From:
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 22:32:02 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Sometimes the truth...
Dear Ms. Janie,
Thank you for the wonderful articles! It is incredibly refreshing
to read
an honest up front realistic article about beanie secondary market
dealer,
collectors, and ty. I own a secondary market shop and I feel that
this
phenomenon is far from over and it has been a wonderful life changing
experience for me. In the beanie world there is always a new adventure
waiting just around the corner. I anticipate this market correction
as I like
to call it as a much needed time to weed out the shady dealers,
get rich
quickers, and fad followers who don't love beanies and just want
to be part of
the excitement. They are losing interest and although the negative
articles
can be frustrating they also help send the people who give beanie
dealers a
bad name off after their next get rich quick scheme. Anyone who
think beanies
are lame, and for unintelligent people obviously has not taken
a moment to
speak to any of the fascinating people from all walks of life
spanning all age
and income levels who have come together because of beanies! I
am sure I
could probably turn this thank you note into a novel if it weren't
for my two
year old son who is showing up at 60 second intervals for kisses!
I need to
say good-bye and get him back to bed! Thank you for your fantastic
articles!!
Good night and God Bless!
Sincerely,
Pamela
From:
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 00:37:53 -0500
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: reply to your post
I agree with much of what you wrote, about Ty, his selling practices
and
yeah he knows how to keep our attention. I liked this retirement
but I
thought it did fall a bit short. I've been collecting for just
under a
year and I have predicated certain beanies for retirement. All
you have
to do is look at the market. For a long time, seaweed could not
be
found and then she/he was everywhere. The market has been flooded
with
peace bears. That was a surprise it not being retired.
I am educated and I read just about anything I can get my hands
on. I'm
smarter for it and it's least likely that I will be douped. I
am not a
dealer, not a flea market seller. I am a collector. I wanted to
comment about people paying high prices for bears. The first bear
I
bought from secondary market and it was a Peace Bear. I have other
Peaces' and paid 5 to 7 for each. I never thought I would have
a
Princess but I do. I figure iif it's meant for me to have a bear,
I'll
get it at the suggested price. And I have. My kids have bears...and
they too paid 5 to 7 bucks. Sometimes, we wait in lines and at
other
times our name is called. I have stood in line
for 4 hours to get the bear I wanted and not turn around and sell
it.
My children have traded beanies and bought beanies, and at stores
that
sell them for the suggested price.
I have to been to stores where the grown ups argue, push and shove
and
leave manners somewhere else. I have tried to be a Beanie Pal
to kids.
I have had Bears on my way to my hands and then saw a kid wanting
that
same beanie. I let the kids have them. The greatest gift I give
myself
is seeing the joy and love in a child's eye. I know that feeling
and
love it when I can give that kind of feeling to a kid. My daughter
won
an Erin and my goodnees that child was ...words can not describe.
My
son was the first to get a Glory in my family, my mom and dad
collect
too.
There are good people out there. I love meeting them and all the
kids.
I'm going to a Bear Fest next weekend and I'm thinking about taking
a
camera just to get shots of kids and their faces.
I wish I could get shots of myself, esp. when my Clubby arrived.
Love
Him! And last week.....
I got a free T-shirt which means to me that I get to send in stories
to
Mary Beth's Magazine. I have created a web site, trying to make
others
Beanie Smart.
I love your site. If the bottom fell out of the market tommorow....I
would not care. I have three of my bears sitting on my desk and
they
always make me smile and cheer me up when I am down. And Believe
me I
live with chronic pain (spinal cord) and I am disabled and it's
easy to
get down. They are just as good for me as the drugs I have to
take.
From:
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: beanies
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 20:59:47 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Janie: I've been checking your website for the latest info for
a long time.
I just want to say that I've just read your articles about the
secondary
market, TY and the billionaire bear. You have a wonderful way
of expressing
my feelings. Thanks and keep up the good work. I don't understand
why
people get so upset with the market. Yes, it's frustrating, but
if you
don't want to do it...Don't! I can't buy every beanie for my kids,
but I
certainly enjoy trying to get that special one now and then. And
trading
for something I would never have gotten is fun and challenging.
Sure, I
regret jumping on the bandwagon sometimes, but I've only myself
to blame...
not Ty Warner. Thanks again.
Sue
X-Sender:
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 17:24:38 +0000
To: j81459@erols.com
From: Subject: TY and Secondary market
Hi,
Really like your articles.
On whether Ty supports the secondary market, I think the answer
is very
clear if he did indeed give each of his reps., that got the billiondollar
bear, two. I read that he did in one of the publications but,
have never
read if that in fact is true. Do you know?
