At 05:28 PM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: I disagree with your remark about retailer's uping the price of the holiday Beanies/future retirees and Ty possibly finding out and doing something about it. In my area, they are already advertising them as "retireds" as of Dec 1st when they aren't even officially retired yet. They have Stinger in the glass case up front now priced at $10. instead of the normal $5.99. I feel fortunate that I have all of them but Halo. If I hadn't had them already I would be upset and rightfully so that Ty has announced the retirement ahead of time. Most people figured the holiday ones would be retiring but Ty announcing does add a bit of fuel to the fire in that people now feel pressured to go out and buy them, along with the secondary market people too. I guess there is no way to make finding beanies easier short of Ty producing many many more. I sometimes wonder why Ty doesn't make tons more than they do. Are they trying to create a supply and demand thing? Surely if they made more, they would sell them. As for me, the only way I can get them is from a UPS friend who buys one of each style for me that he delivers. I have waited in lines for hours only to be denied. I have called places and bought 3 currents only to be able to buy one new one. I have had retailers tell the next and me they don't have any customer who comes in, gets one from the back. It's not fair! I wish Ty would crack down on the problem but I'm not sure how they can. Any ideas? Suzie Hi Suzie, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I wish there were a simple solution to this whole mess, unfortunately there isn't. I guess we will all have to wait and see what happens. Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** At 06:06 PM 12/4/98 -0500, you wrote: Dear Ms. Daniels- Generally I agree with your latest article about the surprise beanie retirement. I enjoy reading all your articles. However, I am a bit puzzled by your statement that all the blame cannot be placed on "secondary market dealers". Seems to me that anyone, including a "collector" or a "Ty rep", who resells beanies through the secondary market (and not from a Ty-authorized store) is by definition a secondary market dealer. I would have emphasized instead that all the the blame cannot be placed on the secondary market sellers, since the buyers are just as much a part of the secondary market, very willing to pay more for a beanie, and just as deeply implicated in the higher prices and scarcity as the sellers. Jayne Townend Dear Jayne, Thank you for taking the time to respond. Although I will agree with some of your very valid points, I view a secondary market dealer as follows: Someone who buys tons of Beanies on a regular basis and attends shows flea markets and any other source to sell them at a higher price. The people I was speaking about do not fall into this category. Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** At 09:21 PM 12/4/98 -0800, you wrote: Another approach to the pre-retirement announcement: If the primary dealers comply with Ty's policy on sales price of approximately $5 for all current beanies, this allows the consumer to purchase the soon to be retireds at normal price for the next 30 or so days. A good number of the primary dealers I know up the price of the retireds to 10 -12 dollars immediately on notice of the retirement. Thus, the consumer does not get an opportunity to realize the increased value of the retireds for at least a year or more, the retailer does, and he/she already has a very reasonable profit. Can no one give Ty a pat on the back for trying to do something to help the consumer, even if he does benefit from it too. That's just good business. Hi, Thank you for your reply to my article. You stress valid points and I agree consumers will have a difficult time locating Beanies for the policy price. Its a shame that some retailers do not translate Tys announcements as well as collectors do! I was under the impression that these retired Beanies were not supposed to be officially retired until December 31st. I sure hope there is a better open line of translation and communication in 1999 or Beanies, collectors and the hobby may suffer. Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** Ms. Janie I commend you for once again keeping all of us straight. Even though you may not agree with everything 100% about what is going on with Ty and beanies, you still remain a strong advocate for them. You also try to wake up collectors by telling them straight and allowing them to make their own choices. "What else can you do?" At least you are willing to tackle the issues and not hide behind your monitor screen. I admire you for that. You are right about Ty trying to fuel the fire. The fire was slowly going out and they needed to make it burn hotter. Your comments about all the blame being put on the second market were right on. Collectors want to blame everyone but themselves. There are many people who sell beanies at inflated prices that are not strictly second market dealers. It does burn me up when we as collectors have to deal with Ty's games and then have to deal with Ty reps selling beanies at inflated prices. I wonder why he does not control this better? Most