'Ask
Ty'
Year '2002'
On June 26, 2001, the Ty Website sported a
whole new look. Along with the new appearance, Ty offered 'Ty
Store' (where you had a chance to buy a new Beanie Baby Bear -
'Tradee', as well as Speckles; the BBOT (Beanie Board of Trade)
was introduced, and 'Ask Ty'!
With 'Ask Ty', five chosen questions
are posted ... vote for your preferred question that you would
like Ty to answer. Ty will later pick a question and post the
answer.
Click here for 'Ask
Ty' Questions - 2001
Click here for 'Ask Ty' Questions - 2003
Click
here for 'Ask Ty' Questions - 2004
January 5
Q: Will you ever make a Beanie that looks
like you? (submitted by cats/dogs)
A:
The
rumor around the office is that Tumbles the Beanie Kid looks very
much like me when I was 4. Maybe that's why we share the same
birthday.
January 11
Q: We would love to read your
autobiography one day ... anything in the works? Also, if your
story was made into a movie who would you like to see play
yourself? (submitted by yaldnif)
A: I enjoyed
reading all the polls and posts on Ty Talk about actors to play
me. I have a few in mind but I think I'll leave this decision up
to the casting director.
January 18
Q: When you make Beanies that have profits
donated to charitable funds, do you just decide to make those or
do the charities ask you to help them out with your creations?
(submitted by Prairie*Mountain*Maple)
A: I'm sure you all
know the story behind America, Rescue and Courage. I created
these Beanies and contacted the American Red Cross and the Widow
and Children's Benefit Fund. The one common thread that all
charitable Beanies share is you. Thank you for your continued
support.
January 25
Q: When someone asks you a direct question,
why don't you ever give a direct answer? (submitted by RIP33)
A:
I was a little surprised to see this question receive over 40% of
the vote. I really wanted to answer the Godzilla question (and
fill you in on a little secret).
February 1
Q: I heard that there is a big International
Toy Fair coming up in New York, are you going to be making any
big announcements there? (submitted by a.dingo.ate.my.beanie)
A:
You heard right, the New York Toy Fair opens February 10 and to
answer your question . . . . . . Yes, you can expect a big
announcement (let’s call it a debut). I wouldn’t miss
this for anything. See you in New York !
February 8
Q: How many America, Rescue and Courage
Beanie Babies have been sold and what is the total contribution
so far? (submitted by manstep)
A: Thanks
to you, America has raised over $1,000,000 for the American Red
Cross and we have raised over $1,000,000 for the New York Police
and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund with
Rescue and Courage. Keep an eye on Ty.com for a special
announcement that I think will help us raise even MORE money.
February 14
Q: What is the Godzilla secret? (submitted
by The Collecter)
A: The more I
thought about this the more I realized . . . . if I told you, it
wouldn’t be a secret any longer. I can tell you to expect a
big announcement within the next 10 days !
February 21
Q: Do you stop production of a retired
product before or after you officially retire it? (submitted by
Broder)
A: If you see a
retirement announcement you can be sure that production has
stopped. Speaking of retirements . . . . I was wondering which
Beanie you would like to see retired next. Post your ideas on Ty
Talk!
February 28
Q: What are you working on now? Any new
ideas? (submitted by melanielyn)
A: New ideas, new
fabrics, new designs, new products . . . . I’m always
working on something. Speaking of new, I can’t wait for you
to see the new Teenie Beanie Boppers!
March 8
Q: How do you decide which Beanies will get
made into Buddies? (submitted by elecboy)
A: That's pretty
easy. I just look at all of your "Bright Ideas" and
then get to work!
March 14
Q: Do you have your own fabric designers or do
you just view fabric samples until one strikes you? (submitted by
QB_Sue
A: I look at
thousands of fabrics every year. When I can't find just the right
one, I create it. Tylon and Tysilk are two examples of fabrics I
created exclusively for Ty product.
March 21
Q: Where do you get the personal info for each
Beanie Bopper (hometown etc)? (submitted by QB_Sue)
A:
Whenever
I travel I always try to visit one of my retailers. More times
than not, I spot a child playing with one of the Beanie Boppers.
The personalities, hometowns and pets . . . . . all come from
these wonderful children.
March 28
Q: I always wondered when you know it's time to
do another animal, like the lion, elephant and the butterfly. Do
you have some sort of rotation for repeated animals or is it just
when a certain design strikes you as being perfect?
