Linda's Beanie Lovers

September 2, 99

Hello Linda, First, I love your web site. I check it everyday...In regards to Ty's Big Announcement..I don't think Beanies are over. I believe Ty is retiring all current & newbies for 1999. For the year 2000, Ty will introduce New One's. I really hope he will continue to produce Beanies. Just my thoughts. Take Care & Thanks Ever So Much For keeping us well informed !!!!! Cherry ps. I also live in NH.....

Linda,What do you think about Ty's announcement? Most of the people I have talked to have mixed feelings regarding the new beanie babies. They feel the ten new ones will never hit the shelves but go directly to the secondary market because he has already announced their retirement. If you notice, since they announced Osito as a US exclusive it has not been in any of the stores. I spoke with my daughter in England, and she said the secondary market has them by the dozens, they are selling them for 40 pounds (about $75 us dollars, I think that is a slap in the face since Britannia and Maple sold for hundreds).Diane

Linda,I don't think Ty is stupid to end the sale of beanies. He will start with a whole new line after the end of the year. Who would give up such a business that has made him so much money. He could possibly be selling it to someone else who will begin a new product line in the year 2000 but I certainly don't feel TY is gone forever.Evelyn

hi linda, i think i agree with you in that i don't think ty is naive enough to think he can do well without the line that made him sucessful, also i hope he doesn't abandon all the small stores that carried his line when he was struggling. there are many of these stores that can not survive without the beanie sales. i for one would seriously consider never buying another ty product if he abandoned these loyal vendors. Patzee

Hey Linda!

June 6, 1999

First of all I would like to thank you for your site and all the work that you put into it. I love it !!! I'm 13 and took a summer trip to Arkansas and the hallmarks there sell all the new releases including the bears for 5.99. Why can't all the shops just say - I've got them and I don't care who buys them as long as they sell - its not fair for them to jack up the prices so the kids that just want them to collect not resell can't afford them. What's even worse is having them under the counter in bags waiting for there dealer friends. Thanks for posting my message!!

Ev G. from Oklahoma

March 11, 1999

I have recently been scammed by someone from China. He reported that he had rare beanies, specifically bears and was selling them for $100 US dollars each. I asked him if they were fakes up front - of course he said no, so I sent a money order for one at the $100 US price and the beanie that I recieved was an obvious fake! The color was all wrong and the ribbon around the neck wasn't even right. I contacted the person via e-mail to ask for my money back. He acted very shocked that it "could be a fake". I told him I was cetain that it was and that I wanted my money returned. He said he would but it's been over 3 months and he hasn't yet and still won't return my e-mails. Maybe if you could post his e-mail adresses and name you could warn others about the fakes being sold out of China.

The e-mail addresses:

vinc@163.net

hoi@public.guangzhou.gd.cn

The person used the name "Vincent"

Thanks,

Jessica

February 16,1999

Linda

O.K. so you have heard it thousands of times Beanie babies were made for kids. I have a collection of 175 but the other day a store got a shipment of over due beanies in. A little girl was behind me in line and I bought the last Halo she was there to get that bear alone. I gave it to her. Please remember if TY will not do something about stores inflating their prices to $50.00 a bear( Paper Roses) here in Hawaii it is the children who miss out. I got mine as well as her Halo for 4.99 at the military base exchange and Karma did me well I got Halo the next day at Hallmark for 6.99.

Kimberly

February 8, 1999

Hi Linda

Was reading your info on the stores that are saying that they will not sell to people who resale beanies. If this is Ty's policy for them to post this in the windows, why can't Ty come down on the stores that are charging 10.00 or more for the new releases, and up to 150.00 for the extra retireds that they have? I live in Okla. and haven't seen any of the signs here yet but that is not to say that there are stores that do have the message posted. You really would think that Ty would be more concerned about the prices that the little people(kids) and the less fortunate can't pay because of greedy store owners. I thought that Ty had cut off a few accounts here but they are still doing there high prices so looks like it is a no win situation, but Ty Warner has made his fortune so guess that is all that matters.I really enjoy your site.

Dawna Tolle

February 5, 1999

Hi Linda

I have been surfing around this morning and came into your site about 40 minutes ago. I have been reading the boards and just wanted to say "Thank You" You have a Wonderful site! You have everything right here and it is great to go to just one site to find whatever it is I am looking for. I am not as avid a collector as most, I have to stay within a budjet, but that is okay. I enter Lots of contests to try and get the beanies I want. I think it is wonderful that you do these, too! Some of us just don't have the $$$ or the time to go chasing after these cute little obsessions! My husband does not understand my fixation on them and probably never will, but I enjoy them and the fun and aggravation that goes along with collecting them. Again, Thank You for making such a GREAT site. Very nice!

Sue

January 28, 1999

Hi Linda,

I just wanted to share this thought with you. I am a working woman and my job does not allow me the opportunity to hang out at the beanie shops waiting for the UPS truck. In order to find the beanies I want it takes a great deal of time and running around and disappointment when I come home empty handed. In the ideal world I would be able to walk into the local store at any time and pick up a Millenium bear or a signature bear. But as I don't live in that kind of world, I am willing to pay a little more for my beanies in as much as I consider it like paying a finders fee to some one like you.If you were getting bags and bags of hard to find beanies from an authorized retailer and then splitting high prices I would not buy a single beanie from you. But as you are standing in line to purchase and seeking out store after store for that single alusive beanie, I certainly feel you are entitled to fair compensation for the time you spend finding the beanies I can't find.Don't take the mean criticizm to heart.

