Ty doing his juggling act!Special note from Ms. Janie,
This questionnaire has produced enormous responses. I am sorry
that I was unable to post all of the responses at one time. Please
visit this page for the next couple of days for updates.
I would like to thank all of the webmasters who posted this questionnaire
for their viewers to participate.
Also, please keep in mind that the posted responses do NOT necessarily
reflect my own opinion.
I personally do not believe that Ty
will end the Beanie Baby line. I would rather believe that this
is simply the beginning of something fresh and exciting.
Ty doing his juggling act!
1. What are your viewers on Ty's latest announcement?
*********
In my view, TY's latest announcement seems to have created a lot
of confusion and speculation regarding the fate and future of
beanies.
*********
I totally think that this a marketing strategy on Mr. Warner's
part.
*********
I think Ty Warner is trying to drum up more interest and media
attention to his products. However, I also think that this announcement
has backfired somewhat as many of his collectors are angry and
upset.
*********
I prefer to wait and see really expect another announcement very
soon. As this one has caused a real mess.
*********
Ty Warner is the "master"....the interests in beanie
babies and buddys has been kindled again....what a man !!! New
century, new beanies....thats my theory and I am stickin to it.
*********
I think that this is just a ploy that Ty is doing to put more
excitement back into the collecting and of course.....to keep
people guessing! I think that come Jan. 1, 2000, we will see a
new beanie baby with a new name possibly and definitely new tush
tags and swing tags.
*********
Mixed emotions, but it's his Business to run. If he is not going
to quit making beanies, I feel that he has done the young children
a disservice by just not saying so -- there are a lot of hurt
little feelings out there that can't understand why Ty is doing
this.
*********
Will this be the end or just the beginning?2. Has the announcement affected your decision to purchase
Beanies?
*********
The announcement has not changed my purchasing decisions.
*********
Not much. I've just picked up the last couple of Beanies I wanted
and will probably stop with the 1999 Holiday Teddy. I had pretty
much stopped buying after picking up last year's Holiday Beanies.
*********
The announcement has not made run out and buy up beanies.
*********
I have not purchased any Beanies, current or retired, since the
announcement, and have not made a decision on whether to search
out the new ones or not. Before the announcement was made, I was
planning to fill out my collection with some of the retired ones
that I was missing, but now that plan has been put on hold indefinitely.
*********
Not at all ! Ty's announcement was given without much thought
to the problems it would cause.
*********
As long as there are beanie babies I will be there...they make
me feel good and I am 59 years old.
*********
No, I am still collecting because I think that bigger better things
are gonna happen with beanie collecting next year.
*********
The only think that I've done is pick up the Summer Trio any chance
I can get -- but I would probably have done that anyway.
*********
Money talks, but it doesn't say when
it's coming back! 3. How do you feel knowing that the September Beanie releases
will be available for such a short period of time?
*********
I can still get beanies that were retired a year ago at the local
outlet. These may be harder to find...but they will be worth more.
Isn't that the whole idea of supply and demand??
*********
Not too different from the short time Holiday Beanies have been
available in the past. The bummer is, that it greatly inflates
the secondary market, which is unfair to collectors when all the
dealer hoard them.
*********
It is upsetting to me because I live in a small town with only
one hallmark in it and a clothing store that receives commons
from their warehouse, but never any bears. The other draw back
for me is that they seem to show up in the west months before
they show up in the south....
*********
I'm not happy, as it only leads to an increase of prices on the
secondary market. Unless one camps out at their favorite Ty retailer
from now until Dec. 31, the chances of obtaining all the new releases
at retail prices is very slim.
*********
I have no feelings about the early retirements, because a lot
of other beanies have retired in a lot less than 4 months.
*********
EXCITED !!!!
*********
I am sorta worried fearing that I may not be able to get them
all. But, just like most Sept. releases (at least all of the holiday
beanies) they always retire on Dec 31/Jan 1 anyway so it is no
real surprise about that! There are gonna be alot of people out
there searching for such few beanies in such a short period of
time!
*********
ARG! It frustrates me! From when I've started collecting (only
15 months ago) I have managed to get all the current/new releases,
now I'm not sure if I'll be able to get these last 10.
*********
A wise man is like a tack - sharp and
pointed in the right direction.4. Do you anticipate Beanies will be available in 2000 or
is Ty ending the Beanie line with a BANG!
*********
My interpretation of the announcement was that all current beanies
were going to be retired on December 31, 1999. I didn't see anything
in there about the discontinuation of the line. I will be very
surprised if there are no more, once the new year arrives.
*********
They'll probably drag on putting the retired product into the
market. I'm always amazed when stores get "retired"
Beanies over a year after they've retired. I suspect beanies will
reappear in a slightly different form and a
new name. Ty's just playing a game with us again.
*********
I do expect beanies to be around in the year 2000.
*********
I think there will be Beanies in 2000, either with a slightly
different name, or different tags, or some other changes.
*********
I feel that Ty Beanies will be coming out next year and for years
to come, just not so many as to flood the market with cheapees
that I can buy at the local flea markets for 3 for $10.00
*********
My gut feeling is this...Ty Warner is not gonna stop now....he
is having fun, to much fun to stop now !
*********
I definitely think there WILL be beanies in 2000! They will be
different but still will be Ty Beanies---just with different tags
and/or name (beanies).
*********
Not sure -- I think that he will probably be quitting the "Beanie"
line -- but might start up a "Bean E." Line, or something
similar -- I definitely think that he will continue to produce
the little toys.