(submitted by Figmentbear )
A: As you can
imagine, I am always working on new designs. There is no special
rotation or a set plan. Every detail on a new design must be
perfect. Once this has been accomplished the piece goes into
production and then is introduced. Speaking of new introductions,
here's a hint . . . . APRIL YES !
April 4
Q: I heard that the money raised from the
internet Americas goes towards the local Red Cross of the person
who orders, based on the zip code. Where is the money raised by
overseas collectors going to? (submitted by KillerTreeFrogGirl)
A: Before I answer
your question let me say Thank You for your overwhelming support
of our "America" series. Together, we a raised over 1.5
Million Dollars for Red Cross services and programs. Now to
answer your question, Our profits from overseas sales will be
donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. One last
thing . . . . . what do think of stripes and stars ?
April 12
Q: What do you do with the prototypes... Are
any of them in your own collection? (submitted by ddhhorne2)
A: Many of the
prototypes are kept under lock and key at my Corporate
Headquarters and some are on loan to Tyriffic stores throughout
the country. Those special 9 that started this fantastic journey
. . . . . they are very comfortable in my office.
April 18
Q: When can I expect to receive my Red America
Bear?
(submitted by Cheekymonkey)
A: Neither snow
nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from
the swift completion of their appointed rounds . . . . . next
week !
April 25
Q:
Are there really 2 versions of white America? (submitted by
busybuzzie)
A: This question has received a lot of
attention this past week. How about a very simple answer to this
very popular question . . . . . yes! P.S. Double check your Red.
May 2
A Message from Ty
Let me try to help clear up some misunderstandings about
the Ty Store. I have always believed that the quest is better
than the capture. The thrill of the hunt is better than the
acquisition. My challenge was to create this same excitement with
our Ty Store. Let's face it; most Internet purchases are
usually quite boring and predictable.
I like
the unexpected and I hope you do too. So, I created a variation
to White America and dropped a few clues along the way. I asked
you what you thought about "Stripes and Stars" and from
time to time, changed images in the Ty Store. We ship you exactly
what we offer at the time you place your order. What you see at
the time you order is what you get. I read all your posts about
Red America. Is there a variation? I never showed you one, but
does that mean there isn't one? Some of you are also upset
because your orders were cancelled, and now there are no more
available. Please understand that there are some things that I
just cannot control, such as credit cards being declined or
expiration dates being entered incorrectly. It's like a store
that has an offer for a limited time - buy it now or it may not
be available again. Finally, I have researched all the postings
regarding any operational issues with my Ty Store and I assure
you, everything is working fine.
Now,
was it fun . . . did it work? Obviously some of you are
disappointed with me for not shipping what you wanted - but you
did get exactly what was being offered at the time you placed
your order.
Is that bad . . . I don't think so.
Controversial . . . yes.
Exciting . . . I hope so.
Unexpected . . . absolutely.
Stay tuned http://www.tytrade.com/newaskty_home
May 9
Q: Are you going to make a Beanie to
recognize the winner of the World Cup - and make it a special
Beanie!!! (submitted by beachbumb)
A: Who will this
years Champion be? Your guess is as good as mine. We will know
for sure by June 30th . . . . . on Ty.com !
May 17
Q: Will there be a Dad-E to go with Mom-e,
or is this just another rumor??? Do tell please! (submitted by
whitecamero)
A: This rumor has
just become reality. Check out the TyStore !
May 24
Q: Do you ever plan on re-introducing some
of the older Beanies to new collectors?
(submitted by panda1238)
A:
I
have been working on a special project that has something to do
with my favorite Beanies . . . only a couple months until the
surprise !
May 30
Q: Will there be a new (and different) line
of Birthday Bears now that the first line is complete? (submitted
by joyb-bug)
A: What goes better
together than Beanies, Birthdays and Party Hats? We'll just have
to wait and see.
June 7
Q: Are we going to have another People's
Beanie voting contest this year? (submitted by SnowLady)
A:
Yes,
your vote will be counted and only one Beanie will win. Speaking
of votes . . . who would like to see a TyStore customer
appreciation open house on Monday?
June 13
Q: Why does your company change the hang/tush
tags now and then, ex. "Beanie Baby" around the foil
star to "Beanie Babies" around the foil star.