Pat

January 28, 1999

Dear Linda,

I just got done checking your News & Rumors section and since you mentioned updating your Thoughts and Comments section, I decided to read that too. I have started to write you many times before when things I have read on your site have upset me but I always ended up cooling off and never sending the mail. This time, I won't let that happen. I generally do not anger easily but this beanie business and "some" of these collectors out there can really get on someone's last nerve! First of all, let me comment on how everytime Ty Inc. makes a retirement or introduction, all kinds of people have so many complaints. HELLO, did all these people forget that it is IMPOSSIBLE for Ty Inc., or anyone else for that matter, to please EVERYONE ALL the time. No matter what Ty Inc does, people are going to complain. The simple solution to this is to let Ty run his company his way and either go with the flow....or quit collecting. Sure, I am not always thrilled with the way Ty does things but what he does or how he does it is not going to kill me or even cause me to lose a nights sleep. Come on people, Isn't beanie collecting a hobby?? In any "collectible", there are times you can't get a piece you may want due to retirement or such and you either pay the big bucks for it, or you miss that piece in your collection. Am I right?? Now, on to my second thought and comment.....Are these people serious?? Complaining about what you charge for beanies you want to sell??? AMAZING!!! I agree with the person who said you had explained that you were a collector and a secondary market dealer on many occasions and you had no need to do it again . I also agree that it is NO ONES business what your financial situation is!! You could be a millionare....and you STILL have the right to sell beanies on the secondary market. Collecting Beanie Babies AND selling them is a HOBBY to alot of people.....not just a means for money. I personally do not buy "current" or "new" beanies on the secondary market....I wait for my local Ty Dealers to get them in and hope I get lucky. "Retired" beanies I have purchased from the secondary market because that was the only way I could get them. However, alot of people purchase from the secondary market because of the convenience and they don't want to deal with the long lines or the long waits. To them, purchasing from the secondary market is more than worth the extra money they pay. It is their choice. I have no problems with the secondary market other than those who buy their beanies out the back door of Ty Dealers....taking the product away from us, the customers. However, YOU have stated on numerous occasions that you DO NOT do that. You purchase yours just as we do, one at a time. To this "L.M. person" and I HOPE they are reading this.......Linda gets upset with TY DEALERS selling their beanies for high prices and she has a RIGHT to. We all do. These Ty dealers are making at least a 100% profit on each beanie they sell IF they sell these beanies for $5 - $7! So, there is no reason for them to charge any more than that. Not too mention, they are Ty Account holders, are able to order 36 of each style of beanie, AND are warned to follow Ty's pricing policy or risk losing their accounts.. On the flip side of this.....Linda are paying at LEAST $5 - $7 per beanie PLUS tax and in many cases, they are paying more if they buy from people like you and me. They get these beanies one at a time , use gas and put milage on their cars to drive store to store to get them , they stand in lines and hope to get lucky , they have no connection to Ty Inc, and therefore, they do not have to follow "Ty's pricing policy". Now, honestly, lets do the math. Linda, as a secondary market dealer, has EVERY RIGHT to charge as she see's fit for any beanie she chooses to sell. It is up to you and me to decide whether or not we want to pay that for that beanie or wait for, perhaps, our local dealers to get our beloved beanie's in and buy them for $5 - $7. Get a grip and find something better to get "#%@#*%#" at! Linda, I am sorry for getting so long winded but sometimes I would like to SHAKE some of these people! I swear, some people aren't happy unless they are complaining about something. I do hope you post this in your Thoughts and Comments section as it feels good to get this off my chest. And Linda, you do an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL job on this web site and I look forward to reading it daily. You, like Ty Inc. and the rest of us, can't please everyone ALL the time but you, more than anyone else I know, comes the closest to accomplishing that. Always Smile.

Just sign me.....Dawn

January 27, 1999

Linda

Finally someone had the nerve to say what I have wanted to say for a while now. These unreal prices on Beanie Babies. If Secondary market dealers weren't out there buying them up Everyone would have a change to buy them at the suggested price. It is because of the secondary market there are no Beanies at the suggested price. Give the rest of us a chance.

Norm

January 26, 1999

Linda

I have been a reader of your web site for a long time now, and I am really #%@#*%# at the fact you would use your site to sell Beanie Babies at those PRICES. You claim to not like when the stores charge those high prices. Yet you are selling for the same inflated prices. You are saying do as I say not as I do. I do not think Beanie Babies should be sold for any more than Ty suggested $5.

L.M.

January 26, 1999

Dear Linda,

Please put this on your Thoughts and comments page. After reading on Linda's Page that she has gotten complaints about the prices she is selling Beanie Babies for, I just had to write this. I hope she put the whole letter on the web site. I know both Paul and Linda, met them buying Beanie Babies from them. You'll never meet to nicer, sweeter, or honest people. Life has dealt them some pretty crapy cards. Paul lost his job when hurt at work, at the same time Linda became VERY sick. But they always have a smile for everyone. They won't lie to make a sale. Linda is always up on the Beanie news and gives it freely. She will answer your questions and spend all the time you want talking Beanies. The prices they sell for is not as high as some, but I know this is what helps them get through each month. How can anyone question her selling them? Is this not a free country, you don't want to pay that price don't. These 2 people work hard for the money they make selling Beanies. Give them a break, These are 2 very special people.