Had just read one of your articles this eve. about the secondary
market and
that brought the question to my mind.
Thanks and happy beaning.
Pat
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 15:07:05 -0500
From:
Reply-To
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: finally..
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!
Finally someone has said this and this is what I've been saying
all
long!!! Thank goodness for great minds thinking alike. I really
don't
understand why people don't realize the Secondary Market exists
in
almost every collectible not just beanies and the people that
make the
products virtually have no control over it. It's straight forward
a
supply and demand thing. And how much someone will pay for the
product. I don't agree with something I read today somewhere that
said
the Secondary Market is in the control of the seller. I being
a seller
would love to get a whole lot more for my beanies like what happened
this past January, but the bottom line is people just will not
pay for
them anymore like they did. I beleive the market prices are very
much
in the hands of the buyers. That is why Princess and Erin have
fallen
almost to $20.00 from hundreds, people simply will not pay more
for them
and the sellers want to sell. Thanks for your article it made
for great
reading! Kathy
From:
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: beanies
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 14:55:28 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.2106.4
X-MDaemon-Deliver-To: j81459@erols.com
Thank you for your excellent articles on
Beanie Babies. I do have a few questions on things that have bothered
me. Why is it that if I want to get a Beanie Baby bear(ie Glory)
I have to pay such high prices? Nobody in my area is selling "Glory"
for less than $35.00. This is a bit ridiculous for a 6.00 bear.
And I don't expect I will get Halo or the 1998 Holiday bear for
much less(in fact a retailer I spoke to about Halo said she expected
Halo to be very high because her dob is the day Diana died-untrue
since Diana died 8/31/97 and halo's bd is 8/31/98.) Are retailers
paying more for these dolls? I bought Diana for $25.00. How much
of that was given to charity and how much of that went into the
retailer's pocket?
Also, another trend I noticed that disturbed me was Ty retiring
a beanie and then a sports event giving out that retired beanie
to its fans. The last one was Blackie given out at the Boston
Bruins games. If it's retired why is it still so available?
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 10:56:11 -0700
From:
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 00:53:56 -0400
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Ty and Beanies
Ms. Janie
I hope you will remember us. My husband and I contacted you last
year
about a purchase we were thinking about making. You assisted us
into
making the right decision.
We also signed your online birthday card on BeaniePhiles. We were
amazed at the amount of entries, a sure sign of how much you are
loved.
We truly understand why so many collectors are upset with the
Beanie
market. So many negative reports surface online and Ty never comments.
The only time we hear about Ty from Ty is when they are
in a lawsuit over something or another.
Ty has the right to due what ever they please. They certainly
have
worked hard enough to get where they are today. I think we will
adopt
your motto and start sending our own beanie grams to negative
people.
Maybe if they see a lot of Beanies it will bring them around to
a
different way of thinking.
Thank you so much for your informative articles and for keeping
all of
us in check. You are 100% right, Beanie collectors are a unique
group
of individual's and its nice to have someone like you defending
and
representing us.
Your Beanie friends,
Skip and Mary
From:
Reply-To
Organization:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Ty and boys
Hi,
First I want to say that I love your articles. You're a voice
of reason
in this sometimes crazy beanie world.
I am a bit annoyed with TY for making it so hard to find some
currents
and the looong wait for Clubby, but I truly admire them for one
thing.
It would be very easy for them to introduce only beanies that
appealed
to the adult market and little girls like Halo and the 98 teddy.
They
would fly off retailer's shelves. But instead several of the new
releases appeal to boys.
For example, my niece thinks Beak is ugly. If her reaction is
typical
he's probably not going to be wildly popular. But my nephew is
very
excited about him. He also wants to look for Scorch, Roam and
Canyon.
Beanie collecting has brought me closer to both my niece and nephew.
We've had some interesting conversations on beanie hunts. Beanies
have
also been good for their relationship. They keep an eye out for
beanies
that the other one is looking for. If it weren't for beanies like
Spinner, Hissy and Stinger beanies would be just another girl
thing I
did with Branwen and I'd have to watch a lot more football (yuk)
to
connect with Josh. Ty gets a big thank you for that!
Happy Beanie Hunting!
Pam
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 10:36:17 -0700
From:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: articles
BRAVO!!!!!
