Analysts would like you
to believe that the collectibles market is soft, but after my
monthly visit with Ms. Clairol, I gave this matter some thought.
Here's the way I see it: Beanbag collectibles played a large role
in the numbers that indicated a strong collectible market.
It has often been reported that the beanbag hobby never developed,
as a normal collectible should… Now, what the heck does that
mean?
A couple of years ago, anything that was stuffed with beans was hot and collectible. Some of these items even went as far as to include Titanic memorable beanbags, cartoon characters, angels of all forms and anything else that could take on a cute form and be stuffed. The quantity of items being manufactured drove up the indicating factors, showing that the collectibles market was soaring out of control.
Since then, many manufacturers have fallen by the wayside for one reason or another. Their declining numbers have led many to believe that this market is, in fact, soft.
Logically, beanbag items
are not the only things that make up the collectibles market.
But with companies like Boyds and Enesco restructuring and laying
off employees this sends out a message that the market is in trouble.
There are other factors like declining sales in other collectible
lines that give us a false sense that the collectibles market
has bottomed out.
In reality, this is not the case at all! Instead, the market figures
are typically in line with past years' trends and are expected
to rise slowly.
Don't be confused by numbers or outspoken analysts, although they
serve a purpose they often times reflect the wrong image.
Look at it this way: How many times have you heard the term (sobering
economy)? Just what is the economy suppose to be sobering up from?
Could it be all of those economic indicators, inflation or analysis?
To put it in simpler terms I often judge the economy by what's
left over in my checkbook after paying my bills.
In many cases it's just about enough to purchase a new pair of
socks…BUT if I 'm real careful I can actually save enough
to buy a $10.00 collectible. Yahoo life is good!
In closing I would like
to remind you of the following:
Beanies developed unlike any other collectible on the market.
Their popularity paved the path for the bandwagon to roll over.
The collectible market shouldn't hinge upon one product or manufacturer.
Therefore, be your own analyst and collect what you desire and
don't let the numbers sway your decision. Go out on a limb and
be different.
"You cannot discover new oceans unless you have the courage
to lose sight of the shore."