A Beanie Friend

January 26,1999

Hi Linda

I just finished reading your News and Rumors page as I do every day. First I want to say a heartfelt Thankyou to you for bringing us collectors such valuable information for free. Secondly, I really would like to make a comment about the fact that some people are questioning your pricing on the beanies you sell on your own web site. People get a grip! I am absolutely horrified that someone who is providing you with free collector information daily should be subjected to any inquiries regarding their pricing and motives. Linda, You have identified yourself as a collector and secondary seller on numerous occassions and I did not feel that it was necessary for you to explain yourself and share personal finances with these individuals.. It really burns me that people can be so cynical when it comes to Beanie Babies. We ollectors are all in this together. Please... Get off the backs of people who have found a way to supplement their income or keep their own hobbies going. Buy them if you want them at the price you are willing to pay! That's really the point! Thanks for listenng. I know I feel better now.

Joanie

January 26, 1999

Hi Linda

Just went into your site. my web was slow today. I do not know where people get the idea that you are high in price. They need to check the web more and also look at the high prices on home shopping net. do not these few upset you. I know that as soon as i can that I'll be buying from you. May God continue to Bless you and Paul. Love and Prayers to you both.

Jackie

January 17, 1999

Linda

I just had one thing to make a statement about: The first BBOC WAS TEN DOLLARS AND YOU GOT THE KIT, GOLD CARD,CLUBBIE, POSTER.. NOW THEY ARE GONNA CHARGE $20 FOR THIS NEW ONE. PEOPLE GET REAL! IF YOU WANT SOMETHING BAD ENOUGH YOU WORK FOR IT AND PAY FOR IT EVEN WITH AFTER PAYING $30 YOU ARE STILL GETTING OFF CHEAP. OTHER COLLECTOR CLUBS ARE ALOT MORE EXPENSIVE JUST TO START FROM THE GET GO. YOU KNOW PEOPLE THERE ARE ALOT MORE SERIOUS THINGS GOING ON IN THIS COUNTRY. TAKE YOUR ANGER OUT ON THAT AND NOT A DARN CLUB. SORRY LINDA, BUT SOMETIMES IT'S RIDICULOUS WHAT PEOPLE COMPLAIN ABOUT. EXCUSE THE CAPS BUT I HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING THE WORKS.PEACE AND HAPPINESS

Sharon

December 23, 1998

Dear Linda,

If Ty hasn't already done enough to make people mad this will do it! When I purchased my club kit it said I am a charter member I beleived that I would always be a member. And I would be able to receive all offers for club members. This last promotion was so messed up what make Ty think anyone would want to buy another kit? It is 6 months later and I still haven't received Clubby and haven't heard a word from them. They took my check for him but I have no Clubby. I think they just want more money and they think they found a new way to do it, make a new kit offer a new bear. I am not going to buy a new kit once a year to buy a bear!

Thanks Sandy

December 5, 1998

Linda,

I enjoy your website. After reading the other comments, I couldn't help but make some myself. I'm tired...Tired of "jumping through hoops" for retailers...tired of looking for new "inside contacts"...tired of being asked to buy 5 or 10 beanies to get one special one...tired of waiting in lines at 8 am (and 10 am and 2 pm, etc)... tired of making phone calls... tired of throwing all of my kids in the car and racing across town...tired of surfing the web...tired of games, raffles, and contests... Must I go on? I think everyone can relate. Beanie hunting can be great fun, but when the rewards are too few and far between, it looses it's appeal (like this month). There's more to life than Beanie Babies and TY (Yes, REALLY, it's true!). I've decided to give up the intense hunting, leave the beanies to the secondary market sellers, and use my time and energy on something more valuable than this. Life' s too short to continue to "feed" this insatiable obsession. Sure, we'll get beanies when we can, but it's a shame that we probably won't get the special new release items without "playing some game" or paying an outrageous amount of money.

Donna

December 4,1998

Linda,

To all of you complaining about the way Ty has retired this time. Get a life people! Since when did "policing" retailers become the customers job. I never heard of such nonsense. The "pricing philosophy" put out by Ty is killing the secondary market, thus making all those beanies you are all hording hoping to get rich off of, worth the "$5-$7" dollars you all paid for them. We live in a free society and have the right to a free enterprise and as a matter of fact, you are free to shop wherever you please. So buy your beanies at the retailer of your choice and mind your own business. After all, it's just a 9" plush toy with plastics pellets in it. I dare you to try and tell the grocery store owner at what price he must sell his coffee. It's all based on supply and demand. If people aren't willing to buy at a certain price then the retailer is forced to adjust the price. See how this works?

