therefore, I know that they were meant to be collected as toys for CHILDREN.
Now that doesn't mean that adults can't enjoy them as well, just that they weren't created for us.

I have had to buy some of the older beanies from the secondary market out of necessity in trying to complete our collection, but I know that there are some that we will never be able to obtain purely because they are out of our price range. It would be a dream to have some of those, but I can not see
sacrificing other aspects of our lives in order to have them. I have been very lucky with my local retailers (all of whom have very negative feelings about "dealers" and the secondary market) and have always been able to obtain Ty products at very reasonable prices. I am thankful for that.

Well, I didn't mean to go on so long, but I did want you to know that there are those of us out here who loves Beanies and Ty, and hope that we will be able to continue to love them for many years to come. As for us, it would take a lot (and I don't necessarily mean money!) for us to ever part with our animal "friends".
Denise:-)
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Here are my comments as a collector (although I have only collected for about a year and a half). I am very discouraged about the most recent releases and the Ty announcement. Because all of the September releases will be retired at the end of the year, many collectors ( I will group secondary market dealers in this category also) are going berserk. I have heard of many more instances when the customers have been rude. Since I work full time, I have not been able to buy the new releases, unlike in the past where occasionally a store would have them when I stopped by. I have been very positive about Ty because I understand business ( I am a business owner but sell professional services not specific products like plush toys) but recently have been quite discouraged. It has become quite cutthroat out there for collecting. Also, with Ty not selling to florists, the number of stores who sold at reasonable prices have been reduced. I applaud Ty for canceling accounts at Hallmark stores that are backdooring but wonder if it is a little
to late.

Today, I was in a toy store that sells beanies. I said something about the old buddies now being around when we were all searching for them several months ago to a woman next to me. She agreed and said that after December 31st, she was going to stop collecting. I said that is how I felt - no more standing in lines for hours, in the Year 2000 if I happen into a store that has beanies, I might buy them. I have talked to many people who feel the
same way.

To summarize, I think Ty has made a major mistake. He has started the common collector thinking that the end is Dec 31, 1999, Well it is for me and other collectors. Beanies are addicting but we now see an end to this.

By the way, I've seen other bear collectibles and to me Ty's product is the most adorable. Sorry this message has gone on so long and I hope you understand what message I am trying to express.
Kathy
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you go girl!! I just read your article/ comments and agree totally
Thank you for taking a stand. I too, am in this all the way!
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I read your message this morning and it shows that a lot of thought went into it.

I totally agree with you and if something is worth collecting, then you will have to hunt for the product. I live in a small town in North Carolina and yes, there are many dealers who try to get everything that the stores put out first and are very obnoxious and then there are others who are not..
There are some very reliable stores who put their customers first, and then there are the greedy ones who put them out the back door. It is not very difficult to see who those stores are and if you have been a good customer, then you can also take your business elsewhere.

I also have bought from the secondary market, but I try to find someone who is reliable and not going to take you. I have met some nice secondary dealers, who are trying to supplement their income. We all have the right to choose where we spend our money and the people we deal with.

I have truly enjoyed collecting the Ty beanies, but I also collect some of the Disney but not all. I enjoy the Mickeys and Poohs.