Reply-To:
From:
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: Beanie market
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 13:14:08 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3
Mrs. Janie,
I agree with you 100% on the statement of the secondary market,
by stating that it is the way for Beanies survival. I have been
trying to make that statement for a long time now but none will
ever print what I say. We need the secondary market either to
get the old Beanies or to get the new ones or to sell our collection,
and not to mention to see how valuable our collections are. Now
for the people who are complaining about the secondary market,
STOP because you don't have to buy a thing from them. Yes it is
sad if retailers are selling their orders that way, or if they
are selling to them to someone who is, but believe it or not none
can stop this not even TY it is to hard to confirm they are. And
now to say to the adults who say children can not buy at secondary
market prices, hogwash every time I go to the Flea Market in may
town I always see children getting older retires. Who says they
have to sell for 5 dollars, that is only retail price, they can
sell for what is to be a reasonable price. You as a consumer must
make it to be reasonable, and to do that is to buy it or not,
you also have that choice. And I bet if and when it is time for
them to sell off their beanie collection they will not sell them
for $5.00 a piece so children can get them, they will sell them
at secondary prices, then they become the secondary market. I
am just stating my opinion just like everyone else. I am what
they call a serious collector, between me and my daughter we have
about 250 of them, I pretty much know how to spot a fake and how
much mine are worth. Now we have gone to other beanie collectibles,
but like you say I don't hear anyone cry about their prices. By
the way take at look at Barbie aren't they crying about them.
I know this is to rude to print but this is the way. I'm just
tired of hearing them every time I go somewhere. Thank you for
listening
From:
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 23:43:28 -0400
Reply-To
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Truth Hurts
Ms. Janie
im a ty rep and just want you to know i admire you and enjoy your
work.
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 10:21:05 -0500
From:
Organization: FMEA
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Re: Statement In Article
Dear Janie:
First off, thank you for your two years worth of work devoted
to writing
Beanie Babies. I am a Beanie Babie collector for the last year
and a
half, and I started with the 97 McDonald's TBB promotion is what
got me
on this ship. I have now amassed a collection of 87, plus 3 more
on the
way from a dear internet friend (Wise,Fortune,Erin for $7.50 each).
However one statement in your article did bother me a little bit,
and I
will restate it with my explanation as to why:
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!.
This bothered me because also as I am a Cherished Teddies, Disney
Bean
Bag, and Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collector (What got me started
into
collecting) I find this statement false. Hallmark has put strict
restrictions on it's retailers. These restrictions have included,
No
Discounting Of Their Current Year Christmas Ornaments until Dec.26
of
the current year. No Discounting Spring Ornaments Until Dec. 26
of the
current year. No Selling Above The S.R.P. (Suggested Retail Price).
Hallmark also has allocations on several of the ornaments that
they
offer in a certain year, including (Special Issues, 1st in series,
and
The Blown Glass ornaments that are called Crown Reflections. Hallmark
has done a good job in enforcing these restrictions. This has
included
cancelling accounts for their ornaments which violate the No Discount
Policy. JCPenney's last year were bad, and discounted at more
than one
store and they lost their ornament account for this year. Most
of these
Penney's have since dropped their hallmark account all together.
More
than one Kohl's were also bad last year in the first year of this
policy
and thus have lost their ornament accounts.
The Enesco Corporation which is the manufacturer of Precious Moments,
and Cherished Teddies. Also have similiar restrictions on its
retailers.
The Disney Company also has several restrictions on retailers
for their
Disney Bean Bags including not putting them out until 2:00 for
sale for
that day. Any that arrive after 2:00 get put out the next day.
I think Ty has to put more restrictions on its retailers. Ty has
to be
firm and say if you overprice, your account may be in jeopardy,
and than
Ty shouldn't hesitate to cancel these accounts. If the other big
names
in the Collectible industry don't hesitate to do this, neither
should
Ty.
I also strongly believe that Ty is in favor of the collectible
industry
and are to big for their brithces right now. I think it's sad
that I am
a 17 year old, who cant' get out of school until 3:15 on a certain
day
to go and look for Beanie Babies. The working moms and dads, and
students are at a disadvantage then when they put out Beanie Babies
right away in the morning and all the good ones are gone by the
time we
are able to purchase. One local store puts out new Beanie Babies
on
Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. Many a time they have included Glory,
Princess, Erin, and New Releases. But alas some of us aren't able
to do
it. Some of us would have to take the day off to go get Beanie
Babies
and not get paid vacation for it, or miss some time from school.
I think
they should do a after 2:00 policy in all of its stores to be
fair to
all consumers. Not just a certain amount of consumers. I think
the way
the Disney Stores handle their Disney Bean Bags is a good way
for all
Beanie Babie retailers to do it.
I hope you appreciate my comment, and I love reading your articles,
and
if you wish you may reuse this for a future article if you wish
to do
so. Thanks and happy collecting.