December 3, 1998

Linda

Ty giving notice of what will retire will cause some stores to hang on to them and not put them on the shelf. Then when they retire, they will mark up the prices, since Ty has never said anything about controlling prices on the retired beanies. Just think, the stores don't put them out and in less than a month they will double their profits! This is one of the most unfair things Ty has done yet, and he's done alot. I'd like to say that when Ty announce their pricing policy, a local store of mine dropped their prices on the bears from $25 to $10 in fear they would loose their account with Ty. Yesterday I went into the store and they had several Princess bears and a large sign "Princess $25". I guess they found that the reps. weren't checking and they raised the prices back up. Ty needs to have honest reps who check their stores frequently!!

Hi Linda-

I think the premature retirement of the 1998 Christmas Bear, Santa & Zero is absolutely ludicrous! They aren't even on the store shelves yet! I had decided to discontinue buying the Beanies after Ty made his announcement with regard to the Billionaire Bear. I was absolutely disgusted that he gave the employees 2 bears - 1 to keep - 1 to sell. Yes sell to secondary marketers, etc. If Ty wanted to reward his employees or share his 'billions' with them, he should have just given them all a nice big bonus. But no-he wanted to keep his billions and let his employees make their bonus off of 'John Q Public'. Then he dictates to some retailers that they can no longer sell their beanies via the internet. What garbage. Now with this recent retirement of the brand new ones I've vowed never to purchase another beanie. I'm finished helping Ty Warner line his pockets with gold. He is being consumed bygreed.

Kathleen, an ex-beanie collector.

December 2, 1998

Hi Linda,

My thoughts on TY announcing their retired beanies in advanced is ridiculous b/c now stores will be selling them for reidiculous prices and cliam b/c they are"going to be" retired and sell them as if they were already. On top of that...people who wanted to get them and couldn't now really won't b/c they have sold out....just certain reasons why they shouldn't have done this...hope you are feeling better..

Maritza

DECEMBER 1, 1998

Hi Linda

I read theentry on the fake Britannia bears wiuth interest. I just got back from London, and it was impossible to find Britannia for nay reasonable price. The only store that sold bears for the suggested retail was Hamley's on Regent Street, and of course they were sold out. The stores that had bears in stock all required ridiculous purchases first. Crest of London on Oxford Street near Tottenham Court Road required a 25 Beanie purchase for Brit, for example. The managers of these stores seemed quite confident that Ty would continue to send them bears to rip off consumers with. Ty really needs to crack down on the bear prices, even if it means printing price tags on their swing tags,

Denise

November 30, 1998

Linda

Hi-thought you might like to add this info if you haven't already heard about the fake Brits grabbed in the UK on Nov 20th.....makes you wonder how MANY fakes WEREN'T caught... This could really account for why there are soooooo many Britannia's being sold all of a sudden all over the net.... an "endless stream, " sort of. If they caught 6,000 THIS time, HOW many do you think they DIDN'T catch & have already sold???? TY dealers over in the UK haven't even seen THAT many Brit's!! Heck, TY Europe probably hasn't seen THAT many Britannia's!! PLEASE advise readers to use extreme caution...if it seems TOO good to be true, it ususally is!!! There's a VERY good reason that an "exclusive" VERY hard to get beanie, has "suddenly" become so available!! Fakes!! British authorities seize 6,000 counterfeit Beanie Babies 10.25 a.m. ET (1525 GMT) November 20, 1998 YORK, England (AP) — Authorities seized 6,000 counterfeit versions of two of the most coveted Beanie Babies soft toys Friday, including a bear introduced to benefit Princess Diana's memorial fund. Copies of the Princess Bear and Britannia Bear, both popular collectors' items, were seized in raids throughout this north England city, authorities said. The toys were worth a total of about a half-million dollars, according to Ty Europe Ltd., the manufacturer. The Britannia Bear retails for $200 to $325 and the Princess Bear at $135, with all profits from the latter benefiting the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Both are difficult to find, however. "We have undoubtedly helped to thwart a group of people who were planning to cash in from these forged bears in the run-up towards Christmas,'' said Colin Rumford, head of the city's anti-fraud arm. "We have succeeded in protecting our citizens from this scam and in preventing these con men from defrauding the memorial fund,'' he said.

Thanks for the hard work!

Marsha

November 23, 1998

Hi Linda,

I live in Winston Salem,NC. There is a place called the Wildlife Company. A Ty representive visited them approximatly a week ago. They did bring there bears down from $50 dollars to $8.95. But they did have a catch to this price,which I thought was against Ty policy, you had to buy the all the six bears(one each) they had available or if you just needed one you had to buy five currents for $6.95 then you could buy the bear. Wonder what Ty is going to do about this. I think they need to quit treating these people with kid gloves and cut the accounts. I know I will not be held hostage like this to buy a single bear. I am ahousewife and mother and can not afford this. Thanks for listening.

November 16, 1998

Linda

I went to Tyson's Mall the other day and the Kiosk "Mad About Bears" had the new beanies priced from $39.95 and up, the June releases were $8.00 except the bears, they were of course more. My understanding is they have been warned by Ty to keep their prices down, as you can see they still ignore these warnings because they know they will still get their shipments. We as consumers need to boycott such places. If people stop buying from them, then maybe they will start dropping there prices.

Diane

Linda

Two weeks ago I noticed that Caterina's ( a shop in San Clemente) had the Beanie Buddies. I went in when they opened and asked how much they were. They answered, "between $100 and $150." This is a retail store not of the secondary market. Shocking isn't it!

