@jskillz95 said:
The sales figures through 10 Aug implied there was only 876 more of these to sell. If there is 2,400 of these on sale today there must have been 1,500+ returns processed in the last few weeks. Have people been seeing quality/production issues with these coins or are people simply losing interest?
Could be returns based on disappointment. I know that many were hoping for the 2013 look and didn't like that it wasn't. In checking the secondary market, they're not setting the world on fire.
Given that last sentence, which seems to be the case, why do so many want multiples?
They are a good flip right now at $220. Nets about $190 after fees and free shipping.
Thx for the info.
So, about $20 net (before tax) after fees & shipping - not to mention time, effort, etc? - Doesn't seem worth the trouble.
I think at those prices it’s about volume. You need a decent volume per product to make it work. 4 or 5 of them it certainly not worth it to many people unless they’ve got a large, varied inventory.
People say that all the time, but a 10% net margin on coins is about the most you can hope for. Try and buy and sell Morgan silver dollars.
Now, sure. 10% of $200 is less than 10% of $2000. But since total time and effort is probably 20 minutes, so it is effectively $60 per hour for the $200 coin.
It's kind of funny, really. If most people on this forum came to me with a collection and I offered you 30% back of retail, they'd balk - or even call me names. They'd consign to auction for a 20% haircut. So, how do you buy a coin with more than a 20% gross spread so you can net more than 10%? People should be more forgiving of their dealers. LOL.
And try it with gold. You're lucky to buy it with a 5% spread to try and make 2%.
I think 10% in any business or product type is fair. It’s not all that often that 200% + is achievable. That’s the rare stock market profit goal that we would all be overjoyed with. Coins, as you stated, aren’t that type of win. 10% is great, but not with just one or two coins. You do, in fact, want volume, and in the case of 200+ coins, you do want volume buyers to come calling.
On a lighter note, as far as calling you names for a 30% below retail offer……I’ve seen you called names for literally no reason at all. 🤣🤣
Lol. Fair enough.
Yes, the volume helps. It is, as you say helpful for multiples. Unfortunately, people don't buy as many multiples as you might think. Today, I've sold two pairs and four singles. It also saves you time on the listing as it is only a single listing for multiple items.
But, honestly, I sell a LOT of $20 and under coins. Some of which I'm lucky to make $2 on. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the business. I actually sold a set of comics yesterday and the shipping came in higher than anticipated so my gross take on the $14 sale was 25 cents - good think I had nothing into them. Lmao. At least it wasn't negative. That happens occasionally also. I once ended up essentially paying someone $5 to take the coin off my hands.
Where's that old thread "Reasons why coin dealers drink"?
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
@jskillz95 said:
The sales figures through 10 Aug implied there was only 876 more of these to sell. If there is 2,400 of these on sale today there must have been 1,500+ returns processed in the last few weeks. Have people been seeing quality/production issues with these coins or are people simply losing interest?
Could be returns based on disappointment. I know that many were hoping for the 2013 look and didn't like that it wasn't. In checking the secondary market, they're not setting the world on fire.
Given that last sentence, which seems to be the case, why do so many want multiples?
They are a good flip right now at $220. Nets about $190 after fees and free shipping.
Thx for the info.
So, about $20 net (before tax) after fees & shipping - not to mention time, effort, etc? - Doesn't seem worth the trouble.
I think at those prices it’s about volume. You need a decent volume per product to make it work. 4 or 5 of them it certainly not worth it to many people unless they’ve got a large, varied inventory.
People say that all the time, but a 10% net margin on coins is about the most you can hope for. Try and buy and sell Morgan silver dollars.
Now, sure. 10% of $200 is less than 10% of $2000. But since total time and effort is probably 20 minutes, so it is effectively $60 per hour for the $200 coin.
It's kind of funny, really. If most people on this forum came to me with a collection and I offered you 30% back of retail, they'd balk - or even call me names. They'd consign to auction for a 20% haircut. So, how do you buy a coin with more than a 20% gross spread so you can net more than 10%? People should be more forgiving of their dealers. LOL.
And try it with gold. You're lucky to buy it with a 5% spread to try and make 2%.
I think 10% in any business or product type is fair. It’s not all that often that 200% + is achievable. That’s the rare stock market profit goal that we would all be overjoyed with. Coins, as you stated, aren’t that type of win. 10% is great, but not with just one or two coins. You do, in fact, want volume, and in the case of 200+ coins, you do want volume buyers to come calling.