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 02:20:39 -0700
From:
Organization:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: your articles about my new habit
Hello!
What great comments you have made on the love of beanies v.s.
the
almighty buck. I am a youngster at Beanie collecting, only 3 weeks---
(though my daughter received a "Libearty" several Christmases
ago). And
already I can see the writing on the wall as I find myself paying
$50.
for a "Princess" that I find 2 days later somewhere
else for $10.. and
the same for a "Seaweed" because I have only ever seen
one.
So far my favorites are: "Scruffy" Attic Bear and of
Beanies "Seaweed",
"Sly", "Lizzy" the blue & black lizard,
"Tuffy" and many other Attic
Bears and Beanies "Rocket", "Early", "Curly"
and on $ on.
On one of the Beanie Chat places that I was just exploring, a
girl wrote
in asking how the prices on the new Beanies could possibly be
up so high
already? good question..
Good Night for now. "Sly" is patiently waiting on my
dresser upstairs so
I guess "Scruffy" and I will go on up.
Sincerely,
From:
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: Beanie babie
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 14:12:45 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3155.0
Ms. Daniels
After reading your articles for some time your knowledge is impressive
myself have been a avid beanie collector for about 3 years. Despite
your
positive enthusiasm for Beanie Babies The market for these little
animals
will drop especially in 1999. They will
make there way much the same as the Cabbage Patch Doll and Tickle
me Elmo.
Why 1999. There' s a great book called the Millennium Bug by Michael
Hyatt
you ought to read. It doesn't matter
whether we have problems in the year 2000 of great magnitude or
not. People
will panic when it comes to money. They will start withdrawing
their money
from the banks and stocks which will cause the greatest crash
since the
1930's. Read Newsweek Magazines June 7, 1997 issue it was the
cover story.
So be prepared many companies could be in financial turmoil. Beanies
in the
short term will die! Maybe 20 years from now they'll be worth
something.
From:
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 23:40:18 -0400
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Your articles
Dear Ms. Janie,
You are absolutely incredible. I admire you and your writings.
I
visit many websites but enjoy the ones that post your material
the
best. I can read your stuff on one site and a few days later visit
another site and read it all over again.
It's always refreshing to read articles that are not pushy or
one way.
Your style is beyond mortal. You have a way of expressing yourself
without ever offending anyone. I love the way you can gracefully
state
the facts, tell it like it is and still remain in the middle.
Your love for Beanies has allowed you to express yourself nicely
on
Ty's behalf. I've read some postings where collectors feel you
should be a
spokesperson for Ty. I can't believe they have missed the boat
AGAIN!
Don't ever stop writing, I need and enjoy your articles.
From:
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 00:55:13 -0400
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Article
I just read your article on ctoys, another great piece of work!
Go get
them Ms. Janie
From
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 08:05:47 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: THANK YOU!!
Hello Janie....I must say your last article was very uplifting,
and it
definitely put a bounce back into my step...I am a mom who decided
to go out and
be one of those secondary mkt dealers...and find the beanies that
other
mom just could not find or afford...I do not overcharge or take
advantage
of anyone, its usually the other way around....I am sure you know
were
I am coming from, your article speaks for itself....I am just
glad that after
having serious doubts about were the mkt was heading the last
few weeks
a friend of mine directed me to your web page, and told me to
read what you
had to say....and I just want to say THANK YOU!!!!!!!!...you have
put the fire
back into my heart that I needed..I was thinking there for abit
that things
were going to crash....but not anylonger...thanks again !!!
Sincerely,
Carmela
Reply-To
From
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: Re: Billionaire, Clubby, and Truth
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 05:02:39 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
Dear Ms. Janie,
First, I would like to say that I enjoyed your article "Sometimes
the
Truth Hurts!" Like yourself, my kids and I have been collecting
for about
two years (although I'm Sure our collection is nowhere nearly
as advanced
as yours! LOL) As you may know from my posts on the "beanie"
board, I
share many of your frustrations. How would you exactly define
this painful
"truth" that you speak of in your article? Not to put
words into your
mouth, but I think I know. The painful truth (for me anyways)
is that for
the first time since we started collecting, I find my self dismayed
with
the business practices of Ty. Deep down inside, I have always
believed
that one reason that Ty is so successful, is because of their
values.
Values such as humility, demonstrated by the fact that they don't
advertise. The products speak for themselves. But then, how do
we justify
Billionaire? Yes, it's nice to reward employees, but why announce
a bear
that most likely will never make it to the current or retireds
list? BTW,
I wonder if all of the Chinese factory workers got Billionaire?