Michele, San Clemente California.

November 11,1998

Hello Linda,

I went into a curiosity shop here in Greenbelt, MD. They had a price notice on the board. Said all current Beanie Babies were $6.95 each. So, I was surprise and told her I was interested in Fortune for that price, she told me that Curly and Fortune was $15.00 each. Then she stated that on Tuesday they were getting a shipment on that day with the new bears Halo and 98 Teddy and that they will be selling those for $25.00 each. They had told people that if they wanted them to come in early and get in line. How does anyone expect handicap people to stand in line?So, I don't see where TY is containing the prices on his Beanie Babies. I think its all a scam for him.

Barbara

November 3, 1998

Hi...just wanted to let you know, there is a beanie claw machine in Independence, Mo at the Osco at 39th and Noland Road...I looked at the beanies as close as I could, but could not tell if they were fakes or not...although a couple of the beanies looked a little "different", I couldn't actually make out what actually looked different. Just to let you know, they are out there! :) Three years ago, there were beanies in a claw machine in Las Vegas, at Circus Circus, and no one was using it...people were looking at them and saying they looked like fakes. Stacey

HI Linda!

I saw the response from Ty to people's emails. I still say they are shipping the new ones to suspected bad accounts thereby cheating their loyal customers. I went to a local store and found that they had changed their pricing policy to TY's new $5-7.00 each for Beanies which is a good thing! I am still waiting to see the new Beanies & Beanie Buddies available in the open market! NATALIE

October 30, 1998

Linda

Just my $.02 worth, but it seems like Ty just has more empty words. I have not seen any sign of retailers coming around to Ty's "pricing philosophy". I also have seen no evidence of Ty enforcing it. There shipping policy pretty much ensures that all the accounts that overcharge will get the newest releases first. While the "Mom and Pop" stores will be the last to get them if they recieve any at all. Now a few words about the secondary market. I don't understand why people get so upset with the secondary market. This is America, founded on pure capitalism, ensuring that anybody who get an item that is in demand to the consumer can make some money. If you don't like the huge prices, then be patient they will go down. Just look at Princess and Erin. The secondary market is filled with great deals both for retired and currents, something the retailers usually don't offer. Also where else but the secondary market can you actually trade some of your extra beanies for others you want now. Do you know of any retailers that will do that for you? The great demand for beanie babies are directly connected with the secondary market. There is more than enough room in this hobby for everyone, just be nice! Unfortunately, too many adults act like spoiled children with beanie babies and they want what they want NOW! Demand dictates pricing, so be patient and you should be able to get any beanie baby that is current for an affordable price.Thanks for the vent,

Jeff

Hi Linda,

I'm not sure what your connection with TY is, but I can't keep quiet any longer!I read the statement on your website from TY, and I am totally pissed off! TY has made plenty of money off us, the consumer! I'm not complaining cause I love the Beanie Babies. But when push comes to shove, TY did not, and has not delivered to us (the customer), but instead they delivered to the accounts they thought were violating their pricing policys, so they could enforce their own brand of anti-capitalism. We the consumer, would like to go to the store and buy the product we think is cuddly and cute. But instead TY and its retailers are involved in a back-biting session that only hurts us the consumer! STOP IT, I say to TY! We have made you a millionare so STOP IT and make available to us the product we would like to buy! And to all of you who buy from the black market - SHAME ON YOU!!! You have made it almost impossible for those of us who LOVE Beanie Babies, to find what we are looking for - for a decent price that is affordable! STOP IT!!!! THAT's ENOUGH!!! Sorry Linda, but this is almost too ridiculous to discuss. Tell everyone to STOP IT, so that we can actually enjoy our Beanies AND the search for the ones we don't have!!!

Natalie

This is regaring Ty's new policies. How can they dictate what a store can sell and not sell. Don't you think that they are going to loose a lot of accounts that way? What is it with them lately. I can understand the pricing policies but not any thing else. What do they mean by direct stores. I am getting disgusted with them. Pat

Dear Linda,

I really think TY is going to far this time! Yes get their retailers to sell Beanie Babies for a price that everyoneone can afford, but now they are trying to control the store that sell their product. I don't beleive what what they are asking the stores to do is legal. Why don't they spent more of their of their time checking out the retailers that are gouging their prices! Like the guy that banned you from his store. Last time I looked this was still America where you were allowed to speak what was on your mind, with out being removed from a store for voicing it! Is TY going to stand behind you for supporting their policies and remove the account of this retailer? I have lost interest in collecting Beanie Babie, due to TY and their policies, Clubby, Billy,the retailers, and most of all TY them self. Ty needs to make some changes quick or TY will be sitting with his Beanie Babies alone. Thanks for letting me have my say, Cindi

October 28, 1998

Stores should be able to sell on the internet as long as the price is the same when you walk in the store. The accounts should also follow the $5.00 price policy. If a store is so greedy to inflate a price, then they deserve to lose the right to sell the product. I also feel that Ty should not dictate the other bean items that a store can sell. T & L W

Is Ty really doing anything about stores that over price, or is it just a ploy? I do not see were they have done anything. The stores receiving the new beanies first all either over price or sell out the back door. When you question them about Ty's Pricing guide, they tell you they called Ty and were told to ignore it, it's just to keep good customer relations with collectors. What do you think?? Diane

October 22, 1998

Dear Linda

I am afraid that TY's New Pricing Policy and New Shipping Policy are not going to make any difference. It is the TY Reps that cancel accounts, they work on a commission. They will not cancel an account due to over pricing or selling out the back door! Ty Reps. give the best service to the stores that purchase all TY merchandise accross the board and the maxamum of each product. And it is the stores that are selling out the back door that are purchasing the amounts that are making TY happy. So I really don't think Ty's new policy will make a difference because the Reps don't want to loose any commissiion.