*********
Time is so powerful that it is given
to us only in small doses!5. Do you feel this announcement has spurred on the retail
and secondary market for Beanies?
*********
Unfortunately, I'm afraid the announcement may have had an effect
on the secondary market. As for the retail, the store I purchase
from follows TY's policies strictly, and sells all beanies for
$8.99 (CDN).
*********
No, the prices are lower. I think people are fed up with Ty manipulating
them.
*********
I feel that Ty's strategy to get over stock moved has worked.
**********
Yes, it has, which was the main purpose of the announcement.
*********
This announcement has caused the flea- market dealers to raise
the prices up to
$6-$7 dollars for a couple hours, only to drop back down to 3
for $10.00, because no one was buying.(I liked it !)
*********
Yes, but they are confused....some trying to dump them cheap and
some raising prices....its about 50/50 in my area.
*********
Yes, alot of people are trying to make sure that they get all
they can. Although, some people are worried and they are the ones
selling.......thinking that it is all ending.
*********
Yes, I know a couple secondary dealers and they are saying that
a lot of secondary dealers are using this announcement to get
out of the business -- while others are using this to stockpile
-- so there is a lot of "changing hands" going on.
Always thinking! Unless you try to
do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never
grow!6. What is your opinion on Ty not posting pictures of their
new releases?
*********
Pictures would be nice, but I'm sure someone will be posting some
soon.
*********
Ridiculous! They should post the pictures.
*********
It is all part of Ty's marketing plan....and it is working so
far...
*********
I don't understand all the secrecy now. The new ones have been
announced for 10 days and have been seen at an England trade show,
so why not post the pictures? The net result of all this is more
aggravation for Ty's most loyal customers - the ones who frequent
his website the most.
*********
My curiosity says Ty should have posted the pictures, But that
only seems to feed the pre- sellers frenzy,(whom I never buy from
any- way.)
*********
Keeps us all wondering and he loves it !!
*********
This is just more of Ty Warner's "plan". The anticipation
is what adds the "energy" back into collecting! It makes
it so exciting just waiting to see what they look like! He KNOWS
all this, too!
*********
We all wish we could (look) at the
new releases!7. Many collectors including myself feel that Ty will not
stop producing Beanies. We all anticipate new releases for the
Millenium. Worst case scenario, what if Ty did stop producing
Beanies, what would you do then and
how would you feel about your collection?
*********
I agree with you and anticipate more releases next year. If we're
wrong, I still will consider my collection as an investment. There
are many new collectors out there, who are looking for some beanies,
and the only way to get them is to buy from other collectors.
*********
Sell it eventually, and maybe keep a couple of favorites.
Worst case senerio to me would be that my collection, that I have
been collecting since May of 97, would be worth quite a bit...
*********
I would keep the Beanies that I liked, and try to sell the rest.
I certainly would not attempt to fill out my collection.
*********
I believe Ty will be selling Beanies for years to come, with little
or no changes in the beanies themselves believe his problem lie's
in his inability to control the secondary market. I don't believe
it is right for ALL the
Ty dealers ,including Hallmark to sell every- new item they get
in to the secondary dealers for a lot more money than Ty wants
them to sell for.( I have also seen a Hall- mark owner selling
beanies at a fleamarket months before I saw them in his store).
This if anything, is what will drive the collectors away.
*********
I would continue to try to fill the gaps in my collection and
as always....would forever cherish them.
*********
Well, I would be very upset but.........I wouldn't start collecting
buddies, attics, etc. As for my collection, I would hold on to
it for a good little while to see what was happening with prices.
If prices go down, I would just keep them. I don't know what I
would do with them but.........there would be no sense in losing
money. If prices go up, I may possibly sell some and just hold
on to my favorites. But, that would be hard to do..........I love
my beanies!
*********
I'd say - Hey, I had fun. I spent wayy too much money, and if
the value stays the same or increases -- great! If not, I've got
a lot of little Christmas gifts for down the road. :)
*********
An executive is a guy who can take
as long as he wants to make snap decisions.8. If you had the opportunity to converse with Ty Warner
in two sentences or less, what would you say?
*********
Mr. Warner...you have pulled off the feat of the millenium with
one simple announcement. It's been repeated on media broadcasts
worldwide and caused collectors to go into a frenzy...while it's
true meaning is probably not as dramatic
*********
Stop being so arrogant and LISTEN to your customers and retailers!
Also, do something to keep 90% of your new product from being
diverted to the secondary market before it's even offered to retail
(collectors, not dealers) customers.
*********
I am not quite sure in two sentences or less.
*********
I would ask him (1) why he likes to play games with his customers
(the secrecy, the mystery, the refusal to conduct interviews,
the announcements at odd hours, etc.), and (2) if he is really
in this business for the kids (as he professes), as opposed to
for the money, why does he run his business the way he does.
*********
Hi Ty, If you could stop your dealers from selling their beanies
on EBAY and to Flea- market dealers for at least 60 days, the
true collectors could get some of the new beanies without mortgaging
their homes.
*********
Mr. Warner....no matter what, you are the "master" and
beanie babies will live forever.
*********
1) What is going on with this "big announcement"? and
(2) Where do you (or your staff) get the ideas for which animals,
etc. to use as beanies and their names.
*********
Thanks for all the fun I've had searching for Beanies. Oh, and
would you PLEASE go Public so I can buy some Stock in your company??
