What changes
have occurred in the market in the last 6 months?
In my opinion, the whole market for Beanies has undergone a transformation
that was in part planned and implemented by TY. When TY announces
new releases, the newbies get to the store shelves much faster
than in the past. As a result the secondary market dealers do
not have as long a period during which they can make large profits
because of large demand and short supply. Therefore, many of the
traditional secondary market dealers have gone out of business.
Have you gone to a Beanie trade show or swap meet lately? I have,
and there are far fewer people and traditional secondary dealers
there. I think TY would like to take credit for the small shows
as a result of lower prices on Newbies, but he is only partially
responsible. There has been another MAJOR change in the marketplace......that
change is the Internet. The Internet and auction sites such as
eBay, allow the Beanie collectors to have access to anything their
heart desires. Therefore, the shows are much less important than
they once where. The abundance of Internet auction sites and TY's
policy of getting Newbies to the market faster and in greater
quantity has lead to lower prices because of better availability
to all collectors.
Has Ty done anything good, bad or indifferent to affect the market?
Everything that TY does has an affect on the market and TY is
a master at using this affect to the greatest advantage of the
company. When was the last time you saw an advertisement sponsored
by TY.......Never!!! When was the last time you heard about TY
in the news.....always. The best advertising is always free! TY
is a master.
On the good side, I think that by strategically increasing the
speed at which Newbies get to the market, TY has changed the market.
We have greater supply and lower initial pricing on Newbies.
Many collectors refer to this hobby as a yo-yo. They say it has
too many ups and downs. What is your opinion on this? Many people
on various Internet web sites are complaining about how TY teases
the customer with surprise retirements and special purchases and
they call this bad. However, it sure has kept them interested
in the hobby. Are TY's tactics good or bad...it depends on who
you ask and when you ask. If you ask right after they have purchased
a Newbie, they love the hobby.......if they are still looking
for the newbies, they hate it. TY is keeping the hobby on it's
toes.....and thus very alive!!!
In your view, has the hobby become too competitive? Sure the hobby
is competitive, but we have more information and better information
than we have ever had before. Due to the large amounts of information
and rumor on the Internet websites, we are better informed then
ever. If you really want to know what is going on, you have to
sort through and filter a lot of information and rumor, but if
you learn sorting filtering "art" well, you will know
more then was ever available before. In some cases you will know
what TY is going to do even before it is announced.
Has anyone tried to manipulate or control the market?
Yes, TY has and the company has done a very good job at it!
If Ty produces a new line for the year 2000, will you continue
to collect?
New Line?? In my opinion, there will not be a new line, it will
just be more of the same with a new spin! TY has us all sitting
on the edge of our collective seats, why would he quit now? The
answer is, he will not!!! The product may change a bit and the
way it is offered may change a bit, but make no mistakes about
it, Beanies (or whatever they are called) will still be marketed
to the same group of people as it always has been.
What in your opinion, will it take to get this market back on
track and collectors excited about collecting their favorite Ty
products?
In my opinion, the market is on track. If it is TY's goal to sell
large quantities of Beanies and Buddies, for a long time, he is
on the right track. TY is running a marathon not a 100 hard dash.
If TY wants to run the 100 yard dash, he and his company will
go the way of the Cabbage Patch Doll, Ferbbies or Hula Hoops.
I believe TY is a long distance runner not a sprinter.
Sincerely,
Bill
*********
I feel that Ty did a disservice to kid collectors by retiring
the new ones before they were even released ,Lets hope that he
ships alot of these .I don't think we are going to collect beanies
next year ,it is just to time consuming to hunt and to expensive
to buy from the secondary market .My kids love the beanies they
have and we will not sell them but I don't think they need anymore.
*********
I have been collecting beanies since early 1997 and have almost
all of them except for the very early dinosaurs, crow, polar bear
and a few others. At last count I had over 400 beanies and many
are doubles or triples. I love to give them to my grandchildren
(13), great grandchildren (2+), my children (5) and their spouses
(ages 40 to 50), and my friends. I have two stories to tell you
about friends and beanies. I was on my way to the hospital to
visit a friend who had an angiogram. I had just purchased a couple
of Luckys (the ladybug) and reached in the bag to take one to
her. She was lying in the bed resting when I walked in the room.
She told me that she was so lucky that the angiogram turned out
OK. She didn't need any further surgery. At that I handed her
Lucky. She was so pleased. She just laid there petting that ladybug
for the rest of the time I visited. Even to this day, she tells
my how her granddaughter plays with it when she comes to visit.
Another friend has osteoporosis and is quite bent over. I visit
her about once a week. She knows how interested I am in beanies,
so she has been saving the Beaniemom article in the Sunday newspaper
for me. It was her 70th birthday and I picked up Silver the cat
as a surprise for her. She loves cats and her last once had died
a few months before. I was very surprised that she had no idea
what a beanie even looked like. Now this cat sits beside her on
the couch for TV or lays on the kitchen counter when she fixes
dinner. I have shopped florists, Ebay, flea markets, swap shows,
Hallmarks stores and everywhere I can find a beanie. My most expensive
beanie was Germania, which I purchased through eBay. I was willing
to pay a lot, as I knew I would never find it in any stores in
this country. I only have 3 newbies to find and the latest collection
is complete. When that happens, I will probably not collect in
the new year. I have enjoyed finding all the beanies, but it has
gotten to the point where I do not enjoy the running around to
find them and being disappointed when they came in the stores
yesterday and I am here today. I have introduced many people to
beanies. I take senior trips and many of the seniors have started
to pick up beanies as a reminder of the trip they are on or to
give them to someone special. A florist that I have shopped at
frequently told me yesterday that she has not been receiving shipments.