On a lighter note, as far as calling you names for a 30% below retail offer……I’ve seen you called names for literally no reason at all. 🤣🤣
Lol. Fair enough.
Yes, the volume helps. It is, as you say helpful for multiples. Unfortunately, people don't buy as many multiples as you might think. Today, I've sold two pairs and four singles. It also saves you time on the listing as it is only a single listing for multiple items.
But, honestly, I sell a LOT of $20 and under coins. Some of which I'm lucky to make $2 on. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the business. I actually sold a set of comics yesterday and the shipping came in higher than anticipated so my gross take on the $14 sale was 25 cents - good think I had nothing into them. Lmao. At least it wasn't negative. That happens occasionally also. I once ended up essentially paying someone $5 to take the coin off my hands.
Where's that old thread "Reasons why coin dealers drink"?
Keeping that cash churning with positive returns is vital, and I’m glad you’re part of the forum and willing to share your experiences as you do.
How many years have you been selling coins?
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
@jskillz95 said:
The sales figures through 10 Aug implied there was only 876 more of these to sell. If there is 2,400 of these on sale today there must have been 1,500+ returns processed in the last few weeks. Have people been seeing quality/production issues with these coins or are people simply losing interest?
Could be returns based on disappointment. I know that many were hoping for the 2013 look and didn't like that it wasn't. In checking the secondary market, they're not setting the world on fire.
Given that last sentence, which seems to be the case, why do so many want multiples?
They are a good flip right now at $220. Nets about $190 after fees and free shipping.
Thx for the info.
So, about $20 net (before tax) after fees & shipping - not to mention time, effort, etc? - Doesn't seem worth the trouble.
I think at those prices it’s about volume. You need a decent volume per product to make it work. 4 or 5 of them it certainly not worth it to many people unless they’ve got a large, varied inventory.
People say that all the time, but a 10% net margin on coins is about the most you can hope for. Try and buy and sell Morgan silver dollars.
Now, sure. 10% of $200 is less than 10% of $2000. But since total time and effort is probably 20 minutes, so it is effectively $60 per hour for the $200 coin.
It's kind of funny, really. If most people on this forum came to me with a collection and I offered you 30% back of retail, they'd balk - or even call me names. They'd consign to auction for a 20% haircut. So, how do you buy a coin with more than a 20% gross spread so you can net more than 10%? People should be more forgiving of their dealers. LOL.
And try it with gold. You're lucky to buy it with a 5% spread to try and make 2%.
I think 10% in any business or product type is fair. It’s not all that often that 200% + is achievable. That’s the rare stock market profit goal that we would all be overjoyed with. Coins, as you stated, aren’t that type of win. 10% is great, but not with just one or two coins. You do, in fact, want volume, and in the case of 200+ coins, you do want volume buyers to come calling.
On a lighter note, as far as calling you names for a 30% below retail offer……I’ve seen you called names for literally no reason at all. 🤣🤣
Lol. Fair enough.
Yes, the volume helps. It is, as you say helpful for multiples. Unfortunately, people don't buy as many multiples as you might think. Today, I've sold two pairs and four singles. It also saves you time on the listing as it is only a single listing for multiple items.
But, honestly, I sell a LOT of $20 and under coins. Some of which I'm lucky to make $2 on. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the business. I actually sold a set of comics yesterday and the shipping came in higher than anticipated so my gross take on the $14 sale was 25 cents - good think I had nothing into them. Lmao. At least it wasn't negative. That happens occasionally also. I once ended up essentially paying someone $5 to take the coin off my hands.
Where's that old thread "Reasons why coin dealers drink"?
Keeping that cash churning with positive returns is vital, and I’m glad you’re part of the forum and willing to share your experiences as you do.
How many years have you been selling coins?
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
Ah, you were there from the very beginning of Ebay (after its name change from "AuctionWeb") It was a lot simpler then. You've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the market in all those years. Nice story.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
Ah, you were there from the very beginning of Ebay (after its name change from "AuctionWeb") It was a lot simpler then. You've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the market in all those years. Nice story.
The thing that's changed the most is shipping. Back then, you could send bubble envelopes first class so it cost roughly 80 cents for a 2 oz package. Now, I don't think you can ship one for less than $5 with some a much as $7.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
Ah, you were there from the very beginning of Ebay (after its name change from "AuctionWeb") It was a lot simpler then. You've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the market in all those years. Nice story.