I believe my husband and I met you at the Mary Beth's collector show in Kentucky. That is the only one I went to, but at that time I lost your Email address. You have a great website. Keep up the good work.
Shirley
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I enjoyed reading your Beanie article Part I, but I do not believe that beanie babies are for kids. That may have been how the whole Ty Beanie business started, but as soon as they started to retire the pieces it became an adult collectors piece. Kids toys and dolls are historically not retired. GI Joe, Barbie, and a host of other current and discontinued dolls and toys are manufactured, put in the store and they run their natural coarse. If over time the manufacturer stops making them it is usually do to supply and demand, or the issue of a new piece. Either way most kids have had more than ample time to purchase them or receive them for gifts.
Beanies are retired and fall into the same class as Disney Collectors Pieces, Harmony Kingdom, and all the others that introduce the item and then discontinue it. The buyer knows that it is a matter of time before the
piece is not available. If Ty wanted to keep the Beanies for kids, they should have just continued to make them all. If this was the case we all would have Humphrey, Bumble and the other expensive beanies. I know this would have impacted secondary markets, but retail stores would have sold allot more Beanies to the kids and the collectors. And lets be fair, Harmony Kingdom and the other collectables have a very small secondary market, you do not see tents at flee markets and shows every weekend selling their items.
Thanks for the article.
Tony
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I agree with your article 110%. As a Ty retailer and small store owner we have to live the life of Ty every day. I had a customer call yesterday to tell me that a friend of hers said I would no longer sell Ty products as stated on my front door. I told her that she didn't fully read the sign on my front door. It plainly states what this dealers policy is: We will no longer sell Ty products to anyone who deals in the secondary market! It goes on to say allot more on this subject, but we have had that displayed publicly for over a year and we receive more positive comments then negative. We know who the secondary market people are and they really give you a strange look and lie after they read what our policy is. Our true customers appreciate this stand. Keep up the good work.
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Hello, I was playing on BeanieMom.com and found a link to your site. I am glad that I came. I have bookmarked and will be back again. Thanks for all the wonderful info on Beanies. ALSO thanks for the Gem section, It was an unexpected and pleasant surprise. .
Shellee
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Thanks for the very informative article! I too have many emotions about the happenings of 1999! I just wanted to say thank you and I will continue to watch your postings :O) Traci Livering
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Hello Ms. Janie,
I just finished reading your article part 1 of 2 and I would have a agree with you. My family and I have been collecting beanies since March 97 we have purchased every beanie made since May 97 and have a few of the "older" ones. It is not only a collectible but also a way to spend quality time with your kids.I have 4 daughters we have stood in line waiting for beanies and just talk to each other. We have made many new beanie friends and I have learned many things that my kids think about that I might not have learned if we were not in those lines. Sure they are a collectible and the thrill of the hunt is fun but they can also be a way to get close to your family. We are in it to the end no matter what. I can only say that come Jan. 2000 Ty is sure to bring a surprise to us all. If it is truly the end then thank you Ty it was a great ride if not then the new hunt is on. Thank you.
Chris
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Hi Janie,

Great article! I enjoyed it immensely, and see that your heart is truly in everything you do and say. I admire you so much!
Thanks again, Janie.
Take care,
Pam
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3 CHEERS FOR YOU.....as a manager of a retail store with a TY account I can only applaud this article! We (the owners and other managers of our small chain) are consistantly trying to provide up to date information regarding this line of products. We try to keep up with all forms of media and dispel rumors as often as possible, as well as fend off secondary market dealers from our stores (sometimes, this is no small task). However, we have found that keeping our accounts current and having a wonderful working relationship with our TY Rep. (what a woman!!) has made dealing with all of the issues of this product truly a blast! What fun it has been to watch the market as well as the collectors (new and old) grow over the past few years. Our hats are OFF to the TY Corp.......what a wild ride it has been, and we can't wait for
the next turn in the road!
C. S.
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I guess you could say I am taking a wait-n-see stand, but a group of my Beanie-collecting friends and I are discussing dropping out of the race.
In recent months it has gotten downright ugly out there: the little neighborhood speciality stores that have been a good supply source are nearly overrun with secondary dealers and their "shills" who are extremely aggressive about getting every Beanie Buddy or Baby they can get their hands on, to the point of grabbing strangers off the street to make a purchase after the shill themselves have made a purchase. Or when a line has formed, certain "plants" in the front of the line rush in the store, grab everything off the shelves and hold it until their companions who are further back in line get inside, then hand the product off to them. Or there are individuals who bring along a husband, plus a son, plus a grandchild or two, plus themselves. Of
course, every member of the family gets the maximum limit. All the products are immediately sold to secondary dealers. There are retailers who play games with their customers: they change their sales policy regarding Beanies & Buddies from day to day, (the last time a was there, they changed how they were going to handle that day's product THREE TIMES before the store ever opened), putting out only 1 or 2 each of a particular "hot" item -once a day- so you are forced to come back over and over and over again to try and acquire something. And since there are so few put out, if you're not 1st or 2nd in line, you are out of luck. For people like myself, who work full time, it is very hard to keep up with which retailer is due for a shipment what day, etc. Most retailers put their product out on weekdays. I can't be there - I'm at work. If I didn't have a retired friend who has the time to go chasing after these things day in and day out, I wouldn't have nearly the collection of "hot" Beanies that I have.