She thinks it is because she did not go to the trade show when
it was in this area. I do enjoy your articles and please keep
us updated on any and all news on Beanies.
Thanks again Rosalie
*********
Dear Ms. Janie, The changes in the market have been very visible
to the ones of us in secondary markets, Ty frightened people,
and that is not good, oh, its good for our business because the
people have been rushing to either find the ones that they are
missing or they are calling to dump them. Tys' lawsuit against
Holy Bears is a mistake, if he is going to pick on one company,
then he should be looking at all of his competitors, like Salvinos,
Classy Tassys, Classic Collectacritters and others, but then,
you can go to the fabric center and by a pattern and make them
yourself also, so is he going to take on the entire industry,
I don't think so, that would be cutting his own throat for a few
dollars that he really doesn't need. As for his new lines we will
have to wait and see, if he has brought in new designers, maybe
they will be cuter. One other thing that I have noticed is that
people think that Ty started this craze, but that distinction
belongs to the inventor of the original Teddy Bear, long before
Beanies were ever
thought of. Sincerely, Robin
*********
Dear Ms. Janie
I am responding to your request at BeanieFriends concerning the
Beanie market. I may have a different view than some, so here
it goes. What changes have occurred in the market in the last
6 months?
I have seen more "new" collectors starting their enjoyment
of Beanies, and more men The most discouraged people I run into
are the "small-time" secondary sellers, these are the
ones buying from every retailer in town, one beanie at a time.
The prices on new Beanies do not stay high very long, so they
are getting out …. Score for Ty!
The bigger secondary sellers all get their Beanies from some SportsNet
outfit. These are the ones Ty should be looking at, where do they
get all these Beanies? I have personally seen Blue-faced Spangles
in their shop, 2 different shipments of them! The amount of Beanies
being "stolen" from Ty has to be noticeable, why does
it continue? Some of the people most discouraged a few months
ago, who have stopped collecting completely, are now back at it..
in full-force! Ty has sparked the market and interest is very
high here in Central Pennsylvania. Has Ty done anything good,
bad or indifferent to affect the market? Ty has drawn new collectors
to the market, the newsflash publicity was the best PR campaign
in history, and it was free.
Like I mentioned above, the large amount of Beanies being stolen
or "not delivered" to the retailers must be corrected
Ty is a man of very few words, collectors are rabid about the
product he sells, … that is not a very good combination.
I think the market is dictated by the collector, not vice-versa
Many collectors refer to this hobby as a yo-yo. They say it has
too many ups and downs. What is your opinion on thisAgain, I think
it is the collectors. We are a very fickle bunch! When news gets
slow, someone will Photoshop a new Ty creation and the web is
afire with rumors. Or news of Ty Warner having bought a house
means the end of Beanies, we create this stuff, not Ty In your
view, has the hobby become too competitive? Example - Websites,
similar product lines, negative press, misinformed information,
etc I don't think Ty has to be concerned with competition, there
is only one Ty Beanie Baby.
Websites are where I learn of all my news and misinformation.
I have learned to weed out the garbage from the possibilities.
The only negative press Ty could possibly receive is he saturated
the market…. That is what everyone wanted.. or did they??
Fickle bunch
I think Ty is in control of the market, no questions asked…
but he did not manipulate it. It just happened. Who would have
thought?
If Ty produces a new line for the year 2000, will you continue
to collect?
I hope the style of Beanies does not vary too much from the present
designs, many collectors will abandon ship if the change is too
radical. I will always love Ty products, I am sure I will still
collect.
What in your opinion, will it take to get this market back on
track and collectors excited about collecting their favorite Ty
products?
I think Ty is giving everyone an opportunity to call it quits
with "phase-one" beanies, and many will. It really all
depends on what Ty does in 2000 Your comment in the article from
last year was right on, Beanie prices went up too fast. The prices
are for a very select few of Beanies, we will probably never see
another public release worth a great deal of money, but collectors
will always be dreaming of the big dollar Beanie, then disappointed
when it doesn't happen Somehow Ty has to get enough product out
to satisfy collectors, yet keep some pieces elusive. A re-issue
of older Beanies may do it, better detailed Humphrey, a whiter
Libearty, that would spark interest!
Mr. Janie, thanks for letting me give my 2 cents,
It may be all its worth but it feels good to know you care Sincerely
Don Giles
*********
Hi: My comments are:
The Ty company has stated all to retire 12/31/99, I think this
is a selling ploy!! Also, the "Beanie People" need to
hang it up. Stacking the stores so they can buy at 5.95 and resell
for hugh profits, should stop, what
started out as a fun collecting adventure, has turned into frustration
for many. These plush were first started out as being something
kids could afford, NOW IS ANYONE THIINKING ABOUT THE KIDS ANYMORE!!!!!!!
I collect them for my grandson, Not to MAKE A FORTUNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Some people are just money hungry and Money is the route of all
evil!!! Maybe ty should start just selling to "KIDS""
Thanks for listening
*********
Ty has killed the beanie baby craze. He's selfish and a liar.
He claims beanies are for kids, but he retires them before any
kids can buy them.
He doesn't control the market enough to ensure beanies don't get
to the secondary market. He hurt himself tremendously by suing
Holy Bears.
Many people found this to show how money hungry Ty really is.
I see beanies sitting on store shelves now. Everyone seems to
be getting tired of having to search every day for beanies. The
craze is over. I will not by Ty products in the year 2000. It's
just a waste of time and money. I wish I could get my money back
on the beanies I already have!! What a waste!!!
*********
I think dealers selling so many on the auctions have lowered the
prices of TY product the Beanie Baby as well as the Beanie Buddy.