of his retailers are not paying attention to his polices. I had one retailers tell me that she would sell beanies for what she wanted to make as much as possible before they went under. I wanted to wring her neck. Keep writing and Ill keep reading. I just got your magazine and loved it. I believe in you Ms. Janie and wish you a Merry Xmas. Joyce from Columbia, OH Dear Joyce, Thank you for sharing your opinions. Although I try and be a good advocate for Ty, sometimes I wonder if they even care! I have to deal with the issues at hand and sometimes these issues can be quite difficult. I do not write to convince collectors to purchase Ty's products, I just write how I feel about their products. Collectors have a choice to collect or not collect just as much as they have a choice to agree or disagree with what I've written. I'm glad you are enjoying my articles and I can assure you that I intend on continuing to write them. Beanies are not over yet, nor is Ms. Janie Happy Holidays, Ms. Janie ********************************************************************* At 06:40 PM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: Janie, I think what concerns me most about this retirement, already four of the new are to be retired and four of the last batch, with a total of 15 beanies to date and it's only the the 4th of the month. At this rate by the end of the month will there be any left unretired? Retailers have told me that Ty is not allowing them to order any beanie buddies right now. Could Ty be replacing beanie babies with beanie buddies. I for one hope not, because between me collecting them and my children playing with them my house is not large enough for the buddies and it would get a lot more expensive. I am really curious to your thoughts on this. Hopefully you will tell me I'm off my rocker :o). Laura Hi, Thank you for taking the time to respond. I do not think you are off your rocker! I think you feel like a very large majority of collectors, unsure about the hobby they love and collect. When it comes to Ty and their market theories, anything goes. Let's keep our finger crossed that they do not try and replace Beanies. I don't think they will! Ms. Janie *********************************************************************** At 02:53 PM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: Janie, Thanks for a great article. You have offered me hope when I was feeling in a bit of a panic. I am an odd type of collector. I have been collecting for about a year now and started out as only collecting what I liked, then all of them, then two of all of them (but not the big buck old retires). I am planning to keep one set as my own collection and use the other to reward good behavior in my two-year old who goes crazy for beanies! So far, the only new new ones that I have gotten are the two bears and Santa which I paid wayyy too much for from an auction. I had given up hope of finding the others until I read your article. Thanks for letting me know that I can be a collector and want the ones that are retiring that I haven't been able get in the store without being a raving lunatic people like to portray beanie collectors as. I really do hope I am able to find the new ones for my little girl and myself alike. Thanks again for the good work. Celeste Hi, Thanks for taking the time to respond on my article. I enjoyed reading your note and want to offer a suggestion. Take a sigh of relief, enjoy your Beanies and the holidays. The idea is to enjoy them by NOT letting the hobby or your collection control you! Happy Holidays! Ms. Janie ************************************************************************ At 11:15 AM 12/4/98 -0600, you wrote: I agree with a lot of what you said in your Dec. 3 article, but I do not agree that you said that "Santa & Zero were a given" for retirement. Lots of seasonal beanie babies have stuck around for over a year after that holiday/season were over.....Valentino, Spooky, the bunnies, Gobbles, etc. The store I work for got their October order in late October. There were no Santa or Zero in the order. Nothing has arrived since then. It's now December; so TY "owes us" 3 shipments of Santa & Zero (if my calculations of 24 plus 36 plus 36 are right...they owe us 96). Do you think they can handle that in these next 27 days since they said on the web page that you'd never see these again after Dec. 31st???? Hi, I had no idea that Ty was so far behind on shipments! I'm hoping that they won't let retailers or collectors down for the holidays. I guess only time will tell. Happy Holidays, Ms. Janie ************************************************************************ At 11:53 AM 12/4/98 -0600, you wrote: RE: your article on retirement- These were my thoughts exactly - hopefully they will retire some of those we see in multiples in every store: i.e., Chocolate, Pinky, etc. The "pouty" opinions of some people - that's all part of the fun - by the way, I don't have all the new ones either, but I won't stop collecting if I don't get it. Many collectors (not only kids) may not get one - that's part of life. Ty tries everything - announcing early, not announcing early, etc. You can't please everyone! Thanks Hi, Thank you for taking the time to voice your opinion. I think you have hit the nail right on the head! Congratulations for being a wise collector and not allowing rumors or Beanies to control your collection. Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie ************************************************************************ At 07:07 PM 12/4/98 -0800, you wrote: Some of these people need to get a life. But then the one they have is harmless. I collect only bears that are anywhere from 40 to 80 years old. Some of these can finance a college fund. Beanie Baby bears have no growth ($) potential nor will they ever develop personalities like some older bears that have been loved, cuddled, slept with, cried with, listened to, and on and on and on. Hi, Thanks for sharing your opinion. I totally agree Beanie collecting is harmless but can be nerve racking to most collectors. I say just have fun and go with the flow! Life's too short to cry over a lost Beanie! Ms. Janie *********************************************************************** At 10:09 AM 12/4/98 -0600, you wrote: Thank you for your great article. I share the same sentiments as you! I wish Ty would crack down on the secondary market but I know it is impossible to do. Good luck and happy hunting! Hi, Thanks for expressing your views on the article. I'm glad you agree with its context. Happy Holidays, Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** At 12:57 PM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: Hi again, It is really interesting to see negative responses that are screaming over the Internet regarding the retirement news. I can only wonder are we really that caught up that we are unable to adjust to the changes being made in the market today? It is really scary to see the gossip and emotion that is emulating from the various websites. I agree with you - get a life. If you're a beanie collector - Collect beanies for the sake of collecting - NOT AS OBJECTS OF VALUE. I enjoy collecting. It gives my children and me something to share in. We all enjoy it. We go to the stores looking for Beanies together. It is a family thing. Not a me thing but a family. We use them to teach my smaller son the name of the various animals. We match flash cards to the corresponding beanies. It is a real learning experience. It is shameful to see how little some of us have become. If you're so upset with Ty Warner the businessman than do what you have to do. But don't spoil it for others. I didn't get a 97 teddy until February of 98. Lastly, a only a fool is easily parted from his money. BE WISE IN YOUR COLLECTING. Sandra Beanie Lover til the end. Hi Sandra, Thank you for taking the time to express your opinions. I agree collectors need to adjust the buying needs and habits. If Beanies are becoming to stressful, them stop collecting, please stop moaning and groaning over something you have control over. Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie ************************************************************************ At 09:51 AM 12/4/98 -0800, you wrote: Hi. I totally agree with what you wrote about the retirement. It is my feeling that there will be large shipments of these new and newly-retired beanies--Santa, Zero and, to a lesser extent, probably, Holiday Teddy. Already this week, 8 stores near me have received shipments and I have managed to get them. So people should not be so quick to criticize. Also, if they will think about it, the more limited the product, the higher the value. So, if they do manage to get one of these, they will be worth more! I feel that Ty is trying to keep things interesting and I also think he must be surprised to hear all of the bad-mouthing that is going on. People should wait and see how this works out before whining and crying about it. Also, I want to add that I felt this way even before I found my beanie (that was yesterday). Thanks. Jackie Hi Jackie, I'm glad you were one of the lucky ones to find your Beanies. I'm glad you enjoyed and agreed with the article. Sometimes people need to stop and think! Good things in life are always worth waiting for! Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie *********************************************************************** At 10:36 AM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: HI! JUST READ YOUR ARTICLE - MOST ARTICULATE AND INFORMATIVE......REALLY ENJOYED IT. HAPPY HOLIDAYS k- Dear K, Thanks for the thumbs UP. I appreciate it. Happy Holidays, Ms. Janie *********************************************************************** At 10:38 AM 12/4/98 -0500, you wrote: Dear Janie, You hit it right every time! You put into words what the rest of us are feeling. My 10 year old son and I have been "gathering" Beanies for about 4 years and are proud to own some of the early retireds. We buy one of each and aren't in this for the money, although I could cash out now and pay off my credit cards!!!! This latest announcement has got me wondering what to do next. I approached my son with the possibility of not being able to get the ones in the latest release and maybe we should stop our collection now. He said NO WAY!! (what else would a 10 year old say!) I refuse to buy from the secondary market but don't want to disappoint my son. I agree the holiday Beanies were destined to be retired but why wouldn't TY introduce