*********
A wise man restrains his anger and
overlooks insults. This is to his credit.9. Do you visit the Ty Cyberboard and if so, what is your
opinion of it?
*********
I visit the board once in a while. I find it's more gossip than
anything else. I prefer to go to your site or Beaniemom's for
info.
*********
No, too much to read.
*********
I have visited the cyberboard and I think it... whoops....may
I say stinks or will I be penalized by a point? :-)....
*********
I check in on the cyberboard 4 or 5 times a week. I like reading
the opinions of others, and I have found it to be a helpful place
to find retailers of Beanies, as there is no "official"
list available from Ty, Inc. However, it seems to be poorly moderated
right now - too many postings from people whose ID's lead you
to believe that they are Ty Warner himself, too many postings
from people who do not follow the rules, too slow in posting messages,
moderators who seem to have a personal vendetta against some posters,
and many other things.
*********
With msjanie and others , I usually don't go to the Ty page
*********
I have visited the cybertalk....I have commented a few times and
I love reading it.
*********
Ty website
*********
I do at times, but think that it's rather Juvinile.
*********
Defer not until tomorrow to be wise,
10. How do you feel about the removal of the Guestbook from
the Ty site?
*********
It doesn't affect me.
*********
More of their "control freak" thinking. Ty loves to
have total control, and won't listen to anyone!
*********
At first I was upset, but then I found it again at nobidding.com
....it is set up with exact same format. The only thing about
it not being on Ty web page, is that one no longer has the availability
to see newsflashes and other announcements at the same time.
*********
I did not use the Guestbook.
I might also mention that I have been collecting Beanie Babies
for a little over a year. My two children are the main reason
why. We have built a collection of over 250 beanies, and have
probably spent too much money doing so. I am the kind of collector
that Ty Warner is running the risk of alienating with his current
policies.
*********
Having only been collecting since March, I don't know what guest
books are for, so I don't sign them anyway.
*********
I never made a deal on the guestbook but I loved searching it
for a deal....I miss it.
I am sorta surprised that it stayed around as long as it did.
Ty Warner says that beanies are to be sold at retail and says
that he does not like the secondary markets ripping people off
yet he had this page on his website that had some people doing
just that! Me, I liked the page just to see what all was being
sold and how much people were asking for some certain beanies.
*********
Never used it, so doesn't affect me.
*********
Everyone seems to be giving too much credit to Ty and his
unpredictable nature. I'm hearing rumors he is considering constructing
his own building in China. Does this sound like someone who is
about to give up the beanie business? I think not. Does everyone
feel China will be Y2K ready? Perhaps Ty anticipates difficulty
getting his orders filled after the first of the year. I feel
Ty will wait until he has a better grasp on what the situation
will be and will probably resurface only after he knows he can
start up again without Y2K woes.
I believe this played well into Ty's hand, but he is going underground
gracefully until he knows more. I anticipate an entire new line
of beanies, which will be excellent news for the 1990s collectors.
Best of luck to everyone worldwide! Looking forward to the new
millinnieum!
Just another beanie addict.
*********
IF HE WAS GOING TO END IT WHY WOULD HE OPEN THE MARKET TO JAPAN.
AND IF HE DID THEN HE MUST NOT LIKE ALL OF USE OR OUR KIDS. WE
GIVE HIM A PARTY AND HE TURN'S HIS BACK ON US. NOT TOO COOL.
I CAN'T SEE HIM GIVEING UP ALL THAT MONEY THAT HE CAN MAKE FOR
NO REASON.
MR. TY I HOPE YOU DON'T LET ALL YOUR FREINDS DOWN BECAUSE WE SUPPORT
ALL
THAT YOU DO BUT THIS WOULD BE HARD TO DO.
*********
No I don't think TY will end the Beanies. Why because he just
sign a deal with McDonalds to do teenie in the year 2000 he just
sign a deal with Japan. I think the end is the end of the first
100 years. Start the new millenium off with a new batch of beanies.
He might change a couple of things but not quit. (I Hope) And
if he dose well there just won't be no more fun running around.
*********
I feel ty will continue to make beanies last night I heard they
will have a new spelling (beanie baby) I have only started collecting
98 so my thoughts are that must dealers lie to us and only sell
to people they want to have them. I know one that keeps them under
the counter or she goes up stair after them for certain people
still haven't gotten the
butterfly fish or birthday bear but the games people are playing
I don't care I even ask for internet help and can't get any I
must not know the proper channels one lady has teenie beanie boxes
and won't tell where she got them I've searched the net but can't
find them so I will keep on looking I believe ty has some big
plan's for 2000 .hope I did this right.
*********
This whole atmosphere regarding the demise of Beanies is too bad.
It really is no fun trying to get any of the newer Beanies as
they are just not available. I WILL NOT stand in line or beg some
clerk to let me get the ones I want. They have become so rude
and selfish. I just want to be treated like a human being!
I have no idea what Ty Warner has in mind at the end of the year
other than to retire all Beanies. His tactics are not even funny
anymore.
Who knows what's in his mind or what he is thinking. It has completely
gotten out of control. The Secondary Market seems to have anything
they want and ask outrageous prices for any of the new ones. How
can they
get them when we don't see them anywhere in the local stores?
Hallmark is one of the worst offenders for not having what you
want. I know they get the new ones, but they never seem to have
them! Count me OUT of the Beanie Collecting.
*********
Ms. Janie by Sea,
I am an adult collector who recently entered the Beanie wars (after
teasing my secretary unmercifully about her addiction) in the
spring of 1998. I am now hopelessly addicted and have at least
one of all the releases from 1/1/97 to the summer market releases.