Two many on the market at low prices will cause the collector
to believe they are not worth as much. If he would track these
people down, and you can tell the ones that are, selling 12 in
the original TY Bag as well as those that offer CC payments and
when you read their description or send in a payment, only to
find they are authorized TY dealers. I believe if he will get
hold of this one part, the beanies will be as desirable as they
once were. It makes people angry to look and look, only to find
they are so plentiful on the auctions. The little people getting
one or two extra is not the problem, that is the true secondary
market, and works like any other collectible.
As to loving the entire TY line I do, and if he can control the
above problem will be just as much for the new line coming out
(and you can go to the bank on it) as I have ever been. Nothing
else is like a TY Beanie Baby, I don't care if they make a hundred
different copies, and that is what I hear in every beanie line
and from every beanie collector. Sure it is nice to get a few
here and there of some of the others, just in the event one day
it might be worth something. But would I stand in line for two
to three hours for anything else, the answer is a loud resounding
NO! But if his dealers start running them as they have been in
the past, FORGET IT that is not fair practice. Let him shut down
on them and watch the secondary market fly I am a great grandmother
of three, and a grandmother of twelve. I buy for all, hoping they
will all be worth their money, but for the little ones, they couldn't
care less, and to see their eyes light up over a TY Beanie Baby
or Buddy makes it all worth while.
Thanks for the opportunity to speak out about this.
Patti
*********
Hi Janie. What a wonderful article, and so refreshing. I agree
that honesty is the best policy, and it is so nice to see someone
honest, publish such an inspiring article. Inspiring, in that
it inspires me to continue with my collecting for the reasons
I started, they are so darn cute!
Now for the reason for this email. Bringing Beanies back to reality.
Can it be done? I agree that its up to you and me, as collectors.
Its time for us to take back the control for collecting these
cute little critters. If we don't, I fear they will be no more.
I've been collecting for a couple of years now, not long enough
to have the really good ones, but what makes one better than the
other? As you stated, how long it was in production, availability,
and how many were in circulation before it was retired, or taken
off the market. I don't feel that my collection is any less than
others, just because it is missing a Royal Blue Peanut, or a Nana,
or even a Wingless Quackers. Sure, it would be nice to have them,
but I must content myself with what I have and can afford. But
if my collection makes me happy, then that is what is important.
Unfortunately, others do not feel this way, and they want it all,
even if their financial status will never allow this to happen.
So they, in turn, look for other less honest ways, to make this
happen. And so it begins. It makes me sick to see the amount of
people (and there are many. You know who you are) stand there
with other collectors who are so excited about a new shipment,
just because they are true collectors who love those beans, and
carry on about how they already have the newbies, but they are
getting them for a grandchild, or friend's kid, or a niece or
nephew, and know good and well they are lying through their teeth.
I experienced this just yesterday. A friend and myself were standing
there visiting with the shop girls, and we had just done some
grab bags (my little girls love them, picking them and opening
them, and she does pretty good). Well a couple of other ladies
came in and cautiously purchased a few, all the while carrying
on with us, as a fellow collector. Well when her five bags produced
nothing but bad ones, she was not happy, but did not lose it totally,
but she did keep commenting on how well I had done. How did you
do it, she asks? I let my little girl do it, and she doesn't care
what she gets, she does it because she likes it. Maybe she ought
to do mine. I just smiled (like she's going to use my little girl
for her gain! I don't think so!!!) Anyway, in the mean time my
friend thought she recognized this lady from awhile back, as a
secondary market person, so she asked her if she was from a certain
place and the lady replied (enthusiastically, I may add) yes,
she was. Didn't I meet you once, at a show in Birmingham? Boy
you never heard so much back peddling, and finally denials. What's
that all about? If you are not ashamed of what you do, then why
would you deny being secondary market? This is what infuriates
me about secondary market. They infiltrate the ranks of Beanie
collectors, pretending to be something they are not, spying, learning
vuneralabilities of the average collector, making friends, only
to turn around and stab those new friends in the back, by charging
them triple what they paid for the Beanie, and oft times they
even use these new friends to help them in their endeavors to
get rich quick, and with very little effort. Needless to say this
lady got a few more bags, and left very happy, because she pulled
out a 99 Holiday Teddy, and even went home with a few for her
daughter and son to open (yeah right, I bet those bags were open
before she even left the parking lot). This is the type thing
that sours me on collecting. I don't know that there is anything
that can really be done about this from Ty. I feel that up until
this year, Ty was hurting the collecting, by limiting the amount
of Beanies he shipped out to retailers. Now after a year of Ty
saturating the market, I am not so sure that that is the way to
go either. I too collect Precious Momemts, and I love to by a
new piece that means something to me at the time of purchase,
because I look back on that piece and it reminds me of what I
was going through at a particular time in my life. Its a shame
that we can't do the same with Beanies. But when Ty was stingy
with his shipments, and alot of Beanies were hard to get (remember
Seaweed? He was never easy to get), at least there was that inexplicable
joy of finding that elusive Beanie. The only time I feel that
now is when I get one of the newbies real quick. So saturating
the market, in my opinion, has taken something away from the collecting.
But I don't want to have Ty go back to barely shipping anything
to retailers, and never having a chance to get the elusive Beanie,
except to go to the secondary market either. So what is the answer?
I don't know, but something tells me, if I did, I would be a rich
person! What I do know, is that others, including myself, are
getting tired of all the games, being played by everyone involved
in the Beanie collecting game (Ty included). I want to just be
able to collect Beanies, as I do my Precious Moments. With enjoyment
and very little hassle. But I don't see that happening, unless
we as collectors, make it happen. Yes, we do have control of the
situation, or at least we can have control of it, if we so desire.