Speaking of values, what about Clubby. When purchasing all of
the other
beanies, consumers relied on individual retailers for "making
things
right"and customer satisfaction. These thing place added
value to the
merchandise. We paid full retail for Clubby, yet Ty/Cyrk doesn't
seem to
care that people are dissatisfied. I am SO disappointed!!!! Reputable
companies do not treat people that way. Here was Ty's big chance
to show
us their "stuff", to show off what a great company they
are, and they Blew
it Big Time!
Ms. Janie, I really love beanies, and I really love beanie collecting.
Truthfully, I am just sick that I am even thinking these things.
In the
back of my mind, in a place I don't like to talk about, I am asking
myself
how I really feel about supporting this company. I can't imagine
what this
must be doing to you, you have made a career out of the beanies.
Were we
misled, or did we just erroneously give Ty the benefit of the
doubt since
they didn't really reveal themselves to us. I want to think positive
things about Ty, and I want to feel good towards them, but they
really
aren't helping me much.
So where will I go from here??? Well, I suspect that since I love
beanies, collecting, and the community of friends from all over
the United
States that I've gained over the past two years, that I'll continue
to
"wait and see". If Ty continues to violate my principles,
slowly but
surely, I see myself backing away. I am occasionally invigorated
when I
see the energy of a new collector. I sure hope that Ty can turn
themselves around, examine their priorities, and set things right
with
their long time supporters.
Thanks for listening,
Melissa
Date: Sat, 17 Oct 1998 23:53:37 -0600
From
Reply-To:
Organization
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Your many beanie articles
You are doing this hobby a great service whether anyone realizes
it or not.
I am new to beanie collecting. I had kind of thought beanie collectors
were a little nuts, until I finally came in contact with what
I call the
'orphan' beanies. I would never have touched bears or bunnies,
but when
I saw the beanies included sharks, spiders, scorpions, and bats,
I
decided that I could join in, but just limit myself to the ones
based on
un-cute animals, have as good a time as the folks punching each
other
for the last Glory or Erin, and probably end up with something
rarer
since it wasn't as well wanted in the first place. So here is
a 43 year
old, male, computer programmer, who has one of the finest collections
of
out of print books on Napoleon in the western US, a nice set of
early
19th century military artifacts and a very broad set of dragons
from all
over the world, now blessed with 3 shelves full of small plush
reptiles,
insects, amphibians, fish, and unusual mammals and birds and having
a
heck of a good time finding more.
I may be new to the beanie world, but I am not new to the Web.
I have
been programming computers for over 20 years and I am a major
webhead
and cybersurfer. Consequently, I'll bet I have examined 90% of
the
sites on the web that even contain the word beanie anywhere on
them. I
have read rumors and news and looked at price guides, auctions,
accessory collections, storys, pictures, animations, and just
about
every variety of electronic and cyber presentation about beanies,
collectable plush animals, and anything cute anyone wants to sell
or buy
on any site anywhere. After all of this, I have to say far too
many of
these folks really need to get some perspective.
Thats why I like your writing. I don't necessarily agreed with
all your
points, but it is clear to me that you are just trying to calm
the
hysteria and get alot of these folks to think before leaping.
I
especially like your article on bringing some reality back to
beaniedom. Well done.
Please do not get discouraged by some of the negative stuff. If
any one
reads your articles and actually thinks, it isn't possible to
believe
that you write for Ty. Your just presenting a reasoned, thought
out
commentary on the way things are, not hyping for some hoped for
result.
I respect that alot and look forward to more from you.
You are a great resource for this hobby and I hope you stick around
a
long time. Good beaning hunting and enjoy your little buds.
P.S. I'm trying to suck up, but since I found your articles so
well
done and thoughtful, I've ordered a copy of your book. I hope
it is of
the same quality as the rest of your work.
TTFN
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 08:13:18 -0600
From:
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Hi
I am upset that people keep wanting the bears retired. Why? There
are so
many people that still need these bears and kids that want them.
I can
only think that the secondary market people want them retired
so they
can sell their stockpiles at high prices. They will be surprised
because
no one will pay that much. All the serious collectors have their
bears.
Enjoy your writing.
Annie
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 10:14:24 -0400
To: j81459@erols.com
From:
Subject: THE TRUTH HURTS!
Ms. Janie,
I read your article on the bbbclub. I went to bed and tossed and
turned
all night thinking about what you said.
First off I'd like to comment on you being able to write articles
that are
simple and straight to the point. So many of the articles I read
are full
of fluff and after I've read them I never seem to get their point.