I have found the hunt or chase is the fun. My collection numbers
around 600 and growing. When the TY announcement came out our
local newspaper, the Billings Gazette, interviewed me as well
as several others about our reaction to the news. I must admit
that I was devistated at first. No more searching or social events
meeting your beanie buddies while awaiting the drawing of the
lottery number at Cracker Barrel. But common sense tells me that
TY, marketing genius that he is, has something else up his sleeve.
I am now making certain that my collection is as complete as I
can afford. I am trying to get a Sting on eBay, and that will
complete all the beanies to 1/1/97. I do, however, feel that giving
us only three months to obtain the final beanies is a tough imposition
on those of us who live in the small country communities. Our
vendors are not expecting to get the beanies until probably October
if TY runs true to form. We will essentially only have two months
to get all of them. Most of my suppliers went to summer market
so as to be able to provide us with the Lips-Flitter-B.Bear combo.
I might add that most of them really found that it was a financial
hardship to do so, but felt it was necessary to be competative.
We all appreciate our vendors here A LOT. As to visiting the Cyberboard,
I don't. It takes too long and I find most of the comments boring.
I always check out Beaniemom and I also get the latest from Ultimate
Collector for Beanie Babies, since I have their program in my
computer. I used to check the Guest book on TY, but recently I
haven't had time to scroll down for an hour. I believe that this
announcement is a godsend to the retailers. They will get rid
of the redundant beanies that are sitting on their shelves and
have been for months. It has certainly made the older beanies
more valuable. I have been watching Libearty on eBay hoping to
get one. Two weeks ago you could occasionally get one for $250.
I had to pay more than that for one after the announcement. Strange
isn't it since there hasn't been a Libearty made for years. The
demand will increase, I'm certain. I'm sorry that Ty hasn't published
the pictures of the newbies. That just makes for rumors and pirated
pixs from shows, etc. We are all awaiting the new ones with baited
breath. I'm certain that TY will come out with another product
- perhaps under a different name, with different tags, and different
material, maybe for more money. I can't imagine that he is done
for good. My two sentances for him would be:
Thanks for a great hunting experience these past two years. Hope
the Millennium brings more of the same.
*********
I don't think beanies are gone forever. Ty Corp. has too much
invested in this, employees, contracts, and manufacturers. He
just recently started Clubby II, there are new beanie cards, coins.
McD's is doing teenie beanies next May. What would happen to all
this stuff?
I don't think the retirement is helping the stores. The stuff
is (once again) - just sitting. A lot of my friends are tired
of beanies, and are tired of the secondary prices. The retirements
came too fast for the average purchaser. (I'm not speaking about
the secondary dealers who make this a living doing this and can
be at the door when the stores
open). The working people never get to the stores when they open.
I love Beanies and so does my daughter, we have hundreds. I don't
think they will ever be valuable because there are millions of
people with them. We just love them for what they are. But we
are running out of room! If he makes something new, I hope it
is smaller!
I have no questions for Ty Warner. I have this fictitious love
- hate relationship with the man.
I love the Cyberboard. You pick up great info from it. Never entered
the Guestbook. As I am not a seller nor dealer. I did find photos
of some of the new ones this a.m. on www.spinaker.com so the cyberboard
is very helpful. Thank for this chance to offer my feelings. Good
luck on your survey.
*********
I feel (Hope) Ty is just trying to get more interest started up
in the Beanie world.
The announcement has NOT affected my decision to purchase Beanies.
I love them still and will continue to buy them as they come out.
I only hope I can get them.
Are we really sure the September releases will be available for
such a short time? If so, I am very very unhappy. I want them
for my collection, and I know the majority of them will go to
secondary market.
I really anticipate that Ty will release more in 2000.......BUT
then again, I heard he was selling out, so maybe the new owners
will do that.
I don't see any difference in the retail stores than ever before
since the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT.
I do not understand why the pictures of the supposedly new Beanies
are not on his site. After all this is supposed to be something
for kids. And if that is the case why would he do something like
that. Kids don't understand why
grown-ups are so nuts.
If I could have a conversation with Ty I might just say/ask why
he is so weird, why he doesn't just make enough of those cute
little critters for everyone that wants them to be able to buy
them, other than at the secondary market.
I do occasionally visit the Ty Cyberboard, and I believe it is
just a soundoff spot. Nothing gets resolved from that spot. I
would really like Ty to have a place where you could actually
get questions answered. Like all the problems with ordering the
'Clubby Buddies'. What a farce. I actually didn't know the guestbook
was gone.
*********
Well, my two school-age children and I have given up BEANIES.
They are frustrated by the "hunt" for newbies and seeing
these older women have them at flea markets at unattainable prices
for an 8 year old paying with an allowance. It is not worth it
to me. They are very delighted with their collection and play
with their BB's. I'd tell TY W. that he is losing many great followers
who have lined his pockets with riches because he is making them
frustrated with merely 4 shipments of the new ones and such media
hype/secrecy about the newbies. People don't have to participate
and I'm finding more and more parents everyday who are doing exactly
what my family is doing - quitting.
Sometimes the greatest of plans backfire and I think T.W.'s just
might have. He wants to get those warehouses cleaned out at the
expense of making a big brouhaha. Well, his warehouse may not
empty out if everyone quits BB's. He'll still be rich and we'll
still have out Beanies to play with, so no one is really losing
here!