A Friend of a TY Rep.

October 21, 1998

I agree that everyone should mail or take in a copy of the policy to the stores that are overcharging. We should bombard them with copies of that. But the pricing policy won't do any good until Ty cracks down on them. I know a store that I reported on the survey that is still selling new bears for $50! It did no good to report them. Ty needs to reopen a site just to report these things and have their reps check out every report or at least send the store a letter.

Linda,

I want to put my two cents in to the retailers that gave you the comments. I've heard it all before. They seem to forget where the money comes from. I'm not against anyone making a fair profit. I think they deserve the money they make on Beanies. But, they seem to want to get all they can from whomever they can. I've never sold a Beanie for a profit. But the retailers expect me to pay their price. When I've complained about $105 for a new release they say "I'll charge whatever I want and Ty can't do anything about it!" Well, it looks like Ty can do something about it and they now can't believe their customers were right. I buy my Beanies from 4 different stores and all of the them charge in the $5 to $6.50 range. I've asked them if that is enough money for the work. They all say it is very good money and a quick turn around. Plus, it brings customers in who buy other items. The retailers agreed with the pricing policy when they signed up to sell. Now that they have the accounts they think they can do anything they want. All I can say is wake up! Ty is not going to listen to the excuses anymore. Charge what YOU agreed to charge or you will loose Big.

Thanks, Don

Linda,

I just have to comment on the latest retailers way to get around the pricing policy! I have been in a number of stores that are Ty retailers, They have the currents for sale for between $5 and $7. But all the bears, and retireds and new releases are priced way up there! When I ask how they can charge these prices when they are a TY retailer? The answer is "THESE BEANIES ARE FROM A PRIVATE COLLECTION!" You never find these Beaies for sale at the price the currents are going for, but that private collection sure does have an endless supply! Is this a practice that many stores are using? or just stores in VT? Do these store owners really think we're that dumb? Does Ty allow their retailers to also sell as a secondary market?

Thanks, Cindi

October 20,1998

I am frustrated with the dealers in my area. They are not intending on lowering their prices. The reason I am so upset is because there ARE people out here who buy the beanies for their children and not to resell on the secondary market. My kids now have most of the currents (except for the May 98 releases and the brand new Sept. releases) and the only ones they need are the hard to find bears. We can't find them anywhere in this area under 20.00. I can sympathize with the dealers who have to buy all the beanies not just the ones which resell easily. But they choose to have Ty accts. They don't have to continue to sell for Ty. It is their choice. Just like we don't (and I won't) continue to patronize places who charge these ridiculous prices. I pointed out to one lady that she buys the bears for the same price as the rest of them and the only reason she sells the bears for more is to make money off of them. RIDICULOUS!! She couldn't deny that fact. I don't know what it will take to get something done about it but this beanie collecting family is just about fed up!!Thanks for letting me vent.

I think it's important to let people know that if they start reporting stores to TY and it is a store that they buy beanies at, that store could lose their dealership and the person will no longer have access to beanies at any price. Many smaller towns have already lost their only beanie distibutors, do you want that to happen in your area? I don't agree with the outrageous prices some stores are charging for beanies that they pay $2.50 from TY to recieve,but I don't want the store I shop at to lose all access to beanies.

Hi Linda,

I think your website is great. I read your rumor section several times a day to get updates and appreciate all the latest rumors and gossip you post. I would like to say that I think all the hype about the secondary market is a crock. I think Ty encourages the secondary market, and the guestbook is a perfect example. Why would Ty permit everyone to post beanies at inflated prices. The pricing policy quoted precisely that CURRENTS should be priced at $5-7 each. It says nothing about retired beanies. I am a secondary market seller. I sell at the local flea market. I have about 1200 beanies in my bedroom that I drag to the flea market every weekend. I buy my beanies one at a time for $5-7 like everyone else and sell them for (curents) for $8-10. The stores with the Ty accounts make a bigger profit than I do. Where I can make a few extra bucks is on the retireds. I bought them when they were current, and have had most of them for over a year or more. Most of them were purchased by credit card and I am still paying interest on them. I am not greedy, I don't plan on getting wealthy selling beanies on the secondary market, I just enjoy them and talking to people who are collectors and by the way....most of the stores around here charge more for the retired beanies than I do. I, myself am a collector and I also use my retired beanies to trade to acquire different retired beanies for my personal collection. I just wanted to add my two cents in defense of the secondary sellers! Thanks for letting me have my say.