How? By sticking to our guns. Stop paying the outrageous prices,
stop buying all the extra merchandise that is required to get
those newbies, and stop fueling those secondary market people.
It really is simple. If the demand is not there, then the secondary
market will be reduced to those who probably have legitimate businesses
anyway, and not individuals who are in it to make a quick buck.
They are the ones to be wary of, because they usually have no
morals, and don't care who they hurt to get the extra cash (including
kids!!).
In closing, let me just say that your writing is great. Why? Because
its honest, refreshing, and encouraging. It makes me want to continue
collecting, even when the going looks grim, because it reminds
me that there are still honest people out there who love collecting
Beanies just as I do, and not for the money either, but just the
joy of collecting.
Thanks Ms. Janie and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Terri
*********
In my opinion Ty has just gone too far. I think he destroyed the
majority of interest in Ty products. There are two main reasons:
1) Too many law suits. No one wants to support, or be associated
with a company that goes around an sues everyone. It just isn't
right. I can understand some of it, but the HolyBears was just
too much. I think he is afraid of competition, so feels if he
sues the small companies they will just fold rather than spend
the money to fight. It is just plain wrong.
2) He jerks around the consumer too much, including the shops
that buy from him. He says he wants to sell to smaller shops,
then makes them buy ALL of his products. If he produces toys that
don't sell, it is the store that is stuck with them, not him.
Let the shops dictate what they want, don't pawn your mistakes
off on them! And don't force them to purchase things that won't
sell. Then, some "mystery" is OK, but saying he will
retire all Beanies on December 31, and leaving it at that was
his biggest mistake yet. If I can't add to my collection, than
I don't want it. Apparently I am not the only one that feels this
way. You can tell by the prices on the internet auction sites
that most people have lost interest.
The bottom line is he is a control freak, and he is out of control.
Pulling auctions from e-bay! Please! He needs to chill out. There
are plenty of other quality companies out there that will appreciate
the people that are filling their wallets. I say the bottom will
drop out of the Beanie Baby market in early 2000. We will have
all moved on to other hobbies by the time Ty decides to make any
new announcements.
Here are a few more direct answers to your questions:
In your view, has the hobby become too competitive? Example -
Websites, similar product lines, negative press, misinformed information,
etc.
The competitiveness was part of the fun. It was only as competitive
as you let it be. I think the web-sites were all great, and also
added to the appeal of the hobby.
Has anyone tried to manipulate or control the market?
YES - Ty Warner!!
If Ty produces a new line for the year 2000, will you continue
to collect?
No, it will be too late. I am already moving on.
What in your opinion, will it take to get this market back on
track and collectors excited about collecting their favorite Ty
products?
I can't think of anything. It will be a case of "too little,
too late".
Thank you for letting me share my opinions. I will be looking
forward to reading the article. It should be interesting reading.
Marci
*********
I think TY, Inc. should take cognizance of his responsibility
to those of us who have helped make him a success by marketing
his product in such a way as to consider the future value of the
secondary market for us collectors (and maybe himself, too,)--
rather than just focussing on his own primary market...
I wish he would make his beanies more "dear" by not
overproducing any one baby, and by retiring "currents"
sooner than he does-out no longer than a year tops before retirement...
I also think he should stop distributing to those dealers who
sell his new releases to the secondary sellers first, who then
turn around and charge us "scalping prices" at kiosks
because we can't find them at regular dealers... and also eliminate
those dealers who themselves charge customers more than double
each beanie's cost to them...! Another idea would be to promote
free bulletin boards listing special "amateur beanie shows"
so we collectors can come together to visit, sell, swap or buy--that's
such fun!, but I never hear of any here where I live (metro Atlanta).
I think that if TY would do these things, he'd assure his own
lasting success over time, too, because I think it would stimulate
continued interest in his lines. Of course I'll continue to collect
as long as the beanies remain cute and cuddly: I do have certain
ones I favor, tho, and collect in multiples to eventually leave
in mint condition for my grandchildren, etc.
I think I'll keep "Ty" guessing, tho, by not mentioning
my preferred beanies by name! Ha. Have a great day--thanks for
keeping us updated!! and for asking for our opinions, too!!
*********
Hi how are you! Well I'm not really the person to ask if you wanted
positive feedback. I started collecting about 18 months ago and
almost wish I hadn't. I love beanies and buddies, they are just
too hard to find at retail prices and hard to find period. Ty
definitely caters to the US market and forgets about the Canadians.
My first Maple beanie cost me $150.00 in Canada. My daughter just
had to have one. Princess cost me approximately the same price
as I had to buy 15 commons to get her. In my opinion the prices
have gotten worse here in the last month since Ty announced the
big retirement that awaits us Dec. 31st. The majority of the retailers
I have talked to here are just fed up with the way Ty keeps them
at bay. As I'm sure you are aware the new releases have not started
showing up yet and alot of people have now started buying the
newbies at beanie shows or travelling to the nearest US border.
We are always last and always the ones to pay the higest prices.
We have Ty retailers here that are selling on ebay and at beanie
shows and even if you report them to Ty they do nothing about
it. The quality of beanies remains the same, the styles are not
as impressive as they were a year or so ago and too many beanies
are made from the same fabric. I would love to say that I won't
be collecting in the year 2000 but that may be a lie. I'll just
have to see what heproduces but in my opinion he has to do something
to help out the Canadian market. It's so much easier for me and
others to buy beanies and buddies off of ebay and pay closer to
retail there than we would for beanies at Ty retailers in Canada.