*********
I have collected Beanies for the past 2-3 years and began quite
by accident! I made sleeping bags and totes for the wee ones and
found myself buying them, too. It is a terrible hassle for me
to find them because I live in a town of 3000 and there are no
TY retailers here! Anyway, I have followed yours and others comments
via the Internet and I will be happy to share my feelings with
you!
I am tired of chasing after the elusive Newbie and am looking
for a reason to "hang it up"! My first thought upon
hearing TY's announcement was, I WILL RETIRE FROM COLLECTING BEANIES
on 12-31-99! Perfect solution! I do think that Ty will continue
to have a line of Beanies after the new year. I think he will
change them (tags) in some way as to denote a new generation.
I believe this announcement hype has caused some of the old stock
to finally move out of the stores. I don't believe that Beanies
have a collectible value that will withstand the test of time.
My extensive collection is purely for my own gratification and
fun - not as an "investment"! I have not and will not
pay a secondary market price for any Beanie - hence, I do not
have any of the International Beanie Bears.
I did not realize the changes to the TY website, so I guess that
I did not utilize those resources. I have kept checking for pictures
of the new ones and wondered why they aren't available? Is this
just to feed the frenzy even more? I do resent the limited edition/release
of these last 10.
Unfortunately, it makes Monsters out of ordinary people, causes
pure mahem for retailers, and is very disappointing for those
of us who consider ourselves "loyal" Beanie collectors.
The secondary market people will gobble up as many as they can
and hold them over our heads for ransom.
Selfishly, I want to have a chance for them, and I doubt that
I will have that opportunity . . . given my physical residence.
As for my comments to Ty Warner: I have enjoyed your little Beanies
and appreciated that they were priced very reasonably.
You may have just "shot yourself in the foot" with your
recent announcement on Beanie retirements.
As a collector - either for investment, or just for pleasure -
how would you feel if you were in our shoes and had only 3 months
to find the LAST new ones?
It seems a bit unfortunate to end such a unique and fun hobby
on such a sour or sad note.
I don't know if my input will help you in sorting out the mass
reaction to the Beanie situation, but my opinion is shared by
many of my friends. We have talked at length the past week or
so, and ALL plan to end our collecting hobby regardless of whether
TY ends his Beanie production or not!
None of us plan to sell ours. We will just enjoy them as little
"friends"!
*********
Hi. I live in Iowa, and have been collecting beanies for almost
2 years. I have most of the bears, except the rare and early ones,
and most of the others. Around 120 in all. It is so hard to find
them for a long time when they first come out. I stood in line
2 hours yesterday for a small chance I could get a birthday bear,
but, the store only had 15 of them, so, I was out of luck. I can't
afford to buy them for $50 a piece, so, I just have to hope I
can get the new ones released in September. When you work, it
is hard to get out and get them. Because of the interest in them,
I can hardly believe Ty would stop making them. It just doesn't
make sense. I hope it isn't true. I will keep buying them, and
hope for the best. If it is true, I will just enjoy the ones I
was able to get.
*********
I,also, do not believe that bb are coming to an end. Maybe it's
just because I don't want them to for I got started late in my
collection after my husbands death on 1-1-97 I have grown so fond
of them that I am opening a shop the middle of this month! I have
faith in Ty's business sense and feel that IF bb are no longer
made after the end of the year, he will present a new line of
collectibles. I really think that new bb will come out for a "series
11" collection after the first of the year so people can
start another collection!!
My 2 sentences to Ty would be the last two that I wrote above.
Thank you,
*********
I am a small beanie collector I only have about 60. I decided
BEFORE the announcement on August 31 to only buy cat and bunnies
from now on. I think the beanie craze will continue, but I was
getting a bit obsessed with having
to get ALL of them. People will go crazy trying to get the new
beanies. Prices will sKy rocket.I think that he will come out
with a Series 2 beanie baby set - but who knows. As for now displaying
pictures - Mr. Ty likes to be mysterious!
*********
No one knows what Ty Warner will do, but I cannot believe he will
drive a spike in the heart of the golden Honks.
Surely, he will start the 2000 series and put the 1900's behind
him in all its glory. Who knows?
*********
Ty is a sly fox and why would he give up so much as far as money,
but I have already heard rumor from a hallmark store that his
TY rep said in January.
There is a new beanie coming out called the beginning, who knows,
I had already decided for my self that after this year I would
not buy any more beanies, enough is enough, the secondary market
made Ty and I think people
have spent way too much already I have collected beanies from
the beginning and lack the first 12 and when it took off I was
frustrated like everyone else but if this is a ploy to keep things
going SHAME ON TY WARNER and would not buy another just for that
reason.
*********
As a retailer who has sold beanies since before they became popular,
I have to say I have seen it all. Our customers are now coming
in and picking up a few that they need to finish their collection
or maybe one or two they don't have and want to own before they
retire. I anticipate there will be the usual chaos to attain the
10 new releases before they retire. Unfortunately this will involve
the secondary dealers lying and cheating to attain more than their
limit even if they cheat a child out of getting a favorite beanie.
I have played by all of Ty's rules from day 1 and I can't say
that it has ever gained us any ground on preferred shipments or
quantities. The toy store down the street always seems to get
his shipments first and he is blatent about overcharging and not
providing them to the kids. Anyway, I think this is only the beginning
of something new in the beanie line from Ty. There is too much
going for the "new millinium" that I can't see Ty not
having something new and wonderful to offer to the kids. I can't
wait to see the new releases for 2000!!