My biggest gripe about Ty has to do with his "exclusivity" policies on certain Beanies and Buddies. Osito is supposed to be a US exclusive.
But did you know he is available on the US military bases in Germany?
How exclusive it that? Are there Germanias available in the US at German embassies or from German-held corporations? I don't think so.
And since Ty Europe gets an exclusive Buddy in the form of Brittania (not to mention Canada's Maple) why didn't the US get something equally exclusive so we'd have some trading power? My basic opinion is that Ty is taking his American market for granted, and he is going to be sorry if he keeps it up.

All of this is getting old. The prolonged mysteries from Ty, the abuse from retailers, the ugly competition with the secondary dealers.... it's just not as much fun as it used to be. There are too many people in this who are not in it for fun, but for profit - and I mean they are using the acquisition and sale of Beanies as a means of tax-free, supplementary, cash income. Of course it's important to them, they NEED THE MONEY !! They are going to trample over anyone and anything if they have to. I am seriously considering getting out of their way.
Thanks for letting me sound off.
SusanJ
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I am a grandmother of 6.I started collecting Beannie babies,and pillow pals and now the buddys since1995, so they have quite a collection until this last year and now i have been lied to, treated rude, and can't get any new ones. I have to buy off the internet, and pay high prices, which i can't afford to do
anymore. I was at a small mall in Barrington,IL this month and the secondary market people had so many plastic bags of the new Sept. ones, that i would like to know where they get them all. I asked a young man ,with his father, where he got them and he smiled and said my Dad buys them from the stores
that keep telling you , we didn't get our shipment in, at that point i was so disgusted about it i left. I can't believe Ty can't do something about it.
If and when i do find a store that has them, it's the same old story you have to buy 2 or 3 of the old ones to get1of the new ones and then they never put out the new bears, it's always the same ones at the other stores, it was so fun to buy them but because of the greed of the dealers selling out the back door and if you ask them a question they get right down rude. I am really tired of it and i know for a fact of 2 stores that sell out the back. I guess i just had to get it off of my back. The dealers have taken away all the fun of collecting, I just wish Ty would do something about it, because being a grandmother i could afford buying the Beannies for my grandchildren but now they are so expensive and the only way you get them is off the internet or secondary market, which i no longer can afford. Well thanks again i needed to tell someone
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Ty has not given us much to go on and we have been lost for weeks
I have been collector for over 3 years and have thoughts of giving it up. Your article has inspired me to continue to collect.
I hope you do not get a lot of grief for taking a stand and reminding us what this hobby is all about.
It surly was nice to see someone finally address some of the issues.
I have not always agreed with everything you say but do admire you for saying it.
My son is English major, he suggests that you consider asking someone to edit your mateiral.
He found a couple of errors that should have or may have even been addressed by now.
Don't worry about it too much, even newspapers make errors. It's just that some people are real picky and expect perfect grammar and editing. I get picked on all the time by my family, I just ignore them.
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id like to know what you are trying to prove by writing this article.
Cant you see that beanies are over.
Whats wrong with you people.
Ty killed the hobby for all of us and everyone acts like nothing has happened.
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Ms.Janie
I like the way you express yourself. You are the first person I know to write for collectors. I love your site and will continue to visit.
We signed up for your news and enjoy it every morning. It's a shame so many benefit from it as well. Keep up the good work.
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No sense in trying to save this hobby, its dead and over. Move on.
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I'm a 14 year old student who still collects. I get angry with adults because they act like I should not collect. Beanies are for kids and the adults should backoff.
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