I'm assuming by collector's reactions
that many of you are confused over Ty's latest announcement.
While some collectors are fuming mad, others are just stunned!
I hope I can offer solitude from
my experience revolving around Beanies for the last 3 1/2 years.
Ty is without a doubt the most secretive Company I have ever known!
Their success has been generated through their marketing techniques
and exceptional product lines. They have offered VERY little in
regards to advertising and rely on the Internet for it's main
marketing tool.
I think before any of us draw harsh conclusions we need to recap Ty's past history.
1. Ty can be exceptionally good
at confusing his collectors! It's what keeps interest alive and
product moving.
In my article entitled "Ty - The Master of Suspense"
5-2-98 http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/tyretire.html
Updated - May 4, 1998 http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/tyretire2.html
We learned how Ty can be very suspenseful. This article discusses
Ty's late "wee hours in the morning announcement" along
with their massive retirement.
This announcement had collectors mad, confused and bewildered!
After dissecting the situation and watching matters unfold, we
all came to the conclusion that Ty knew what he was doing.
Although the announcement time was inappropriate and the website
experienced an enormous amount of difficulties, the hobby survived
and collectors thrived!
2. My article entitled "Ty's
Clever Marketing Tactics" http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/marketing.html
Discusses everything you need to know about what makes this man
tick! It explains Ty's success Without advertising and promotions,
Ty's pricing philosophy, today's consumer and collector's, Feeding
the frenzy and Marketing on the edge.
For newcomers, this might just be the article you need to read
in order to satisfy your minds.
3. Many collectors feel that
Ty's latest announcement will only promote the secondary market
and will prevent them from ever obtaining Ty's products.
If you have ever held animosity towards the secondary market you
may want to read my article entitled "The Secondary Market,
the untold Story!" http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/2ndmarket.html
This article goes into great detail about the importance of this
market and addresses both pros and cons. Some of the topics discussed
are as follows: Originating an idea, Supply versus demand, Sociology,
Why people are attracted to this market and what keeps this market
alive. This article received rave reviews and helped collectors
understand Ty and the secondary market.
4. If you ever start to question
why you decided to get involved with this hobby in the first place,
read my article entitled "Why do Adults Collect Beanie Babies?"
http://www.msjanie.com/articles/archives/adults.html
This article gets to the heart of the matter! It's touching, humorous
and serious all rolled into one! Collectors share their childhood
experiences, triumphs and rewards, all, which Beanie Babies have
played an important role in. You may want to grab a box of Kleenex
when you read this heartfelt article. It's guaranteed to bring
a tear to your eye.
If you are not interested in reading any of the above articles and are just curious what my feelings are on this announcement, well here goes!
As we all are aware, many rumors surfaced about a possible Ty Warner retirement. I NEVER believed this rumor. This man has sunk his heart and soul into this collectible and has no reason to retire. He has it all! A successful company, luxurious hotel, beachfront property, lots of cash, good looks and a sound mind! What more does he need. He's half way retired and does not even know it!
In regards to the rumor that
Ty would buy up old stock of US retailers and ship it to Japan.
Personally, if Ty had not announced that ALL Beanies would retire
at the end of this year, this would have been an ingenuous marketing
strategy. It certainly would have benefited retailers and help
supply the Japanese market at the same time.
Fortunately or unfortunately, this rumor did not pan out and can
be stopped due to Ty's announcement.
Rumors surfaced about Ty and e-commerce joining forces. This can still be considered and may even be a good idea. Many companies have jumped on the bandwagon and have been successful through the use of e-commerce. I guess only time will tell if this rumor pans out!
Other rumors floated around the
Internet while many of us drew our own conclusions.
The bottom line
is this:
I do not believe Mr. Warner would do anything to jeopardize his
product lines. I do believe that he enjoys watching collector's
scramble trying to figure out what his next move will be.
Let's face it, it adds excitement to an already explosive hobby.
Keep in mind that the Millenium is coming to a close and with
it may bring a new Ty surprise. One which we all are bound to
be excited about!
Before you convince yourselves
that this hobby is over or Ty is calling it quits, think back
to past announcements. Make up your own mind and simply ask yourself
one question.
Is this the end or simply a new beginning?
I choose to believe it's the beginning of something WONDERFUL!