Mindy

Dear Linda

After reading your web site this morning I just had to put my 2 cents in! Reading the comments from the retailers makes me mad! First they asked to be retailers, and to sell Beanie Babies. They don't mark up the price on any other product in their store at the same rate they do Beanie Babies. I beleive this is called price gouging and is against the law. It really makes my blood boil when they try to justify their selling practices by saying the secondary market is the cause of the whole problem. I know for a fact that EVERY store that I shop at for Beanie Babies is either selling out the back door or over pricing. They claim they not but I know different. I work all day, by the time I get to a store the few beanies that are put out are gone. The only place I have left to shop is the secondary market! Most of the people I have bought from buy them from the retailers one at a time. They do the running around for me, I don't mind paying a little bit more to them, they're not making as much of a profit as the retailers who jack up the prices! And the fact is if it wasn't for the secondary market no one would be interseted in Beanie Babies, because there would be no where to buy and sell. It's the stores that are selling cases out the back door for a big profit, and putting very high prices on the Beanies they're getting for $2.50 that makes me mad! And the retailer who is crying about the bill, I don't think that many currents are sitting on the shelf, and the profit on 62 currents (36 of each) is almost 13,000.00 a month! If this retailer has a $50,000. TY bill, then the bill hasn't been paid in a while and it's not the customers fault so don't pass on the cost to them! Thanks for letting me have my say!

I am a Beanie baby collector. I buy them because I enjoy them, and have no plans on reselling anything. I also refuse to buy from any store that charges more than $7 per Beanie. Beanie babies are no different from any other product. Would a retailer mark up a current Barbie doll, Star Wars figure or other toy more than 200% over the suggested retail price, or require someone to buy other items first? If they wanted to keep their accounts, the answers would be no. The same should hold true for Beanie Babies.rRetired items are a different story, of course, but there is no reason why someone should have to pay $30 for a Glory or $50 for a new relase.I AM in favor of limiting the quantities of beanies one is allowed to buy at a time, ie, one bear per customer, or one of each style. This would make Beanies much more accessible and foil, at least a little, the work of those greedy individuals who horde the toys and inflate prices.

DR

Hi Linda,

Just a few thoughts on beanie retailers whining about Ty's pricing philosophy. First of all if it wasn't for the secondary market Ty would not be making all its millions and also their retailers would not be making any money so they both have something to learn from that. Also the beanie retailers have a point, they never know when they will get their orders, or when their back orders will come in. A friend of mine who has a Ty account once got five months back order in and none of the June releases and this was in August. His bill was over 5,000.00! Also though the retailers get to buy any beanie baby for 2.50, so for selling them for 5.00 they double their money invested. If they would use creative selling strategies, such as grab bags, sales, etc they could move a number of their product without comprimising Ty's guidelines. It seems to me that both the customer and the retailer are unhappy with Ty, the next step will to see what Ty does to resolve the problem. I believe the next few months will determine whether the beanie craze will stay around for quite along time or possibly be dead in the water by February. Thanks for letting me express my opion and love your page.

Jeff

October 16, 1998

RE: CLUBBY - I sent $14.99 to BBOC on June 10, 1998 It was cashed by them and returned to my bank on June 15, 1998. I ordered Clubbie and case. I have waited until today Oct. 16, 1998. I called them It took 10 minutes for them to find my account. (Not toll free) Then they said I didn't send enough postage. That I should have sent $17.99.They have never sent me a notice to tell me this. Now they say they will send me back my $14.99 with a new order form. Wonder how long that will take and how long after I send in $17.99 it will take to get my Clubbie. I am very upset over the way they are doing business and intend to report them to the Better Business Bureau. They should not be allowed to "SIT" on my money for 4 months and do nothing. Makes me wonder how long it would have taken them to tell me if I hadn't called today. VERY BAD BUSINESS PRACTICE

SHARON V V

October 16, 1998

Linda,

Hi, I hope Ty does close accounts but down here in Bowling Green, KY I don't imagine that will happen. There are probably 10 different Ty accounts and I would estimate only 10-20% of them follow the guidelines on Ty'spricing philosophy. I also found out from one of the accounts that the Ty rep for this area lives about 90 miles away and never actually drives over. It is always a phone call I really hope that they do close some accounts though. I keep on trying to get an account with them so I can retail all beanies out between 5 to 7.00. It would be nice to see some kids actually be able to get the beanies that are so expensive for a reasonable price. Oh, by the way I jsut picked up a Santa myself and they are definitely much cuter that the picture at Ty.

Regards,Jeff

October 14,1998

Dear Linda

I was a dealer for Ty. I just received a letter from them stating they dropped my account. The letter had no explanation only that I no longer fit their criteria. I do don't feel they should be able to just drop my account like that, every month I purchase 36 of each of the currents. Even though I never have gotten my complete order there are always back orders. I do admit my prices were higher on the "HOTTER" Beanies, but I feel I should be able to charge what I want in my store. I have received many complaints from customers about my prices and that they were going to turn me into Ty. No matter what prices I put on them someone purchased them. Why shouldn't I make a big profit if people are willing to pay? Even though I don't agree with Ty's policies I should have listened to my customers, because now the big profit I was making from the Beanies is gone! And also the customers that were in all the time who bought them are gone. I now realize what those Beanie sales did for my store. If there is another dealer reading this, even if you don't agree with Ty policy, think of your customers first, then think of the profit that will be gone.