*********
I think all this is just another marketing technique to increase
sales.
It is very unfair to those parents who buy for their children,
although, I don't think that matters to him as long as he and
all those secondary market folks are making money. NO HE WILL
NOT STOP! He has always said that the store dealers who buy from
him could not sell both primary and secondary market side by side.
Ha that's a laugh. It's happening every day. The used-to-be honest
ones are now selling at secondary prices.
And the older ones they are selling are ones they hoarded from
6-12 months and are making big bucks because parents will buy
them rather than disappoint their children. My two sentences or
less would be "Where is the honesty in all this. If it was
for children it would not be as frustrating as politics."
I think he removed the guestbook so he would not have to watch
others make money off his products.
*********
My son has been an avid collector since 1995 and his collection
includes a significant number of the older, oldest beanies, all
neatly stored for the next generation of collectors. The announcement
by Ty seems to fall into the
pattern of his previous stunts, create a renewed interest and
a free publicity hype for the product. We feel he made some bad
selling calls last year, with vendors having stacked shelves of
"dull" beanies as opposed to lines out the doors. His
tracking system to "police" vendors only supported the
increased secondary market activity. We agree with you that the
era of beanies is changing, not being eliminated. But as always,
TY seems to forget the children who still love these items and
fuel their inability to obtain them by announcing a retirement
of a product before it hits a shelf or probably controlling geographically
the delivery of said items to make them even further unavailable
in many regions. I don't know the man, but I would have to guess
he doesn't have small kids and has never had to worry about money
because he seems to be out of touch with the "regular"
American families. We appreciate your articles and thoughts. Keep
up the excellent job.
*********
I would still continue to buy those Beanie Babies that appealed
to my as long as they are available. I would not spend exorbitant
amounts of money; my limit is $10 for regular beanies and $14
for the buddies.
I feel that TY will continue marketing some type of toy in the
year 2000. The announcement of the retirements on December 31st
will not make me go crazy and hunt down the newest releases. My
attitude is, if I find them it is okay, if not, no big deal.
*********
I don't like that fact that the Beanies are ending or that the
September ones are out for such a short time. The people that
don't have jobs (but money somehow) will get all the last beanies
and the ones with jobs and work 3rd won't be able to get to them
(since a lot of shipments come at 11 to 1) I guess life will continue
with or without Beanies, but it will be hard.
*********
I feel that Ty is making changes as the millennium comes to an
end and that next year will be bigger and better than ever. Ty
is using great marketing skills and if I could talk to him I would
say keep up the good work. I really enjoy collecting as I am sure
everyone else does. As far as the secondary market if it weren't
for them I would not be able to get some of the beanies that store
by me don't have.
*********
I am a 49 yr old woman who collects Beanies along with my daughter,
who is 25 and DH. We also collect Boyd's bears. We started about
2 yrs ago and get 3-5 of each Beanie. My most valuable beanie
is Garcia. I also have a Manny. I think that Ty will come out
with something a little different starting Jan. 1 -maybe numbered
tags...but I don't think Beanies will totally end.
I think Ty Warner has a huge ego and that this announcement is
a marketing strategy - at the expense of the public that is paying
his salary. Look at all the free advertising he's getting!! I
don't think it's having a whole lot of what effect it's having
on the market. I just started selling some of my beanies on eBay
the last couple of weeks. If anything....beanies are selling for
less than they were 4-6 months ago. I want to purchase a couple
of each of the new releases, but probably not as many as usual....and
I don't like the idea that they will only be available for a short
time, because to get them, I'll probably have to buy them over
eBay or at a flea market for an inflated price. I work during
the day and do not have the opportunity to go 'beanie hunting'
day after day. I think it's ridiculous that Ty has not posted
pictures of the new releases..what's the point??? All in all this
has pretty much ticked me off - and somewhat turned me off of
Ty Warner. I do not like game playing. I visit the Cyberboard
occasionally, but I find that it's pretty much kids or the same
people time after time - and not much real news or information
comes out of it. If I could say something to Ty Warner, it would
be: "OK -you've had your free publicity and fun, now what's
the rest of the story? If you don't come straight with us, your
little announcement may backfire on you."
Thanks for letting me express my opinions..
*********
Janie: I too believe this is just hype on the part of Ty to get
the "word out" and create a buzz for the marketing of
beanies. However, should it really be true, I believe it would
be disastrous for my collection. If he discontinues the production
of beanies, there would be little interest and our entire collections
would go down the drain financially. However, if we only paid
the asking $5, this is a product that is definitely worth the
asking price. It has been our own greed, which has caused the
prices to escalate. As to the new ones being on a more limited
basis, it is exactly what Ty needs to do. The hunt is half the
fun (and ALL the frustration) G. If some beanies weren't scarce,
there would be little interest in just walking into a store and
picking them up. I have noticed that beanies are much easier to
come by now and whether that indicates a lack of buying, or Ty
flooding the market, I just don't know. I have sold many extras
on Prodigy's BB which has helped to offset the expense of my collection
and that also makes me feel fine about whatever happens. It has
been a lot of fun and I have met many nice people by doing it.
If I could talk to Ty Warner, I would tell him that his marketing
acumen is phenomenal and that his product has brought many smiles
to many people
I have never used the Cyber board so I have no opinion. Why he
isn't releasing the photos of the new ones is anyone's guess.
