There have been concerns
about new product sitting on shelves. Now, ask yourself one question.
How long have you witnessed other company products sitting on
those same shelves and for how long?
Old Ty Beanie Babies are no longer desirable to old collectors
because they have already completed their sets and are looking
forward to a new Beginning!
Potentially new collectors
are baffled by the warning signs, which they face while visiting
their local Ty retailer.
I have received MANY letters from frustrated collectors who are
constantly reminded that they paid full price for Beanies only
to find them piled high on tables at $2.99 and up.
Collectors have become educated enough to read the signs. If Beanies
continue to be displayed at $2.99 why would they pay full price
for anything new?
So, what's a retailer to
do with overstock? Well, here are a few suggestions, which may
help and in turn bring this hobby back to where it needs to be.
Their are many hospitals and kid organizations that would gladly
benefit from your generosity of donating product for worthy causes.
You will benefit by the tax write off and certainly please a lot
of children.
In my opinion I believe mounds of Beanies sitting on a table priced
at $2.99 and slightly up only discourages collectors from collecting.
This is not a positive sign that shows support and will only persuade
potential collectors to think twice about starting to collect.
Although many retailers
are frustrated with the lack of shipments and are probably thinking
that I am totally crazy for making this suggestion, try to remember
the good old days!
Do you remember, stocking your shelves with product that would
fly out the door in a matter of hours, instead of sitting there
for months on end?
Do you also recall getting a quicker return on your investment
with Ty products?
Do you recall the excitement of collectors and their anticipation
of your next shipments?
It can all be like that again if retailers work with Ty and their
collectors. It is very obvious that their product lines are extremely
popular and that with a little support, marketing and partnership
this hobby will only continue to flourish.
I realize that as a Ty retailer
it has not always been a bed of roses, as a matter of fact I'm
sure a few of you will view Ty as a thorn in your side. But remember
one thing, thorns can be pulled out, wounds do heal and life goes
on!
Maybe you should consider.. what it would be like to continue
without the support of Ty and what it has meant to your establishment.
Collectors need retailers just as much as retailers need Ty!
The news of Ty shipments
is just starting to appear. Collectors may be getting a slow start
to collecting but once they fully realize the impact of those
shelves hold, believe me they will come running.
This hobby is not dead, but instead has taken a vacation and now
its time to get back into the swing of things.
Another aspect has changed in this hobby; collectors have become
more educated and are willing to wait. Now, here's a new scenario
to think about. What if, and I repeat IF, Ty decided he wants
this hobby to kick into full swing and decides the best way to
do that is to possibly retire product early. Do you purchase product
as you see it or do you wait for another day? I know well enough
after almost four years invested in this hobby that I purchase
it, as it becomes available. If I wait, I will find myself as
I have many times in the past, purchasing it from secondary market
dealers. But then again, we know that if we miss it at retail
we certainly will be able to pick it up later but at higher prices.
Ty most certainly has a
lot in store for 2000. The Company would not attempt to successfully
launch new lines such as the Beanie Kids without some sort of
surprises up their sleeves.
Beanie Babies will and always will be popular to true collectors
but the market desires more attention, news and excitement. I
for one believe that this company's track record has proven that
they can offer all of the above.
I plan on going out and finding those new beanies before Ty does
something drastic! His new motto, (expect the unexpected) has
me thinking he has a lot more surprises to come!
I sincerely appreciate yours comments and opinions please feel
free to share them with my readers and myself.
For any of you who may be
intersted in my Ty Retailer Survey, it can be found at the following
link. HERE