I shudder to think of how much I'm going to have to pay for a
Maple buddie. What do you do when you have a child that just has
to have a certain beanie or buddie and you walk into a Ty retailer
that wants $150.00 for a stuffed animal that he paid $5.50 for
and Ty lets them get away with it?
*********
Dear Ms.Janie,
Beanies change my life you say ahhhhhh let me count the ways !!
The only comment I want and need to make is that I unfortunately
had to buy most of my bears on the secondary market ...and yes
its all about wanting it now....I am toooo embarrassed to tell
any one how much I paid for britania , and maple, when they first
were available thru the market...My biggest concern and regret
is that they will never be in value what I had to pay...In my
local newspaper they had them for $100.00.....
And way (YES on the too competitive ).... Beanies play an important
role in my life, you say ...uhhhh yes...it has shown me how to
use the following example of how you can become obsessed and totally
out of control : we were in one of our favorite hunt places looking
for that elusive Beanie ,and my granddaughter found one she had
wanted and a lady came right over and snatched it right out if
her hands......she was only
6 yrs . old, now how sick is that ??????? Wasn't this intended
for children ? A new line you say ? Collect again ? Nah, I am
looking for only one other Beanie , and that will say it all for
me and that is
( THE END ). I think (TY) should change the TY hang tag from a
heart to a question mark ???????? Ya just never know what he's
gonna do.....it's always about supply and demand isn't it ?
I want to commend you on your web site I have thoroughly enjoyed
it,. I know you continue to keep up the good work and most informative.
WELL DONE...
Kind Regards,
Sharon
*********
I think beanie hunting has become more complex. Finding beanies
wasn't as difficult because people weren't hoarding them as they
are now. The biggest change is obsessive greed on the part of
Ty with his "sheduled announcements" leading to frenzied
hysteriria concerning the future of Beanies and the panic buying
(greed) of some collectors. No I do not intend to continue with
beanies in the New Year.
The fun has gone out of the search, they are to expensive to give
to the children anymore. They have to sit in a Beanie Shrine in
a Plastic box on a plastic chair with a plastic tag protector.
This was brought home to me last night when my 2 1/2 year old
grandson picked up my newly arrived $30.00 Peace Bear and hugged
it. For a second I held my breath and thought oh no, little hands
touched it, before sanity took over and I remembered this was
the original intent of the little Beanies. They were meant for
hugs and touching by little hands. If a child sees a picture of
a new one and desires it we have to find it (no small task ) or
pay rediculous prices on auctions. If this is fun I can live without
it.
The hologram tush tag has been great. I hope TY designs a hologram
heart tag. Less chance for forgeries.
I think TY is a very astute business man and the concept of the
beanie was for children to have an affordable toy which could
be carried around easily and I feel he has achieved this with
the beanies.
I feel it is a treasure hunt and the secondary market takes the
enjoyment away from the collector. It is very frustrating to see
the secondary market sellers with new product before the distributors
even have any.
I think there is a lot of second guessing about the TY products.
I personally don't feel any of the competitors beanie products
are as nice or as well made as the TY products.
The joy of hunting for the TY products is still there for me.
When I started looking for the Princess Di bear I could not find
it in my area at a price I could afford. When I went up to Michigan
to visit friends I had to
go beanie shopping. I found a really nice lady in a little shop
in Frankenmuth Michigan. There were several TY beanie bears on
a display table but no Princess Di bear. I asked the sales clerk
if she had this particular bear. At that time she hesitated and
said no. I went to find my girlfriend as a customer said they
had some at a local Cracker Barrell. When I got back with my friend
to ask this customer directions this customer had left the store.
Evidently the sales clerk heard me talking to my friend and she
called me over to the counter. She informed me that a Princess
Di bear had been put back for an employee and as this employee
had already picked up her bear there was an extra bear. This clerk
went out of her way to help me and she sold me the extra Princess
Di bear for $5.99. Needless to say this is my special TY beanie.
Also, some of the proceeds for this bear went to charities which
were great.
If TY offers a new line in the year 2000 it will depend on the
size of the bears. I only collect TY beanie bears. I think TY
will only improve his products.
As long as the retail prices to the distributors does not increase
I think the products will continue to sell. Thanks, Sharon
*********
Hello Ms. Janie,
In response to the questions on your website, I have the following
comments. 12/31 will be the end to my family collecting Ty beanies
for these important reasons. First, Ty Warners actions/policies
have become annoying. His endless lawsuits, scare tactics, and
silliness boggle the mind. Does this man believe he is the first
one to create a bean filled teddy bear or stuffed animal? Has
he ever heard of the Boyd's Co.? How about Dakin? I have a stuffed
bean dog called Drooper from the late seventies. He is an exact
likeness to Bones. Who do you think came first? I also have pure
white seal made from that co., a dead ringer for Seamore! Mr.
Warner needs a reality check.
*********
You ask what changes have occurred in the last 6 months well lets
see the once good friendly retailer has been over come with greed
and this is happening every where and they are telling people
that in order to buy beanies they have to either purchase something
of very high value then they get the beanie or they also have
to purchase buddies with this. The prices are out of this world
the children can not afford this cute little toy any more (thats
sad) considering it is a childs toy. These are retailers that
deal direct with ty and i have no idea how he could let these
retailers rip off little kids. Well you ask if ty has done anything
good bad or indifferent to affect the market,well the way i see
it is he has done good for himself by the way he set about the
retiring of all beanies so that the people would run out and buy
up everything in site so he's making money(thats the good) the
bad is that all the prices are so high that the people who really
enjoy the toy(children) can not enjoy them any more thats very
bad. well the hobby is like a yo-yo and it does have a lot of
ups and downs but if you enjoy the little critters the you just
go with the flow weather it be up or down I know i will be going
up and down with them no matter what i just like to collect them
because they make me happy This hobby has become very competitive
everyone is trying to get a piece of the beanie pie. All you have
to do is look around and there is nothing but beanies as far as
the eye can see all styles and all kinds ,but i think its cute
and collect whatever i like it does not have to be just ty cause
there is a whole big market of beanies out there. The only one
i have seen trying to control or manipulate the market is ty.