(submitted by Blurby)
A: Most of the tag
changes mark the beginning of a new year. Check your Beanies from
2 years ago, their hang tags have "2000" written across
a large holographic star - or it could have the word
"Zodiac" across the top. Here's a question for you . .
. Have you ever looked close at the tush tag holograms ?
June 21
Q: Will you give us a hint what the next
MasterCard Beanie Baby will be? (submitted by CHERI52)
A: O.K. Here's
your hint . . . . .
For purchases both ___ ___ ____
From on the web or ___ ___ ____
Ty's MasterCard is ___ ___ ____
To buy the things ___ ___ ____
And . . . how about TySilk ?
June 28
Q: Why do you retire Beanies? Why can't you
just keep them all current? (submitted by Elektra King)
A: I think retiring
Beanie Babies makes them even more special. Besides . . . . How
else would I make room for all the new Beanies ?
July 3
Q: What's happening with the BBOC? Will
there be anything new soon? (submitted by pwidgeon)
A: I think you'll
be hearing about something very soon. I can tell you . . . . this
years BBOC program will be "one of a kind"
July 11
Q:
Have you ever made a Beanie Baby and then decided not to
introduce it? If so, what was it? (submitted by BEANeNEWS)
A: I have to
admit, there were some Beanies that never were introduced. Maybe
Mary Beth will do a feature on some of these in an upcoming
issue.
July 19
Q:
Why do you retire some Beanies faster than others ? (submitted by
sheenapuppy)
A: For most of
the Beanie retirements there is actually a formula I try to
follow. If you go back several years, you may be able to figure
it out. On the other hand . . . . . . Sometimes I may just wake
up in the morning and decide to retire one.
July 26
Q: Would you, or have you ever considered
introducing a Beanie that you had earlier decided not to?
(submitted by HannaHs)
A:
Yes,
on more than one occasion. I wasn't really sure about Nectar and
originally decided not to introduce this style. Looking back . .
. . I guess you liked it.
August
1
Q: Are you currently making a new style of
Beanie, or are you just updating the site when it says, "Top
Secret BBOC Meeting in Progress"? I understand if you can't
answer this directly, but at least give us a hint! (submitted by
beaniac7)
A: I see the
meeting just adjourned . . . . I have the notes posted for your
review.
August
9
Q: Are there any Beanies you don't like?
(submitted by I love beanies so much!!)
A: I definitely
have some favorite Beanies but . . . . I've never met a Beanie I
didn't like.
August
16
Q: What Beanie do you feel most represents
you? (submitted by whitetiger33)
A: I would say
there are quite a few Beanies that I could compare myself with.
Some days I'm like Squealer or Speedy or Pellet. Other days
Strut, Fuzz or Beginning Bear come to mind. I probably have
something in common with all my Beanies.
August
23
Q: Are you ever going to make anymore Jumbo
Size Buddies? Jumbo Peace was great! (submitted by IamBeanieGirl)
A: Good question .
. . . let's have some fun ! You tell me which item you would like
to see JUMBO-IZED. Place your vote below.
The choices
for a new jumbo Buddy are:
Toothy the Tyrannosaurus
Brigitte the Pink Poodle
Trotter the Horse
Sassy Star (a jumbo Bopper version) ... or any other suggestions can be submitted on the Ty Talk Cyberboard.
August 29
Q: Are you ever going to make anymore Jumbo
Size Buddies? Jumbo Peace was great!
(Ty's answer from 8/22) - Good question . . . . let's have some
fun ! You tell me which item you would like to see JUMBO-IZED.
(submitted by Ty Warner)
A: Thanks for all
your great suggestions, you really had the Bright Ideas board
buzzing. I've got a pretty good idea of what to JUMBO . . . .
just about everything !
September
5
Q: I would really like to see some more
trading cards. Are you planning on making any more? If so, will
they just be Beanies and Buddies or will you add Beanie Kids,
Boppers, Classic, etc.?
(submitted by adrienneelisha)
A: I think some
new trading cards would be fun. Maybe we could do some special
Bopper cards. Give me a little time on this one . . . . . I may
surprise you.
September
12
Q: Will the "Purple Legs" In The
Ty Store EVER get to where they are going? (submitted by
sega-surfer)
A: I stopped by
the TyStore to see if "purple legs" needed some help
and . . . . . . WOW, was I ever surprised. Wait until you see
what's planned for the rest of 2002 !