You are correct in saying that the Beanie collectors thirst goes
farther
than the Internet. I have just gotten connected and before that
had no
knowledge of Beanie news until I was lucky enough to find a couple
of
publications on the market. Some of these publications are just
full of
ads and pictures, no real news. I will definitely be looking for
the
publication you write for.
I'm glad you set the record straight about not working for Ty.
I just
assumed you did work for them. Your love for the company and Beanies
made
me believe you were one of them.
It's heart warming to have a writer and author who knows how she
feels and
knows just how to say it. I commend you for all of your efforts.
I visit
many websites in my quest for information. It always amazes me
how many
times your name appears. You are very respected and knowledgeable.
I'm currently trying to attend as many Beanie shows as possible.
I'm
hoping to one day cross your path. It would be an honor to meet
Ms. Janie,
Keep up the good work and continue writing. You are heard loud
and clear
and loved by all. I'm so glad I got the Internet, now I feel closer
to
collectors.
Love
Martha
From:
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 16:19:29 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Aricle
I commend you on the wonderfully written article. It expressed
some of my
deepest feelings towards beanie babies & the bad wrap they
are getting from
pessimistic people around the world. Many retailers are annoyed,
many parents
and grandparents are annoyed and even some collectors are fed
up with Ty and
the beanie rage that has been going strong since 1995. These people
just are
not as patient and compassionate as they should be, ironic especially
because
in an indirect way, they symbolize eternal youthfulness and the
future
generations of children! I just wanted to encourage and affirm
your wonderful
work. It would be great to hear back from you.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
From:
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 10:54:58 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: thank you
some how i got on a mailing of yours the article was very enjoyable
and
more educated than most or all! Thank you very much! Elaine
From:
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 11:51:14 EDT
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Retired Bears
I am a little surprised by the vast numbers of people disappointed
that TY did
not retire any bears. As an aunt always on the lookout for those
hard to find
bears, I can not imagine that TY would cut off such a profitable
revenue
stream. The Bears are the only Beanies that can be consistently
counted on to
sell out within hours of arrival. In fact, I would be VERY angry
if any bears
retired. I have yet to see Erin, Princess, Glory or Fortune in
any store for
less than $50 each. That suggests the demand is still there. Retiring
a bear
may suit collectors interested in making money, but would break
my niece's
heart.
Anne
X-Sender:
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 08:39:06 -0600
To: j81459@erols.com
From
Subject: Your Articles/Your Publication
I just connected with you through a reference on the CT Toys news
letter. I appreciate your writing and was wondering how I can
subscribe to the publication that you write for. I am a new collector
- my child is all grown up, but I've always loved stuffed toys,
and beanies are so affordable and irresistible that I fell in
love with them.
I fully disagree with all the naysayers who are making comments
about the beanie market. I suspect that most of these people are
the ones who had a 5,000-card baseball card collection in the
50's and 60's and who threw them in the trash about 1972. Beanies,
as a collector's item, are affordable, even for children. This
is certainly not the case with most collectible items, except
for sports cards.
When I was a child, we went to carnivals and won glasses, pitchers,
bowls, and plates of cheap, colorful glass that we took home to
our mothers. Most times, the cheap stuff got used, broken, thrown
away, or stored away somewhere and forgotten. Price a piece of
perfect carnival glass now.
Beanies may not be as "hot" in five years as they are
now. Many times people get excited about an item or a hobby and
then, lose interest in time. But I believe that beanies will stay
around and increase in value with age. I was too old for Barbie
dolls when they came out, but look how long they have lasted and
all the new designer Barbies being offered today. The people buying
Barbies today are the same ones who played with Barbies 30 years
ago.
We are a society looking for instant gratification always. It
doesn't matter whether it is what we eat, when we diet, how we
invest, or where we take our lives. The stock market is populated
with investors trying to make a fast killing and millions lose
money trying to do just that. The economic lesson here is that
the stock market is a very good long-term opportunity,
with the emphasis on long-term. Unfortunately, it takes quite
a lot of money to be a viable player in that market.
Beanies may not generate quick, huge revenues for "collectors"
in the short term, but over the long haul, I believe that those
of us who can think back to those first Barbies or the baseball
cards we used to get with bubble gum may understand the value
of this very real and very affordable investment. Ignore those
who like to say that beanies are dead. Tell them to go back and
catalog the baseball cards that they threw away. I'll keep my
Princess and Erin, while they remember the Mares and Mantle rookie
cards that were burnt in their trash.
From:
To: <j81459@erols.com>
Subject: just a couple comments...