them sooner (or retire later) and give retailers enough time to receive their shipments? I'm obviously not a business person or I would know the answers to those questions :) Our stores here in the Dayton area are just now abundant with the summer releases - mind you, they sit on the store shelves for weeks and don't attract the hoards of crowds they used to. Is everyone fed up or did they just all pay too much on the secondary market soon after the release? I suppose I will remain diligent in my search but Ty sure does have us right where he wants us doesn't he? Keep up the good work in keeping us all informed. Sincerely, Jodi Dear Jodi, Thank for your taking the time to voice your opinions. Sometimes collectors don't like hearing the truth, but it has to be said. If collectors had a better perspective on this hobby, they may enjoy it better. Happy Holidays Ms. Janie *********************************************************************** At 08:32 AM 12/4/98 -0800, you wrote: I totally agree with you.......if you are in it just for the profit....get a life......if you are in it for the fun and challenge......great....... myself.....strictly for fun..... thanks....... Hi, It's great to find collectors who enjoy collecting for the fun and not the money and stress that goes along with this hobby. Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** At 03:20 AM 12/4/98 -0800, you wrote: I very much agree with you. I am a kid and I call all the local retailers every day in my area. I call over 40 and I know for a fact that no more than 15 have gotten any of the new releases. Hi, I'll keep me fingers crossed that you find them before December 31st. Good Luck! Ms. Janie ********************************************************************** At 11:50 PM 12/4/98 EST, you wrote: I don't mind TY retiring Beanie Babies that everyone has had a fair shot at buying. But I have yet to even SEE the new Christmas Beanie Babies. That's unfair. Hi, I understand your frustration. I have not even seen the new releases much less had the opportunity to purchase them. My new motto for 1999 will be as follows: Buy what you can find and purchase what you like, this way you will never be disappointed. Happy Holiday, Ms. Janie ************************************************************************ At 10:18 AM 12/5/98 EST, you wrote: Dear Janie, Although I have not been collecting for long I have grown fond of them. I feel that this last move by Ty has hurt consumers who cannot devote themselves to collecting full time. Even the store owners who were pricing at 5 or 6 dollars took advantage of these announcements to jack prices up to 20 to 90 dollars for the current Beanie batch. Not only are prices high but they reserve for employees and friends making it impossible to buy the Holiday plush. I am angry that Ty has precipitated this whole frenzy and am considering not buying any more Beanie Babies or other Ty products. They should have waited until they shipped the Holiday Beanies before announcing retirements. Stores in My county have not received shipments until this week except for one or two items. Ty is brilliant in the marketing strategy arena but is really turning many consumers off. Thank you for listening. Hi, It does appear that some of Ty retailers are not abiding by the rules. Unfortunately these defiant retailers have once again made it impossible for collectors to find that hard to find Beanie. I would imagine that Ty has read many websites and received many letters of complaints, lets hope they can figure out what to do next. Ms. Janie ******************************************************************** At 12:49 AM 12/5/98 EST, you wrote: So true, so true. And always remember it's all about fun. Thanks, I'm glad you agree Ms. Janie ******************************************************************** At 06:34 AM 12/5/98 EST, you wrote: Ms. Janie: I enjoyed your article on TY's Retirement. I do have a few points I'd like to add regarding the secondary market. I am a crafter who also sells beanies secondary. I have been informing many customers that the secondary market does NOT make the kind of money they think they do. Firstly, with this Surprise Retirement throughout December, the TY Authorized Dealers are selling their beanies for outrageous prices to the secondary market, i.e., Halo - $45.00 each when you buy a dozen, Santa - $45.00 each, and so forth. Secondly, I know of several Authorized TY Dealers that will keep them in their warehouse to feed the fuel of the supply not meeting the demand and still sell outrageously to the secondary market. Believe me, it is the secondary market person that stands in line for beanies at $5.99 and then sells them at $50.00+ that kills me! Granted, we are all out to make some money, but not the kind most customers think. I feel TY's marketing firm knew exactly what they were doing to start this frenzy. They know if it weren't for the secondary market, their little creatures would collect dust on the shelves of the retailers. Too bad I couldn't be an Authorized TY Dealer, $5.00 sounds so good to me to sell to the public! Thanks for letting me vent. WJ Hi WJ, Thanks for taking the time to share your views. ******************************************************************
