I have once again had the pleasure of interviewing my friend Perta.
Perta is from Germany and has
allowed me to interview her on three different occasions.
Her interviews have helped to educate American's on the Beanie
Baby market in her country.
Has Germania helped
spurred on the German market?
Yes, of course, although you can get Germania now quite easily
for less money as at the beginning.
Have Beanies become
readily available in Germany?
Yes, although Tys ways are still not predictable.
What is the overall
attitude of collectors towards Beanies?
I think the big craze calmed down a bit, and everybody is more
realistic. For Example: You can't sell Beanies for very high prices
any more.
Do the Pillow Pals,
Attic's and Beanie Buddies sell well in Germany?
Beanie Buddies sell very well. But you just get the 2nd Generation
on the regular market. The others are okay, but no hype at all.
Does Germany have
Beanie Shows? If so, are the shows successful?
Yes, there are some most linked with trading cards and other collectibles.
They are getting bigger, but they are still small. Most of them
are close to US. Army-bases. There might be around some hundred
people visiting these fairs. Very successful has been the toy
fair this Spring - Beanies everywhere...
How do collectors
In Germany view Ty's marketing techniques?
They are very difficult from European ones and lots of collectors
just don't understand. But you don't have a choice...
I understand you
have just published a Beanie Baby book in Germany. Please tell
us a little about the book, is it available in English and where
it can be purchased?
We just published our book. It's a mixture of articles about Beanies
and Buddies, Disney Bean Bag Plush etc. and a catalogue with prices.
The collectors find advice but it should also entertain the reader.
It's just in
German, because there are so many English books on the market.
American's has several
fads currently invading the country. Pokemon, Harry Potter books,
and Star Wars is BIG news. What types of fads are Germans interested
in?
Star Wars, of course. Although after the film started in the middle
of August it calms down. Pokemon isn't big over here now, but
we are always a little bit later. Then they are still Trading
cards, Teddies, stamps... the usual things. And merchandising
of course of Simpsons, Southpark etc.
Has the secondary
market changed since your last interview? If I recall it was not
very active!
It is bigger now, but like I said before, the collectors don't
pay that much money anymore, so it must be a hard job.
Have Beanie Babies
become a collectible or they still considered a toy of choice?
It is a collectible, although it depends on the people who buy
it. I still believe that children play with them, because they
think they are cute little toys. But the McDonald's campaign influenced
the collectors.
Other than Germania,
which Beanies appear to be more popular in Germany?
The Teddies, of course. Germans love Teddies. And then I think
the older ones, Quackers etc.
Are collectors becoming
frustrated with Ty's latest announcement? How do you view this
announcement?
I think so, I would be very frustrated. You can never compare
the European market with the US one, because the hype here isn't
that big. So maybe this will be the end...
Cheers Petra
I would like to thank Perta for
keeping us updated on the activities of the German market.
I personally feel that Beanie popularity has been hampered by
prices in Germany.
I have spoken with many collectors who have visited this fine
country and have learned that German pricing is substantially
higher than in the states.
I also believe that Germans view this hobby totally different
and truly consider it a child's toy, just the way Ty wanted it!
Germania will always be sought after by many and its value should
continue to increase. Only time will tell!
Royal Palace in Berlin Germany
Black
Forest Hornberg Germany, canal water sidewalking railing homes