Yes if ty does make the year 2000 beanies I will be right out
there collecting them right along with all the other ty fans.
Well i don't think they are off track and i think whatever ty
thinks up next will be new and just as exciting as what he has
done over the past couple of years
your friend
alana
*********
I have collected the beanies for fun and I also give them to special
causes.
I wish I could say I don't use the secondary market but I do and
more than once has regretted the price I have paid because I was
impatient. Example, the beanies you could only get at the shows.
I paid $65.00 for the trio and now you can get them for $40.00.
This change in price was only in three weeks. Not their fault,
mine. I have always wondered about the availability of the product.
I probably will keep collecting whatever they bring out in 2000
but I am not sure. I have with the McDonalds line close to 200
beanies. I also take beanies to friends children when I go visiting.
I love to see how excited they get. I will hopefully have grandchildren
of my own someday and I will leave my collection to them. I started
out only having one beanie (Flip) and I went from there.
1) The changes in the last six months have been Ty seemingly to
become indifferent to the problems that have occurred and the
people's frustration with what is happening. He could have reassured
everyone especially with his latest announcement. He doesn't have
to do anything but it would have been the right thing to do. It
also is frustrating to get a beanie that supposedly is retired
and then see it everywhere long after the retirement date.
2) I think I also answered the question with Has Ty done anything
good, bad or indifferent in the question number one.
3) Ups and downs of collecting is the frustration of trying to
find a new beanie at a reasonable price. I have been collecting
for a few years and only once have I seen the bears at the cost
price. I have always bought them on the secondary market. My choice
and no one elses.
4) I would definitely say this is a very competitive hobby and
frustrating but I find the creatures very cute and heart warming
so I put up with the frustration.
5) To get the beanies back on track I would suggest no more games
with everyone. Be straight forward and make the beanies more available.
I don't agree that the beanies have lost their appeal. The beanies
Lips, Fish and B. Bear are the cutest that I have seen. Maybe
make more of them in the future like they are with the bright
colors and expressive faces.
6) I would suggest to Ty to just listen to what the people want.
After all, isn't this what the beanies represents?
7) If beanies do retire then I may switch to Attic Treasures.
They are so cute!
I hope my rambling helps. I am never very good with questionaires
but I
thought I would try since I have become such an addict with my
beanies. :-)
Good Luck with your survey!
Thanks, Mickie
*********
What changes have occurred in the market in the last 6 months?
Falling prices, decreased interest, lots of speculation on the
coming year
Has Ty done anything good, bad or indifferent to affect the market?
retiring all beanies is good, i'm tired of beanies...they have
become a chore instead of a hobby.
Many collectors refer to this hobby as a yo-yo, they say it has
too many ups and downs. What is your opinion on this? the market
does fluctuate, but even i have regained more interest. i vowed
not to buy the may releases
(except for the bears) but since they're Ty's done with beanies,
i figured what the heck.
In your view, has the hobby become too competitive? Example -
Similar product lines, negative press, misinformed information,
etc. YES! i think they're are too many copy cats out there. plus
children have turned their attention to pokemon and the only people
that buy beanies are the adult collectors.
If Beanies have played an important role in your life, please
explain how? yes they have played an important role. each beanie
i have tells a story as to what i had to go through to get it.
i got in a car accident over
beanies...i was in a hurry to rush to a beanie store. recently
i got a speeding ticket for rushing to a beanie store. If Ty produces
a new line for the year 2000, will you continue to collect? if
ty produces a new line i will
NOT collect. it is a scam by ty to renew the market and its not
going to work on me. Y2K is a good time to stop my beanie collecting
even if Ty does continue with beanies.
What in your opinion, will it take to get this market back on
track and collectors excited about collecting their favorite Ty
products? the entire collapse of TY would send all products prices
soaring and regain
interest until this burnt out flame can not twinkle any more!
I really don't know about changes in the market, I just know that
when Ty informs the public of what retires ahead of time, it makes
it harder to find the new beanies. That also happens when he does
the show exclusives. I have not seem the show exclusives anywhere
in my area for the regular price, The stores (at least the ones
I have seen them at) all over price them. When you look on ebay
and there are so many presale auctions for new beanies, it makes
you wonder how all those people get 36 at a time. Seems to me,
that they must be people that have Ty accounts. The retiring is
not the problem.....that is what makes the litle guys collectable,
but when Ty informs the public ahead of time...it makes the secondary
market impossible.
I do alot of trading and I have people actually wanting to trade
me one of the new beanie bears for my Brittannia beanie.
As far as the hobby being a yo-yo.....as for me I don't care,
I collect because I like the little guys - not because of investment.
Competition is something that is good......makes you work harder
for what you want to achive. Ty has no worry because even though
there are alot of different bean bag toys, beanie babies are the
favorite. I have a few others because of my likes for certain
things, but my collection is mainly Ty. I have scaled down my
collection on Ty because of changes he has made in some of the
beanies. I don't collect them all anymore. Just the bears, cats
and the birds I like and afew others that are to cute to resist.
I definitely will keep on as long as I can get them reasonably.
It would be nice if something could be done about the stores that
overprice or make you buy alot of others to get one at regular
price and the selling to secondary people without putting them
on the shelfs. I have nothing against the secondary market but
don't understand how they get so many and I have trouble finding
one of each. I don't buy from secondary market unless it is a
reasonable price.....someone who goes to the trouble of getting
them should make a little for the trouble but lets not get carried
away.