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 06:30:29 -0400
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal
X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3155.0
Hi Ms. Janie...
Just wanted to say...
In ref to your statement about there being a little bit of jealousy
in all of us over the Billionaire Bear that most of us will never
get to have or hold... I think this is truly quite false...
What Ty did by announcing a bear in the guestbook not MEANT for
the public to have was TACKY and mean (we would have gotten info
on it eventually in other ways... his announcement was obviously
purposeful but for reasons other than to be kind or polite in
sharing something with his fans) ...it was like swinging a carrot
in front of a donkeys face but then yanking the carrot away with
no intentions of ever feeding that poor animal in the first place..
it is somewhat cruel and devilish (and I don't mean cute either)
As far as the dollar sign on the chest... well yet another tacky
gesture on Tys behalf... why didn't he make something special
for his beloved employees who have helped him to become the multil
billionaire he probably is? If I were an employee I would much
prefer a hefty bonus to this tacky remade for the hundredth time
bear... I still think he should have made a very special and unique
beanie for them...something with MUCH more thought put into it...
just because people go crazy for bears doesn't mean he had to
make yet another boring one as a token of his appreciation for
a job well done. I am not jealous... just astounded at his level
of taste and the fact that he thinks that changing embroidery
on a bear already done means anything.
I think your comments about Ty are a little sugarcoated instead
of unbiased... I realize you wouldn't want to end up on the bad
side of Ty.
Mrs. Young
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 23:18:43 -0700
From:
Reply-To:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Why I No Longer Collect and Why Others Will Follow
Hello,
My name is Mildred and I live in AZ. I have been collecting beanies
for
some time now and have a fairly extensive collection built on
my dealings, as
a buyer, of older retired from the secondary market including
shows, trades,
e-bay auction, and purchasing from private individuals. I have
purchased
for myself and my children from regular retailer such as Hallmark,
Learning Express, various hotel gift shops, etc. I am also a member
of
the beaniephile discussion group. I feel the need to supply this
background information so that you will know something about me
and why
I think as I do.
I am no longer actively collecting beanies for myself as of the
last
newbean announcement. Why, you might ask would a collector such
as
myself, become so disenchanted as to just stop collecting? I have
a
variety of reasons:
1. I believe that Ty turns a blind eye to account holders selling
to the
secondary market dealers. Yes, I purchase from them when I need
to for
an older retired, but it turns my stomach to see dealers at a
show with
cartons of Ty boxes filled with plastic bags of the newbeans and
selling
them for $50+ Where did they get them and why were they not to
be found
in any store in my area for up to 6 wks after the release?
2. I believe Ty peppers beanie shows with phony "flight attendants"
selling beanies received as "gifts" from Ty reps. These
beanies show up
on the discussion boards, beanie sites, and e-bay. This ignites
the
market again for the next bout of day to day, hour to hour, phone
call
by phone call, mile by mile searching for them. Which of course
is
futile because they are no where to be found but the beanie shows
in Ty
cartons in Ty bags for $50+ and of course bears at $100+. Children's
toys indeed.
3. Now that the newbeans have "escaped" from the nursery
Ty's lawyers
have e-bay auctions removed, sites are asked to remove scans of
the
escapees, and lawyers send ever increasing demanding letters to
people
whose only crime was to purchase an "escapee" at a local
beanie show. Ty
has too many lawyers and not enough representatives to service
the
accounts. They need to guard their nursery with as much diligence
as if
they were real children.
4. Now, I ask, if Disney puts out a video can you walk into most
any
store and purchase it? I know the Price Club near me has hundreds
even
before the release. I have never not been able to purchase a new
release. I don't need to run all over town looking for them and
purchase
from a secondary market dealer for the Lady and the Tramp. When
Disney
releases a new animated feature do they choose only to show it
in one
theatre per city. Or, only once a day? No, you can just about
go and see
it anytime. I have never not been able to see a new release because
the
theatre was full. Why, because they show it on more than one screen
every 30 minutes. There is demand and it is supplied. Even the
Disney
beanies can be ordered directly over the phone, the stores let
you know
when they put them out, they will even hold them for you if you
call,
and they only charge the regular selling price. Amazing, I walked
in and
purchased the Hanukkah Pooh, Snowball Pooh, Sugar Plum Minnie,
etc. as
they were there on the shelves and ready to purchase. Explain
to me why
Ty cannot do this.
5. BBOC: This is a fiasco altogether. People purchased the kits,
sent
in the forms, in the best case scenario they received the order
forms.