I have a feeling there is a lot of disorganization between the
factions in his company and manufacturing. Anyone who has been
to China would understand the vagaries of trying to do business
in a less than friendly and/or industrialized nation. It must
be a real nightmare. Maybe he is having trouble getting certain
beanies even made. Nevertheless, I feel the detail and quality
of the little guys is wonderful.
*********
Dear Janie Listen I know for a fact that beanies will continue.
Ty Warner himself went on the cyberboard and told every one so
just tell every one that there just making holographic tags and
21 new beanies. Anonymous
*********
I have been buying Ty's Beanies for my grand children--but now
I'm mad. I'm tired of Mr. Warner playing games with the kids.
I will not buy any more Beanie Babies--or whatever he comes out
with Jan 1, 2000. I talked to a secondary marketers today and
he was ecstatic about next weeks supply of the 10 new Beanies.
He expected to get VERY high prices for the latest releases. I
will not buy them as I feel certain that I will not be able to
purchase them at a reasonable price as he gets his from a regular
retailer. The Beanies are cute--but so are the Disney beanies
and others.
Right now I could care less about the loss of the Guestbook and
the Ty Cyberboard. Thanks for letting an angry Grandma spout off.
And I'm not the only grandma that feels this way. Bah, Humbug,
Mr. Scrooge Warner, you can keep your plush creatures. My grand
children are happy with what they have, and now maybe we'll collect
Kokemans and Disney instead.
*********
I think it's cool how Ty is going to retire all the beanies just
before the new millennium! I think He will come out with a completely
new and different line of Beanies. About the pictures, if people
would look on places like ebay or other auction sites, they could
find pictures, that's what I did and I've seen all the new releases.
Personally, I think it makes Beanie collecting more fun and exciting.
*********
Hate the thought that there might not be any more new beanies....This
Grandma loves her beanies....Hope it is just a marketing ploy
to clean off the shelves & let those nasty secondary market
people spend all of their money
buying them up.
I also believe that he will be bringing out a whole new line of
beanies after the millenium, why else would he be bringing out
special offers to club members.
Have enjoyed the chase to find them...have met some wonderful
people standing in line...have done my part by never buying from
a secondary person & standing true to my favorite retailers
who play by TY's rules...5-6.00 & no back door selling...
TY... Have faith in humanity, not all of us are out to make a
dollar off of you....some of us just love your babies & look
forward to all the new ones you can find for us..
Even if he doesn't make any more..i will still love the ones I
was able to get....won't get rid of them...won't think of selling
them....
Beanies are disappearing off of our shelves rather quickly....don't
hold out much hope in getting any of the new 10....our town has
a rather select group of citizens who don't work for a living,
have a complete schedule of & follow the ups trucks religiously.
They are in same spot every day rain or shine.....we have some
retailers who refused to put them out when this group was standing
in line to open store..they just set up a line infront of store
so no others could get in....they have actually removed ty product
cases from the ups truck & opened them while others have watched
the door for driver to return..then they follow the boxes to the
store...ordinary people such as myself can not compete with these
kind of people...our retailers have found that if they won't sell
out back door to these people..then they must contend with them
standing around front door blocking the way of other people wanting
to enter....some smaller shops go to ups to pick up their deliveries
& then change the boxes so they can bring in without the "feeding
frenzy" bothering them..so far i have been patient &
eventually gotten any i wanted except the bear buddies...can't
be found in our town.. like the cyberboard.....lilke to read about
others finds & how excited they become when something new
comes out..
I always thought the guestbook was meant to be what the cyberboard
is....guestbook just turned into a secondary market outlet...did
not read ofter... would love to see pictures of new beanies....know
i won't ever have them, but
would like to at least see them....will wait for magazine...can
at least get a look then thanks for your patience during my response...good
luck with your beanie site...
*********
I think that TY is using THE END, as an end of the millenium bear,
and will open 2000 with THE BEGINNING bear. Clever, huh?
If he stops making beanies, I will be angry. My children and I
collect them together, and love to hunt for new ones.
Seems to me that TY is trying a slightly new marketing effort
to move the unsold beanies a little faster. He has also cut off
several niches of retailers, in an attempt to cut back on those
who sell, so that there are not so many on the market. Why would
he bother to cut out some retailers if he did not plan to continue
providing stock? Wouldn't he just let all the retailers go?
We are just attempting to buy our usual beanies for our collecting.
I am not going to go wild trying to get them all before the end
of the year. If I could tell Ty to lines:
Please continue to market beanies with the child in mind.
*********
There are alot more things to worry about than what Ty is up to
with his Beanies. I will continue to collect them until they're
gone. I don't collect them to make money, but to have fun. So,
if he stops, he stops and life goes on. I can't imagine anyone
in their right mind blowing up a gold mine, can you? So, I can't
imagine Ty discontinuing Beanies. Maybe some changes, but not
discontinued! I just may have to dig out all those baseball cards
my now grown sons have packed away in the attic and start cataloging
them!!
*********
I will miss the Beanie Babies, I think they were slowing
down though. Now there will will be a big run on the new ones
and I don't ever expect to see them in the stores I think they
will all go out the back door and into the secondary market immediately
,which is a shame for children who dearly love them and know all
their names. I think the valuable ones, f they retain their value,
will be the last ones and the first ones . Which no one has but
the few that can afford the exobortant prices of the secondary
market. TOO BAD!! They have been fun
for alot of people adults and children . They have also made money
for alot
of people. Sure beats the dreary news we are getting these days.