*********
I started collecting - mostly for my kids at first - about 2 years
ago when it was not so crazy. I actually enjoyed hunting for beanies.
I started trading and using the Internet. Beanies actually were
the reason I learned
so much about the net and what it can do for you! Back then, people
you met on-line were so nice and trustworthy, I still have a couple
of on-line friends that I communicate with weekly! It was fun
and there was a thrill when you made a good trade or found something
at a store. My kids loved collecting and displaying their favorite
beanies.
Unfortunately, there has been such a radical change in the market
and the people who are doing beanie business these days. People
aren't nice anymore - greed is the primary motivating factor.
I don't trade anymore because you can't trust anyone. My kids
and I get pushed around at stores as we are trying to get beanies.
I rarely even see kids looking for beanies anymore.
I run into the same nasty, cell phone carrying rude secondary
market people who believe that it is their right to have complete
access to as many beanies as they want and damn be all other people.
Collecting has become a chore and that is not fun. My kids are
soured on it as well. If they get a new beanie, it is great but
they don't save for them.
It makes me so sad that it has come to this. And the more I learn
about TY, the less I like it. The Holybears thing is disgusting.
Not because I am a religious nut but because I've got to believe
that there are enough collectors around who will spend their money
where they choose. I for one would never confuse the 2 products
but that is another story. It also smacks of greed. As far as
the whole speculation of no more beanies - I think we all know
that is alot of hype. Ty knows who butters his bread, so to speak.
There is NO WAY he is letting this cash cow fade away.
Thanks for letting me express my feelings. I used to love beanies
and now the whole process makes me weary. It is just not fun anymore.
Besides, I think those attic treasures are just as cute ,I can
get them for 5 dollars and they come with clothes that are interchangeable
in some cases. More bang for the buck!
Good luck with your story. I always enjoy your insight.
Suzanne
*********
Ms Janie--
Thanks for a great web site. I've learned a lot from you and check
for updates every day!
I certainly will continue to collect beanie babies if Ty continues
to produce them in 2000. I agree with you that it's quite likely
he will.
I've only been collecting for a couple of months, and while I
can't say I especially enjoy the hunt, it's great to acquire what
I'm looking for. I am finding I enjoy meeting and talking with
other beanie baby collectors and learning more about the entire
subculture almost as much as I enjoy the little guys themselves.
Hope this helps with your article. I look forward to reading it.
Thanks again for the great information; it has really helped this
"new to the game" collector catch up!
C J
*********
The problem with the beanie market now is, I live in Canada and
by the time the Sept. releases come here it will be at leasr Nov.
,maybe even Dec. That means we will have one month to get the
newbies before they retire.That is virtually impossible for my
area.We have three stores in our area that sell ty beanie babies(sounds
good), well at one store you can only buy one bear every other
month, another store you have to buy two common beanies to get
one bear,those two places are the good places to find something
, at the third place the woman who sells them keeps the new bears
for herself for trading, and only the common ones hit the shelf.
Ty should have take in consideration that other countries don't
get his products at the same time as the States. It is going to
be a riot when the newbies show up on the shelf for only one month,
and everyone is going to try to get them. Wish me luck, and I
hope I don't get hurt in the mob. Debbie
*********
Hi Ms. Janie. Thought I would take the time to give you my opinion
on the questions you asked about. As to your first question, I
believe that the change that has occurred most in the last 6 months,
is that the market has been saturated with the new Beanies that
have been produced during that time, and I believe that Mr. Warner
had a lot to do with it.
Which would lead me to answer, yes, to your second question, of
him having done anything to affect the market. I feel that every
since the January releases (which I had all of within about 2
weeks, a first for me!), that he has been saturating the market
with his new releases. This has been good and bad. It does allow
all of us the chance to get these little critters at retail, but
it doesn't help the collectiblilty of the item. So depending on
whether your in it for collecting or playing, its a good/bad situation.
The saturating of the market would not be so bad if people would
take advantage of it, but they don't. They still run out there,
in attempt to be the first (and Mary Beth's contest doesn't help
in this situation either!) to get the newbies, and so they keep
the secondary market fueled for charging outrageous prices on
them. Don't get me wrong, this is their progative to do so, but
its the same people who turn around two weeks after they pay the
outrageous prices and complain that they did so, because they
find that same Beanie at retail for alot less.
I don't feel the hobby has anymore ups and downs then it should,
for an item that has taken the nation by storm. I mean there are
alot of items that sell better at certain times of the year, and
they are not all collectibles. This is human nature. When, lets
say, Christmas is nearing, then certainly there will be items
that will be more in demand,
and therefore will command a higher price. But if you look for
that same item after Christmas, they will probably be giving it
away, because the demand for that item has decreased considerably.
I do feel that there are alot of competition for Ty now, and that
is why he is going after the copyright infringements so strongly.
And it is ashame that people fly off the handle so readily towards
this man, for protecting what is rightfully his. Especially when
they don't have all the facts. Case in point, the Holy Bear wars,
as its being called. I feel that everyone should have all the
facts before they pass judgment, and the way that they are condemning
Ty and singing praises to Rob Leclair is not, in my opinion, fair.
People seem to forget that while Holy Bears are used in a religious
way, that Beanies too have been used for the same purpose, and
with much success. And Mr. Leclair, while he claims to nobly want
to eventually give these away, is making his share of money right
now. So while his concept is a nice gesture, he is still gaining
materially from the sale of his product, and so we must view it,
not as good vs. evil, but one beanbag product vs. another (by
the way, I like the Holy Bears, and have some in my collection,
but they do resemble Beanies alot, except for the snout).