The thing that's changed the most is shipping. Back then, you could send bubble envelopes first class so it cost roughly 80 cents for a 2 oz package. Now, I don't think you can ship one for less than $5 with some a much as $7.
The site also calculates shipping based on package weight and dimensions. Often in the 1990's you'd just charge a "shipping fee" and many sellers would charge a flat fee much higher than actual shipping costs and call it "shipping AND handling"
PS...these EU ASE's sold out again quickly, but the Uncirc set still out there available.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
Ah, you were there from the very beginning of Ebay (after its name change from "AuctionWeb") It was a lot simpler then. You've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the market in all those years. Nice story.
The thing that's changed the most is shipping. Back then, you could send bubble envelopes first class so it cost roughly 80 cents for a 2 oz package. Now, I don't think you can ship one for less than $5 with some a much as $7.
The site also calculates shipping based on package weight and dimensions. Often in the 1990's you'd just charge a "shipping fee" and many sellers would charge a flat fee much higher than actual shipping costs and call it "shipping AND handling"
PS...these EU ASE's sold out again quickly, but the Uncirc set still out there available.
It's unavailable now
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
I think 10% in any business or product type is fair. It’s not all that often that 200% + is achievable. That’s the rare stock market profit goal that we would all be overjoyed with. Coins, as you stated, aren’t that type of win. 10% is great, but not with just one or two coins. You do, in fact, want volume, and in the case of 200+ coins, you do want volume buyers to come calling.
Boy do I miss the days of Beanie Babies. Especially the Princess Diana one when first released. All in the marketing and FOMO. Loved exchanging an SUV full of cases for a box full of cash every month. God bless Ty Warner!!
PS Wish I had purchased a boat load of Moderna stock a few months ago. Up 153% this morning.
@mbr33 said:
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
Funny story: Went to birthday party for 10 year old niece. Gave her a bag with 6 or 7 beanie babies. She looke at it and frowned so I asked if she had any. Her mother replied yes but she is not allowed to play with them because we are saving them to pay for her college. I went to my car and got two beanie bears and tore off the tags. Gave them to her and said these have no tags so not collectable and only good for playing. She held on to them so tight for the rest of the party.
After that I would give away dozzens to kids at company picnics. It felt so good to see the smiles on the kids faces.
@HATTRICK said: @mbr33 said:
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
Funny story: Went to birthday party for 10 year old niece. Gave her a bag with 6 or 7 beanie babies. She looke at it and frowned so I asked if she had any. Her mother replied yes but she is not allowed to play with them because we are saving them to pay for her college. I went to my car and got two beanie bears and tore off the tags. Gave them to her and said these have no tags so not collectable and only good for playing. She held on to them so tight for the rest of the party.
After that I would give away dozzens to kids at company picknics. It felt soo god to see the smiles on the kids faces.
Those were insane days for sure. I would occasionally help my Mom at a local flea-market and it amazed me to no end the number of people who thought that saving them for decades would put their kids through college. A story that stuck with me to this day was a woman who said "I have to pay the trailer park lot rent this week, but this bear is gonna be worth $200 next year so I'm gonna skip the rent"
I think that whole fad lasted 4-5 years until the market for them dried up and people got burnt again and again and again and again. One week this bag of beans is worth $40 and next week $30 and the following week $20.....time and time again.
After that I would give away dozzens to kids at company picknics. It felt soo god to see the smiles on the kids faces.
I gave several large plastic containers that had several hundred brand new ones in them to the Joe DiMaggio Kid’s Hospital down the street from me. Figured they would enjoy them way more than me…and they were happy to have them. That was an expensive fad for sure. If one sold for a lot, 10 or 100 would sell for even more…and then 10,000 and 100,000 till they ruined the collectors market literally overnight by mass producing practically every one of them. Was glad to unload them, that’s for sure.😉
After that I would give away dozzens to kids at company picknics. It felt soo god to see the smiles on the kids faces.
I gave several large plastic containers that had several hundred brand new ones in them to the Joe DiMaggio Kid’s Hospital down the street from me. Figured they would enjoy them way more than me…and they were happy to have them. That was an expensive fad for sure. If one sold for a lot, 10 or 100 would sell for even more…and then 10,000 and 100,000 till they ruined the collectors market literally overnight by mass producing practically every one of them. Was glad to unload them, that’s for sure.😉
Same as pogs, same as sports cards from that time and modern coins are heading in the same direction. The future losses for people who were sucked into the 2026 overkill will dent the market even more.
