This article will deal with many issues, which have upset
collectors as well as myself. I feel that once and for all, I
need to set the record straight!
In a previous article written by myself entitled "Bring
Beanies Back To Reality" I tried to focus on issues which
had become very disturbing to collectors. If you have not had
the opportunity to view this article, you may choose to do so
at this time.
The article received an enormous amount of attention and was
very well received. Please read on-line reviews and look for the
article to appear in a magazine entitled "Beanie Update Trader".
While I'm on the subject of "Beanie Update Trader"
I would like to make one thing perfectly clear! This magazine
is to be considered for the serious collector. This publication
has been offered and well received. In professional journalism
there should be no need for direct competition or negativity.
I view all Beanie publications as a great asset to collectors.
Beanie collectors have a thirst for knowledge, which far exceeds
the Internet. It is a proven fact that less than 1/4 of all Beanie
collectors has Internet access.
In my opinion, in order to keep this thirst satisfied, the
more information regarding Beanies, the better-educated collectors
become. As senior editor of this publication I wish to provide
a well-rounded information based publication for all collectibles.
Please allow me to dissect the
current market and address collectors concerns.
The following topics will be discussed, which will also
include direct comments from various collectors.
A. Ty's latest retirement.
B. Ty's Billion Dollar Bear
C. Clubby
D. Negative comments and false rumors regarding Beanies.
E. My involvement with Ty.
F. My last article entitled "Ty's marketing practices"
TY'S LATEST RETIREMENT
Many of us have just experienced the longest retirement
in Ty's history. Ty kept collectors intrigued, excited and coming
back for more.
For fifteen days we witnessed some of the following messages.
Gone fishing, out to lunch, beach closed and patience is a virtue.
The grand unveiling happened on day sixteen. Unfortunately it
left a lot of collectors feeling empty and confused.
Retailers across the country emptied shelves of Beanies with
the speculation and hopes that they may retire. This retirement
not only sparked renewed interest it also disillusioned collectors.
Collectors were disappointed that Ty did not retire some of
the bears in the current line. Secondary market dealers felt the
only good piece, which retired, was "Seaweed the Otter".
Nobody could imagine that Ty was through! Daily, the Ty site continued
to be hammered. Collectors were looking for hints of additional
retirements. "It never happened!"
I had one lady e-mail me and compare this retirement to a
balloon. As long as it's inflated, its fun to play with, but when
it's over, it's over! What a deflated BUMMER!
I will admit, I ran to my computer every morning waiting to
view the latest news on the Ty site - www.ty.com
I too wished Ty had retired some bears. The funny thing with
Ty, you never know what mysterious ploy they have planed for us
next. They obviously know how to capture our attention!
TY'S BILLION DOLLAR BEAR
Wise made an announcement in the Ty diary. Ty had just
issued his employees two Billion-dollar bears for a job well done.
These bears are a chocolate brown and proudly display a dollar
sign, which signifies a billion dollars in sales.
As you well know, there are two sides to every story. This
story was no exception.
Collectors either loved or hated the idea of the Billion-dollar
bear! Many collectors felt that Ty should have never made the
announcement in the first place. Others felt that it was a nice
gesture.
I have received much e-mail from collectors who felt that
this gesture only proves that Ty supports the secondary market.
This bear could easily generate a billion responses.
I had been asked to comment on my feelings towards this bear.
After giving it much consideration, I can only honestly say that
I have mixed emotions.
Ty certainly has the right to reward his employees with a
token of his appreciation. Many corporations use bonuses and gifts
to reward their employees.
I would assume that the bottom line is we all wish we could
work for Ty, if not for the duration, at least long enough to
obtain this bear! I'm sure there is a little bit of jealously
in all of us.
CLUBBY
Clubby is the mascot for The Beanie Babies Official
Club. Poor Clubby has taken a beating lately.
Collectors have been angered by the late response to the arrival
of this bear and have expressed their anger in many ways. I will
personally state that I ordered my Clubby shortly after it was
introduced. My Clubby arrived approx. 18 weeks later. Yes, I was
a little concerned, but the bottom line is I did get what I ordered.
Please remember Ty's message, "Patience is a virtue".