Beanies have been fun, up unto a point. I have only been collecting
for 2 yrs. but I have seen a big change in just that amount of
time. People aren't in it as much for the joy anymore, and so
its taken some of the fun out of it for all of us. Because you
are not just competing to get that collectible for your collection
anymore, but the millions of people who are in it for nothing
more than the money. Case in point, I went to my local Beanie
shop, where she had put all the April newbies in grab bags, including
the summer trio(by the way she only charges $5.00, no matter what).
My little girl pulled the bags, which she loves to do, and started
to open them. Well, fortunately, we got the trio, which was noted
by one lady, and she proceeded to harass me to buy them. Well
it doesn't take a genius to realize that you are dealing with
a secondary market person, and I told her, many times, that I
was not interested. So
what should have been an exciting time for me was dampened by
the persistence of an individual who wanted to take them and sell
them for umpteen times what I paid for them. And they are out
there everywhere, doing the same thing to many individuals, and
I think it is starting to take its toll on the collector. That,
and all the copyright infringements, and the underhanded dealing
on the part of the retailer, is enough to turn even the most avid
fan off. And whereas, Ty has done alot to stop the retailers from
the underhandedness, he can't be everywhere personally, and I
feel that the individuals he has in place to be his ears &
eyes, are not always the most honest people either. As for whether
I collect in the year 2000 (and yes, I do believe Beanies will
be here, although they might undergo a name revision, and possibly
a hang tag revision), I honestly don't know. I am withholding
that decision until I see the new ones released in 2000. It would
be a good stopping point, if I chose to stop, but the honest truth
is, that I have to wait to see them, because he turns out the
cutest beanbags. As for getting the market back on track, if I
had that answer I would probably be a rich woman, because I would
sell it to Ty for a bundle (cause I think he's gonna need it!).
But then again maybe not. After all he is a marketing genius,
or so they tell me!!!!
Thanks for your ears Ms. Janie and keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Terri
*********
Really think beanie news has become very boring and alot of untruthes
being published.
We beleive that the TY reps are not informed at all, and they
lead us to believe that they are. Also I see it is very easy to
start a bad rumor, because I have done it just to test the market
for it. And it works great!! Beanies are in and will be in for
a long time, people not paying top dollar for beanies are smart,
however, because they can save there money now and pay alot more
later when the prices are untouchable.
Changes in the past 6 months - Have been able to find all the
new beanies, even the bears. It may be that more retailers are
limiting the purchases to one per customer so more people have
a chance to get the hard-to-find ones, especially bears.
Ty affecting the market - I think this latest thing with all beanies
retiring 12/31/99 will create more interest, which I think is
a good thing.
This hobby as a yo-yo - I think that for everyone getting out,
someone gets in. I bet it will stabilize as the years go on. We
will just have to start looking at garage sales and antique shops.
It is just like collecting dolls, Hot Wheels, Barbies, etc. This
was really meant for children and their interests will change.
Hobby too competitive -There is a lot more competition, but that
is normal. It happens with anything that is popular.
Important role in my life - Made a few new friends, made my pocketbook
a little tight at times. Have always wanted to collect something,
but hadn't found anything that caught my interest or was affordable.
It has been fun
trying to find beanies I needed at the cheapest price.
Ty producing a new line in 2000 - I probably will collect them.
If they are more expensive, I doubt I will buy as much. I will
be a lot "pickier" in what I collect and try and read
more.
What will it take to get the market back on track - I think Ty
has the right idea. It is supply and demand, but half the fun
is being able to find the product, even if it means standing in
line. At least there is a chance to
get it.
I really appreciate being on your list. I don't have much time
to always get on the internet to keep up with Ty. You are very
informative and saves me a lot of time. You are doing a great
job. Thanks!
*********
What changes have occurred in the market in the last 6 months?
I have been collecting for almost a year. I have seen people buy
beanies that never intended to since the announcement, so the
new beanies are harder to find now.
Has Ty done anything good, bad or indifferent to affect the market?
I buy beanies because I enjoy them, not for profit. So the exclusives
made me angry because I will never get them. Because of the retirement
announcement, the new beanies are impossible to find and the secondary
market has overinflated the price of them. I wish Ty would tell
us exactly what his plans are for the new millennium. I am ready
to say forget the whole thing, but I find myself running into
any store I know to check.
Many collectors refer to this hobby as a yo-yo, they say it has
too many ups and downs. What is your opinion on this? Agree, get
excited hunting for new beanies, then get them all, then have
to start all over. Instead of releasing 10 or whatever each 4
months, release one every few weeks.
If Beanies have played an important role in your life, please
explain
how? Example- the joy of hunting them, the frustration, the comfort
factor, etc. All of the above, the thrill of the hunt, excitement
when I find one I have been hunting for then the frustration of
"just missing them". My beanies give me comfort, I have
met lots of nice people.
If Ty produces a new line for the year 2000, will you continue
to collect? I say no, but probably will! What in your opinion, will it take to get
this market back on track and collectors excited about collecting
their favorite Ty products? Get rid of the secondary markets,
keep prices reasonable and the knowledge that there will be enough
beanies to go around! Thanks, Sue
*********
I think that the beanie market is definately dieing. Ty let the
line get too big. He needed to retire all of the beanies and start
over with just a handful. When the bears just set on the shelves
you know that it had died. He has renewed alot of the rush to
have. For me collecting beanies gives me a peace.
I moved to a new place with a new job and no friends. I had my
beanies to get me through. I also have met and made friends through
beanies.
Thank you,
JLynn Christensen
*********