I have had the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Nelson for about 2 1/2 years. She was kind enough to allow me to interview her for my book "The Beanie Invasion".
Sara and I have become friends and I rely on her to keep me in check! I value her opinion and respect her knowledge of Beanies.
Sara is a quiet individual who minds her own business and works diligently on her site. Many rely on her for outstanding news briefs and quick posting.
I rely on her as a trusted friend and someone who is kind and always willing to share!
I hope you enjoy
this interview as much as I enjoyed conducting it.
Your page, Beaniemom has been credited for spurring on the collectible Beanie market. When did you launch your site and how have your efforts been rewarded?
I began the BeanieMom web page in November 1996. My family has always been very computer-oriented and a web page seemed a natural extension of my new hobby - collecting Beanie Babies!
The most rewarding aspect of running the BeanieMom site for me is the thousands of collectors that I have "met". I love hearing stories from collectors of all ages and I try to answer every question that I receive. It isn't always possible but I do try.
As the past editor of Beanie World for Kids, please explain why the magazine was canceled? No explanation was ever given and many have often wondered why it cease to exist. Your involvement and its material was considered by many as outstanding.
I was proud to be the Editor of Beanie World for Kids and enjoyed every minute of putting the publication together for younger collectors. The editorial staff I worked with was first-rate and made my job that much more fun and enjoyable. As the Editor of BW4K's, it was one way that I could showcase the interest and talents of younger collectors that can sometimes be overlooked in other publications. I found that many kids' view collecting in a different way from adult collectors and the magazine was a way for them to express their love of collecting. Unfortunately, it did not sell as well as the publisher had hoped and was discontinued after the third issue. The magazine began as an offshoot of Mary Beth's Beanie World Monthly and was reabsorbed back into the monthly publication.
What is your secret to operating a clean professional site?
I don't think there is any secrets really. I review everything on the BeanieMom page before it is published. I have online forms here on BeanieMom for the buy/sell/trade and show board sections but nothing is posted before I have the chance to review it. If information is sent to me from a collector, I verify it through other sources that I have before it is published.
How do you view Beanie rumors and do you elect to post them?
No, I don't post rumors at all and never have. Many collectors enjoy rumors and have asked for a rumor section but I find that they can be extremely confusing to collectors as well. I've chosen to stay with just the facts.
What is your opinion of the secondary market and how has it effected Beanies?
When I first began collecting Beanies, the only 2ndary-market activity was for the retired Beanie Babies. Beginning in Spring 1997 when current Beanies became so hard to obtain at Ty retail stores, many began selling current Beanies at 2ndary prices which continues to this day.
From the mail I receive, many collectors are frustrated that 2ndary dealers are able to obtain new releases before they ever seem to hit the store shelves but I find this type mail is beginning to decrease. Ty has effectively cracked down on retail accounts that were selling product "out the back door" and they also appear to be shipping large quantities of new releases to their retail accounts quicker after an announcement is made. Collectors know that they will soon see the new releases on their store shelves soon after the announcement is made which keeps them excited that their search can soon continue. They have learned to be patient and wait to find them at the retail level.
How do you view Beanie shows and how have they changed in the past year?
I've been to many Beanie shows around the country as a guest of the promoter but I've never personally sold as a dealer as I don't buy/sell/trade. I think shows can be a wonderful way to obtain Beanies collectors are looking for especially the retired pieces. Although my focus is primarily the Internet, it amazes me how many collectors do not have Internet access. Beanie shows are one way for collectors to obtain the pieces they seek. As always, I strongly recommend that collectors educate themselves on the Beanie they are interested in purchasing and to visit each dealer for the best price/quality before making a Beanie purchase. If possible, try and obtain references on the dealer before you make that final purchase.
I realize you probably have little time to surf, but when you are able to get out, which sites do you enjoy the most?
I do surf very little as most of my Internet time is spent posting to my own page and answering collector questions. The site I view mainly is the Ty site to verify Newsflash information before I publish it on BeanieMom. I also have a few other sites bookmarked that have extensive information on lines such as Ty Attics and Plush that are not my primary focus.
Every collectible has its ups and downs. What in your opinion have been the up and down side of Beanie collecting?
One of the most damaging aspects of Beanie collecting has to be the proliferation of counterfeit Beanies sold and resold throughout the Beanie community. The increasing 2ndary values of these adorable toys has encouraged the black market to produce reproductions of authentic products. Many collectors who don't have the time or ability to research the difference between authentic and counterfeit products have lost thousands of dollars.
Imagine this; Ty Warner has summoned you to his office for a quick chat. He poses four all-important questions.
1. I'm curious why you chose my product to be featured on your website.
I started a website primarily featuring Ty Beanie Babies because I began collecting them for my children and myself and at that time, there were only a handful of sites with any Beanie information. I wanted the BeanieMom page to be a site where collectors could obtain historical and current information about the line.
2. What do you anticipate on teaching collectors about my product and why would anyone spend countless hours a day promoting someone else's line?
I'm not sure that I teach but I do try and educate collectors on various aspects of collecting. I've been involved with Beanies for 3 years now and have experienced firsthand much of the Beanie market. I am also friends with other collectors that have been collecting since the beginning and if I don't know the answer, I can ask them and they are always ready to help.
When I first began BeanieMom, I never anticipated it would take the amount of time and technology that it has. I continue the site because I still love Beanie Babies and feel it is important to assist collectors that haven't been collecting as long as I have with information and advice based on my own collecting experiences.
3. Explain to me how something like Beanies which was intended to be collected by children, wind up being the hottest toy collectible for three years in a row?
I recently conducted an interview with a psychiatrist and I believe what she told me is true when it comes to collecting. She said Beanies bring out the child in an adult in a way that is safe to express publicly. Many adults, myself included, began collecting for their children or a child they are close to and also became hooked. Beanie collecting is an activity that can be shared by all members of a family. It is rare to find something that everyone can collect together. This is just one reason I feel Beanies are here to stay forever!
4. What advise would you give me on how to keep my product fresh, collectible and marketed fair so that everyone has a chance at purchasing it?
You don’t need my advice, your tremendous continued success in the Collectibles market proves you are on the right track You’ve added exciting products such as the Beanie Buddies and the Ty Trading Cards over the past year which have brought another level of excitement to an already strong market. I think the addition of the Ty Talk Cyberboard to your website was another brilliant idea. This allows collectors to voice their thoughts and opinions directly to you on topics of importance to them.
Monitoring Ty retail accounts for improper activity has cut down on the back door selling of your product and keeps it on the shelves for purchase. This has brought the fun of Beanie collecting back to your most important audience ­ the true collector! http://www.beaniemom.com
I would like to thank Sara for enlightening us with her knowledge. She truly is a remarkable woman who offers an educational look at Beanie collecting.