They are a great and wholesome diversion for so many also they
created conversation and interest among all of people kinds .
They have been the greatest. My daughter- law was very sick when
she had her baby we arrived with presents, but she was to sick
to want them at that time . The nurses said she is too ill for
presents now.
I said I have one I think she will want . I pulled Halo out of
my sack and all four nurses knew Halo also my daughter-in - law.
She said Please put her in the with the baby. They are a means
of communication the and joy little things. The Beanies will be
missed for sure.
*********
The TY beanie collectors in our family are very skeptical and
disappointed about the latest announcement. If this is indeed
all about money and a soft market why doesn't he just produce
more so all the kids (big and small) don't have to struggle to
find them. In the central Iowa are we are still struggling to
get the last 3 releases let alone the new releases. I don't have
much hope of getting them at all.
I do believe that there will be Ty products, I can't believe he
is giving up this huge market he has built up. I know many people
who are stocking up just in case so I am sure it has helped sluggish
sales. I haven't been on line much and haven't followed secondary
prices there, but they are high in the local secondary market
shops. We really don't mind the pictures not being posted. If
we do find one that will be more fun. If there are no more beanies,
I hope their values soar. It would justify all the shelves we
have had to add to our home. Then instead of letting my daughter
play with them we would possibly sell in the future and keep special
ones that she can pick out when she is older and put the difference
in her savings account. At 10 months of age, she just likes to
eat the tags. SIGH......
TO TY: We are consumers, please treat us well and we will return
with appreciation and loyalty to your company. They really are
neat toys and any help solving the problem with collecting adults
who make this so difficult and unpleasant would be appreciated,
maybe a collectors club just for children so we could order by
mail and not have to face the wrath of the older collector every
time we make a purchase for our child.
I do miss the guestbook and sincerley dislike the Cyberboard.
I always enjoyed reading responses. Not just questions. Either
that or I am doing it all wrong.
Thanks for a place to air our disappointment and joys and problems.
There are many aspects that I feel could be improved on. I for
one would rather pay my $5.00 and have it worth $5.00 and be able
to buy whenever instead of all this knock down drag out competition
that many area bullies have turned collecting into. Oh for the
days when we wandered in and thought, hey thats cute, I think
I'll take one :)
*********
I don't think ty will stop making Beanies. I think it is a way
to "get rid of the old" and "ring in the new".
I think only having the September ones available till 12/31 stinks.
The secondary market are the ones going to get them and the true
collectors who only buy one of each will be screwed. It is hard
enough getting the currents when you have 6 months to get them
let alone 3 months. There are so many retailers who have "SECRET"
lists for customers and those that sell out the back door for
hundreds of dollars that it makes it impossible for me to get
Beanies at the retail price. I have NEVER spent more than $10.00
for a Beanie and I am not about to start now.
*********
Ms Janie,
my opinion is there will be a whole new beginning for beanies
which he has needed. Ty is a very smart business man. I have a
store of nothing but beanies and I have seen alot of people shying
away scared of the market since i am secondary it makes me wonder
if this might not hurt the beanie market. he says, things are
exclusive yet they are receiving more then 1 shipment have you
noticed how fast the summer set has come down we were selling
for 200 now we can't get 75 if I had one thing I could say to
ty it would be make something limited edition so it would make
something valuble like the old ones not just a 5 dollar beanie
with millions made. the fun is the hunt :-) for collectors.
*********
I think the announcement is exciting and I can't wait to see what
Ty comes up with next. I also think it is a wise decision to discontinue
the beanies as they were because people were losing interest.
They were becoming too common and not a collectible. Collectors
like to collect what is rare. Beanies are massed produced and
millions of people are keeping them in mint condition.
I will finish my collection with the new releases and will wait
to hear what Ty will come out with next.
I'm fine with it personally because I've been collecting for so
long and have been able to get on a wait list with a retailer
I've done business with for years. Also, these new beanies may
be worth something if they're out for only a short period of time.
I think there will be a continuation of beanies, but they will
probably be a little different than the current line. Ty will
most likely make this new line more collectible.
Sales may increase slightly as people try to finish their collections,
but I don't think people will buy up all common beanies that have
been sitting around. These are as likely to be collectibles as
any other common massed produced toy on the market. The newly
retired beanies haven't increased in value as they used to when
Seamore or even Goldie retired. Those days are gone.
He's trying to be elusive and mysterious, thinking that will spur
more interest as people scramble to get information.
If Ty did stop producing beanies, I would just try to work on
trading my extra beanies for the older beanies I was never able
to get. I would keep my collection but just for enjoyment purposes,
which is why I've collected in the first place.
My children and I have enjoyed collecting beanies, trading with
other collectors and watching the market prices in most cases
usually go up. I would understand a marketing strategy to make
beanies more collectible whether or not that means discontinuing
them or changing them.
I don't like the cyberboard because it takes too much time to
go through it.
I loved the guestbook and felt it was a better way to communicate.
You could just put your thoughts down and surf through to look
at other people's posts.
*********
I don't believe this is the end of Beanies. He may change the
name, or number the tags, or whatever, but I believe there will
still be Beanies!
I don't like that Ty didn't post the pictures. I also don't like
that I probably will not be able to get the 10 new releases as
they will be out for such a short time.
Although, it was easier for me to get BB Bear, Lips and Flitter
than it was to get Spangle, Osito and Knuckles. I still love Beanies
and will collect them as long as he makes them. And if he stops...?Well,
look at all the money I'll save! :o)
*********