Collectors have also been confused why Cyrk would make the
following statement
A creased or damaged tag is not considered damaged
merchandise.
Ty's hangtags have always been an important part of collecting.
The tag not only holds value it also shows authenticity.
I'm assuming that Ty still views Beanies for children. All
of Ty's Beanies have hangtags that suggest their removal, Clubby
is no exception. The suggestion for removal is to be considered
a safety issue.
NEGATIVE COMMENTS FROM THE PRESS
I don't know about you, but I'm sure getting tired of
all the negative press I've been reading lately on Beanies. At
times I feel like it's a conspiracy!
Recently I read an article which stated that Beanie collectors
were ignorant. This article also stated that many parents are
no more educated than their kids. I consider myself a fairly educated
woman; I buy what I like. It has nothing to do with being smart
or ignorant.
I realize that this country is founded upon freedom of speech.
I also realize that when you start portraying Beanie collectors
as being ignorant, you're messing with the wrong crowd! Most Beanie
collectors are loyal and educated. I would venture to say that
if this hobby died off, history would definitely repeat itself.
There is no way on gods green earth that a collectible of this
magnitude would die forever.
Other negative reports have surfaced which include some of
the following comments:
A. The ship is slowly sinking.
B. Unload Beanies if you have them.
C. Prices are taking a noise dive.
I would suggest for these people to get on that sinking ship,
unload their negativity and educate themselves about Beanies and
prices. Why is it that you never hear negative comments made about
any other collectible except Beanies? Could it be that so many
people missed the boat and feel left out? Or, could it simply
be that they never experienced what TRUE Beanie collector's experience.
Beanies have been proven time and time again to enhance lives
of many individuals aged from one to 101.
Do not allow these NEGATIVE comments to predict the future
of Beanies. I think for now on I will adopt a new motto. Anytime
I read a negative on-line comment; I'm going to send that writer
a Beanie gram. Hopefully it will help to brighten their day.
My relationship with TY
This December will mark my two-year involvement with
writing about Beanie Babies. Over this two-year time span many
collectors have asked on question OVER and OVER. What is my relationship
with Ty and do I work for Ty, Inc.?
I will answer this question by sharing an e-mail and my response
to the message.
From:
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 10:15:37 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: just a quick question
Dear Ms. Daniels:
I am impressed with your information continually but I have
one nagging question. Are you working for Ty? It seems that you
must be in some way connected to the company simply because of
your insights and consistent party line of Ty not doing anything
wrong. I don't say that to suggest that you are wrong for your
stances. No, I agree with most of the things you write. I'm impressed,
as I said, with your informative articles, but as a newbie to
the beanie market, I was simply curious as to how you get your
information- generally, not specifically.
XXXX
Dear XXXX,
I do not work for Ty! I simply consider myself a freelance
reporter. I choose to research and write about a product I believe
in. I have NEVER misled anyone into thinking otherwise.
As a mom and a collector its important for me to capture history
as it unfolds. I truly believe that Ty's practices, good or bad,
have made history.
Numerous on-line newspapers, retailers, collectors, webmasters
and research provide my information.
I always strive to be a fair in my articles and only print
what I believe to be accurate. It infuriates me when I read so
many negative comments in regards to Ty. I have been involved
with this collectable for almost two years; many new collectors
have no idea the hurdles Ty and old collectors have had to overcome.
I appreciate your question and hope I have answered it to
your satisfaction. If I can assist you in any other way, please
advise.
Sincerely,
Ms. Janie
Hopefully, this will put an end
to all of the RUMORS that I work for Ty.
Latest Ty Marketing article.
I realize that as a writer there will be many
articles written which many people will not approve of. There
is no way any writer can cover all angles to ensure full complete
satisfaction. I also realize that in order to allow yourself to
grow, you have to share the good and bad comments from your readers.
I recently wrote an article about Ty's marketing practices.
Although this article was well received by most, there were a
few collectors who did not agree upon its contents. I commend
these collectors for voicing their opinions and always respond
to their comments. I'd like to share a message I recently received
from a collector.
From:
Date: Fri, 9 Oct 1998 11:50:25 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Article
Dear Jane,
How can you say the following? :
I feel that Ty has successfully balanced company profits,
consumer satisfaction and public interest in their marketing policies.