CJ, Columbus, Ohio

October 11, 1998

Dear Linda,

I suspect that someone from Ty occasionally monitors your site so perhaps if you print this, they will see it. I am very dissapointed that they choose to issue a special bear to employees only. While I acknowledge the hard work these employees do and the frustration they have to go thru at times,there would not be the opportunity for the billion dollar bear with out the "little" people who collect one beanie at a time. For Ty to issue a part of a collelction that I will never have the financial opportunity to collect really frustates me. I could only suggest, that Ty offer these bears to every club member in honor of their contribution to his success and leave the personally signed ones for the employees.

thanks for letting me vent.

Pat Zahn

October 11, 1998

Hi Linda, I'm am a collector, and I also agree that children should be able to have them as toys. There is plenty of room in the Beanie Market for everyone. People complain about the collectors but if it wasn't for the collectors there would be no beanie market. Ty would not be giving his employees a BILLION DALLOR BEAR. He appreciates his employees, but what about the ones who spent the billion dallors? I sent in for my Clubby back in February, my check was cashed in March, I paid the EXPRESS SHIPPING, and I'm still waiting. My neices and nephew only sent theirs in September and already have theirs they didn't pay express. I took an envolope from someone who paid for the express and one who didn't to the postoffice and asked if there was any difference in the shipping I was told NO. Isn't this against the law to offer something, pay for it and not get it? The order card also says" FIRST ORDERED FIRST SERVE BASIS" is this not false advertisment? To all you who say why all the fuss, if it was not just a toy and something else you purchased would you let that company get away with that? I e-mailed Cyrk 4 times, after many weeks I did get a response, I had to write to TY and we all know TY never response. So I still wait for my $5.99 Clubby($32., Kit,Clubby,taxes,case,case postage,Clubby postage,express postage). Where does Ty think CHILDREN are going to get that kind of money? what about the $5. toys kids can buy with their allowance? Ty knows whats going on he's a smart man but he's not going to change anything, as long as the $$$$$$ keep coming in. Thanks for letting me vent.

October 7, 1998

Hi Linda

I read your site everyday and am happy that you update all the time. I am a collector of Beanie Babies and have been hooked for one year now. I do not see the market declining at all, in fact here in Santa Clara, California it has grown. I have met many new collectors who just started in the last few months. The new releases from Summer are still hard to get in the stores. Some are raffling and some are giving to schools to auction. I did manage to get them all but the store I purchased Glory in required a $45.00 purchase in order to buy him for $6.99. I did need other gifts and it worked our OK, but most of the stores here don't make it easy. I think as long as TY keeps retiring and bringing out new BEARS the demand will continue and even escalate. I wish it wouldn't, then I would be ok financially! But I have become hooked along with many other adults. You would be surprised at how many people in their 50+ years are collecting for themselves and not their grandchildren! My 13 year old got me started by asking for them the Summer of 97 and I got hooked on them more than she did.... So absolutely NO, the craze is not dying down.

Kathy DiGiacomo

October 5, 1998

Hi, I just want to let you know that not all the retailers are out to make a lot of profit. I live in the Stroudsburg area of Pennsylvania and we have 6 stores in the area that sell all the babies at the current price of between $ 5 and $ 7 dollars. In fact they put them out on the shelf for anyone to just come in and buy. Needless to say we don't have a problem getting them. Just want to say Hooray for the retailers in my neck of the woods.

Pat L.

October 4, 1998

Hey, Linda

Its me Dana. How are you. Lucky dog you are to get a beanie buddy already. I have been asked the same question about the beanie market. I strongly feel that it is alive and well. People are getting smarter and thriftier, which is hurting the secondary market from making big bucks. Also, more people are selling and causing more competition, so prices drop again beacuse of the fighting to get the sale.My business is growing each week. I still see 100 people waiting in line in expectation of a shipment. I still do not see new realeases sitting on a shelf. Glory, Wise or Fortune are sold out in a matter of minutes to hours and theses beanies have been out almost 3 months! The closer Christmas comes and the sooner new releases hit the shelf, the stronger and more "spiced up" the beanie market will get. I am "scared" of what kind of volume and the inventory that I will have to have in stock in order to fill person's orders for this holiday season! The true test, will be in March. It should be a slow month. Why? The January releases will have been out for a few months...same with the retireds. This slowness will weed the "fly by nighters" out of the market.Potential turning point I beleive will be the release of the TEENY BEANIES in april from McDonalds. If it was the same as this year...I will sit back with a sigh of releif. If not...I'll admit, I will be nervous. What does excite me is the release of these beanies overseas in both Britain and in Germany. If the teenies conjure up an interest in collecting ,which I feel it will, then this is going to happen. People will want the mama's or other reg. beanie babies which will cause a demand for global trading. The part I love is that these older retireds were only produced in America. If you have a strong demand for these beanies...I see the older retireds going up another 100-1000% because the only way they will be able to get these beanies is for someone in America to part with it. Remember....there are only so many to go around. As for currents...ehhh! Now there will be 3 times the amount produced. They will be nice and inexpensive to collect...but not profitable.Well have to go to bed...I have a show tomorrow in East Hartford,Connecticut. Thanks for your time and hearing my analysis.

Dana Salzarulo,Beanie Bargains