September
20
Q: Do you design the Beanies yourself or do
you have other people to do it for you? (submitted by Lcee)
A: Old Face Ted-e,
Color Me Beanie, Frankenteddy . . . . . the list goes on and on.
Who do you think designs the Beanies? P.S. The Color Me Beanie
designs you have entered on our BBOC Gallery are great !
September
27
Q: Dear Ty, I just love your Pluffies and
Punkies collection! Are you going to make more of them? If so
when?? Thanks, ~Kris~ (submitted by Kris24)
A: Great question
Kris ! I'll keep this one short and simple . . . Punkies soon and
Pluffies a little later.
October
1
Q: Can you give us more information on
the $5000 TY Mastercard surprise? (submitted by ywebl).
A: The good news is
I have just finalized a brand new Beanie Baby exclusively for
those customers that spend $5,000 on their Ty MasterCard. The not
so good news is this special Beanie won't ship for 8 - 10 weeks.
(Here comes the legal part - Please see the points program
guidelines for official details about this special $5,000
anniversary Beanie)
October
9
Q:
What other Beanie Babies are you going to come out with?
(submitted by Wheelersburg)
A: I can tell you this . . . . you are in
for some great Beanie surprises!
October
18
Q:
Mr Warner, will we see a Color Me Beanie colored by you posted in
the gallery? (submitted by SeeMist)
A: I can't answer
right now . . . . I'm busy coloring !
October
25
Q: Hey Ty, what's in store for the Ty
Store? (submitted by Buttercupmouse)
A: I know how busy
we all get around the holidays. I think you'll find that the
TyStore just made your holiday shopping a whole lot easier !
October
31
Q: How
did you start Ty? (submitted by larratt)
A: I started Ty
with an idea, very little money and a condo as my office,
operations center and distribution center. What was the idea? -
Design the cutest plush with the highest quality at the best
price. That one idea that started this company continues to be
what sets us apart from everyone else.
November
8
Q: What is the most expensive Beanie for you
to make? (submitted by pm...)
A: One of the most expensive
Beanies to produce just happens to be one of the newest . . . .
TURK-e. This special Beanie has over 20 different pattern pieces
and 8 different fabrics. In fact, the custom printed fabric used
on the body of TURK-e took over 4 months to design and
manufacture.
November
15
Q: How do you decide what to make for your
next Beanie, where do you get the inspiration for all of them,
how do you come up with the color combinations? They are all
awesome! (submitted by Jezufreak)
A: Most of the
Beanies are very spontaneous. I always carry a sketch pad so when
an idea hits me I can record it right on the spot. Colors and
fabrics are key Beanie ingredients and to complete the process .
. . . a name and poem.
November
22
Q: Is the "Beanie Baby Of The
Month" going to be all Beanie bears or assorted animals?
(submitted by Mr.CJF)
A: I have some
great styles designed for this program! Here's a hint . . . .
take a close look at the Beanie of the Month page.
November
27
Q: As someone who has achieved so much, what
is it you are most thankful for? (submitted by fairyaine)
A: I'm thankful for so many
things . . . . my health, my family and all my wonderful Beanie
friends around the world!
December
6
Q: Do you ever use ideas posted on Bright
Ideas? (submitted by MELIQ)
A: I must say . . you all come up
with some great ideas ! Keep a close eye in January and let me
know what you think.
December
13
Q: Have you ever had a Beanie retire sooner
than you expected and that Beanie became more rare and popular
than you would have ever expected? If so, what is the Beanie?
(submitted by Happy21)
A:
I've
learned to "Expect the Unexpected" when it comes to
anything having to do with Beanies. I was surprised to see how
quickly the June Birthday Beanie retired and . . . I have a
feeling I will be surprised again real soon!
December
19
Q: What have you got up your sleeve for the
10th anniversary of Beanie Babies? (submitted by americanmaid)
A: This is a very
special 10 year anniversary and . . . I think a year long
celebration is in order!
December
26
Q: Why did you put beans in the animals?
How come not regular stuffing? (submitted by sargelover)
A:
Regular stuffing just didn't have the right feel. I wanted
Beanies to comfortably sit in the palm of a child's
hand or on their lap. And . . . . without beans in
Beanies what would I have named them?
Click here for 'Ask
Ty' 2001 Q & A's
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