Of the 4 I sent in only 2 ever arrived. Why, the Post Office will
not
forward to a new address. I had to e-mail Cyrk and wait over a
month for
a reply so that they can tell me it will be an additional 4-6
weeks. I
paid the extra $3 for each Clubby for express something or other
and
received only 2 of my Clubbies 4 weeks after people who did not
pay the
extra $3 fee. In addition, even though the priority boxes are
FREE from
the post office my 2 Clubbies were sent in flimsy envelopes and
stuffed
into my mailbox. I will let your imagination see this vivid sight.
Now
Cyrk won't exchange for damaged tags. I do not consider this to
be a
prime example of customer service. And...where are my other 2
Clubbies?? I can only hope Ty will not further exacerbate the
problem
by requiring a 2nd kit purchase. I am no longer collecting for
myself as
a hobby but will purchase the ones desired by my two boys if they
ask
for it and use their allowance. If we can find them.
6. I was at a beanie show today with my Mother and several friends.
I
had the opportunity to see the "billion dollar" bear
for sale for
$4,000. The only thing I could think of was "how tacky"
a dollar
sign...focusing on the dark side of collecting. Why didn't he
just give
them a regular bonus like other companies. No, he gave them a
bear which
costs him less than $2.50 to produce so that they can go and get
there
own "best price" as their Christmas bonus. Maybe he
is just frugal to a
fault?
7. I also do not appreciate paying the regular retailer extortion
fee
of purchasing 2 classic beanies for the privilege of a newbean
purchase.
Or buying $100 of non-Ty merchandise for the privilege of purchasing
a
(fill in the blank) Bear.
I could easily go on but I won't as I assume you are aware of
the thread
of my thoughts. Even my close friends, who are also collectors,
are
surprised by my change of heart. Sorry Ty, I will vote with my
checkbook
and I am sure others will follow me.
Disheartened Collector, Mildred
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 1998 21:51:49 -0700
From:
Organization: @Home Network
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: Clubby
Just to let you know, we received our Clubby with a chip in the
acrylic
BBOC button. I contacted CYRK with the email address provide on
the
BeanieMom web site. After a week we finally received a response,
to our
surprise they did not consider this as valid damage and offered
no
replacement. I guess the poor little bear must have to have his
head
nearly torn off to be eligible for a replacement. I have written
a
formal complaint to TY and have yet to receive any further
correspondence. I have attached the original email from CYRK for
your
information.
Thank You,
Subject: Damaged Clubby
Date: Wed, 23 Sep 1998 09:40:00 -0700
From:
Again, thank you for your interest in Clubby. Unfortunately, a
damaged button is not a valid reason for return. If you wish to
write
a formal complaint, you may write to:
Ty, Inc
PO Box 5377
Oakbrook, IL 60522
Thank you very much,
BBOC
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 10:52:54 -0400
From:
To: j81459@erols.com
Subject: response to "sometimes the truth hurts"
I know that you are nothing more than a collector and that is
fine. You
can support the view that beanies and the secondary market aren't
out of
control. However, you are not my sister. She's 10. She wants most
every beanie and her mom tries to help her get what she needs.
With
gluttonous collectors sucking up the primary market, innocents
like my
sister gets xxxxxxx out of the chance to buy for $5. Instead she's
in
school when the shipments come and her mom's working. The secondary
shop snaps them up for five dollars and sells them to my sister
for
incredible mark ups. There is no conscience to these people because
they don't care if its a ten year old paying $55 dollars for "Princess"
or an adult collector, because they will get it. Perhaps that
doesn't
disgust you, but it offends me.
Perhaps you and others can't remember being a child and desperately
wanting something. And maybe you can't remember the disappointment
of
not getting it. This frenzy has taken the market away from the
children
who Ty intended to market to. I think its time we all get a little
less
greedy. Soon it will be Christmas and Amber will look to see if
Santa
gave her a "Halo" bear. And when it's not there because
secondary
retailers bought them for $5 and would only sell them for $100+,
she
won't understand why she's not special.
Sincerely,
Sondra
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 1998 13:02:17 -0400
To: j81459@erols.com
From:
Subject: Ty, Your article & Beanies
Dear Ms. Janie,
In reference to "The Truth Hurts" I will start off my
saying that I will
be just as honest as you have been. Although I agree with most
of what you
have said, I'm still concerned about the current market. Your
writing has
a way of calming my fears, but Ty's lack of concern troubles me
deeply.
I have well over 3,000 dollars invested into a company that I
hardly know.
Beanies are everything you say and more, but I want to know more
about the
company. Is there anyway you can do that?
One concerned collector