"A balance which many companies strive for but never achieve."
Basically, the mood here in Virginia Beach towards TY is disgust,
in Mother's having to call all over, TRYING desperately in vain
to find beanies, because all the retailers sell them at ridiculous
prices, if they even sell them in their stores at all. To wit......the
98 Christmas bear is being sold on eBay by a retailer, stating
they will come to you "right out of the bag from TY."
Now, if TY can find the Merry bear that was being auctioned
on there, and ask them to remove it.....why can't they contact
this unscrupulous pre-seller and refuse to sell to him any more?
Obviously he isn't selling them in his store for those poor children
with their $5 allowance money. No....I believe Mr. Warner to be
more like the Witch in the Candy house in Hansel and Gretel........He
CLAIMS these toys are for children, but DELIGHTS in the secondary
market......If he has time to stop websites, I would certainly
think he would be able to put some of his people on researching
the sources for all those people on HIS web page, selling beanies
by the DOZENS....STILL in the bag from TY.
And the EPITOME of tackiness is to celebrate the fact he has
sold over a BILLION dollars worth of product, by making a bear
the poor "ALLOWANCE children" will never be able to
get, with what seems to be the religious symbol for Ty Warner
emblazoned on his chest - The Almighty Dollar sign.
Dear XXXX
I understand your frustration and agree with most of it!
I have learned that once a product becomes as popular as Beanies,
there is no real control over retailers. Ty can't do it all!
Ty does not pay me nor do I work for them. I simply write
articles about their Beanie Babies. I try to balance my articles
and write what I feel.
I feel Ty has done their best, that's not to say that there
isn't room for improvement! I'm a mom too and I know how difficult
it is to track down Beanies. Ty may or may not support the secondary
market, but they certainly have no control over it. They may or
may not encourage this market, many large corporations practice
the same polices. It does not mean we have to like them, we just
have to accept them.
Rumors run rampant and most are not true! I feel Ty fell into
a situation with "Beanies" and was not prepared for
the explosion.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say. I value your
opinion and welcome your comments anytime.
Sincerely,
Ms. Janie
At 07:32 AM 10/10/98 EDT, you wrote:
Dear Ms. Jane,
Thanks for responding. I have been trading for over two years
and collecting Bean bag animals for much longer. I recently moved
more into the Disneys because I feel like they are a better lesson
for my daughter - She can ONLY get them through Disney outlets
and they are ALWAYS $6 a piece....she may have to TRADE or PAY
a secondary dealer more for a couple, but she has as even a chance
at getting them as everyone else. I LIKE that! I have had too
many experiences with store owners reporting that a beanie was
"Hard to Find" or "GOING to be retired" and
charging the secondary price for it right off the bat, which has
shown my daughter a greedy , bitter side of adults far sooner
than I wanted her to learn it. I guess that's just why I disagree
with the "good balance" statement. No doubt Ty has a
marketing phenomena on his hands, but he is also feeding that
secondary market by only sending them to the teenie stores and
then adding more collectors through billions at McDonalds. The
bottom line is that TY has allowed children to be squeezed out.....parents
will no longer spend twice what they were originally forever.......they
can't.....and I hope TY has enough true collectors going, right
now you just can't tell , with the shortage being falsely created
by the Primary retailers.
Thanks for listening Janie
I truly do understand this woman's frustrations! Beanies started
out being a child's toy; now it has been taken over by the adults,
me included. I also understand the difficulty in tracking these
critters down. If it weren't for family members and a very sweet
retailer who helps me from time to time, I would NEVER be able
to finish my set.
It's very difficult to try and analyze the situation. In my
article entitled "The Untold Truth
about the Secondary Market" we learned how important
this market is in order for Beanies to survive. Whether Ty supports
this market or not is irrelevant. The market would still exist
and Ty would have little or no control over it. Many would question
whether or not Ty feeds this market; the Billion Dollar bear would
be a perfect example. Again, a very tough question. You be the
judge!
This article was written by:
Janie E. Daniels
Commonly known as Ms. Janie
Copyright 2004 All
rights reserved.