@jskillz95 said:
The sales figures through 10 Aug implied there was only 876 more of these to sell. If there is 2,400 of these on sale today there must have been 1,500+ returns processed in the last few weeks. Have people been seeing quality/production issues with these coins or are people simply losing interest?
Could be returns based on disappointment. I know that many were hoping for the 2013 look and didn't like that it wasn't. In checking the secondary market, they're not setting the world on fire.
Given that last sentence, which seems to be the case, why do so many want multiples?
They are a good flip right now at $220. Nets about $190 after fees and free shipping.
Thx for the info.
So, about $20 net (before tax) after fees & shipping - not to mention time, effort, etc? - Doesn't seem worth the trouble.
I think at those prices it’s about volume. You need a decent volume per product to make it work. 4 or 5 of them it certainly not worth it to many people unless they’ve got a large, varied inventory.
People say that all the time, but a 10% net margin on coins is about the most you can hope for. Try and buy and sell Morgan silver dollars.
Now, sure. 10% of $200 is less than 10% of $2000. But since total time and effort is probably 20 minutes, so it is effectively $60 per hour for the $200 coin.
It's kind of funny, really. If most people on this forum came to me with a collection and I offered you 30% back of retail, they'd balk - or even call me names. They'd consign to auction for a 20% haircut. So, how do you buy a coin with more than a 20% gross spread so you can net more than 10%? People should be more forgiving of their dealers. LOL.
And try it with gold. You're lucky to buy it with a 5% spread to try and make 2%.
I think 10% in any business or product type is fair. It’s not all that often that 200% + is achievable. That’s the rare stock market profit goal that we would all be overjoyed with. Coins, as you stated, aren’t that type of win. 10% is great, but not with just one or two coins. You do, in fact, want volume, and in the case of 200+ coins, you do want volume buyers to come calling.
On a lighter note, as far as calling you names for a 30% below retail offer……I’ve seen you called names for literally no reason at all. 🤣🤣
Lol. Fair enough.
Yes, the volume helps. It is, as you say helpful for multiples. Unfortunately, people don't buy as many multiples as you might think. Today, I've sold two pairs and four singles. It also saves you time on the listing as it is only a single listing for multiple items.
But, honestly, I sell a LOT of $20 and under coins. Some of which I'm lucky to make $2 on. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the business. I actually sold a set of comics yesterday and the shipping came in higher than anticipated so my gross take on the $14 sale was 25 cents - good think I had nothing into them. Lmao. At least it wasn't negative. That happens occasionally also. I once ended up essentially paying someone $5 to take the coin off my hands.
Where's that old thread "Reasons why coin dealers drink"?
Keeping that cash churning with positive returns is vital, and I’m glad you’re part of the forum and willing to share your experiences as you do.
How many years have you been selling coins?
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I've got you beat. My sign up day was Dec 22, 1996.
@mbr33 said:
362 of these available this morning again
28 this morning. I was able to very leisurely buy 2 (I had to go find my CC and get the code). Checked out and there were 11 left. A minute later, all gone.
Comments
Lol. Fair enough.
Yes, the volume helps. It is, as you say helpful for multiples. Unfortunately, people don't buy as many multiples as you might think. Today, I've sold two pairs and four singles. It also saves you time on the listing as it is only a single listing for multiple items.
But, honestly, I sell a LOT of $20 and under coins. Some of which I'm lucky to make $2 on. Unfortunately, it's the nature of the business. I actually sold a set of comics yesterday and the shipping came in higher than anticipated so my gross take on the $14 sale was 25 cents - good think I had nothing into them. Lmao. At least it wasn't negative. That happens occasionally also. I once ended up essentially paying someone $5 to take the coin off my hands.
Where's that old thread "Reasons why coin dealers drink"?
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Keeping that cash churning with positive returns is vital, and I’m glad you’re part of the forum and willing to share your experiences as you do.
How many years have you been selling coins?
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
FYI, when I checked it was actually 4967.
I first started selling coins in 1997 on eBay. Those were the golden days on eBay. It was smaller and things sold for way over catalog. I've often said that my mistake was not quitting my job for a couple of years and listing full time. I was selling junk first day covers that I could buy for 25 cents for as much as $10.
I started by selling a few dupes. Then I started buying a few things to sell: coins and stamps, mostly. Then a local dealer wanted help getting onto eBay so I started selling his stuff on consignment.
Eventually, I established relationships with all the local dealers who would flip me collections when they came in. It was a nights and weekends thing, mostly. In 2005, when I was between jobs, I did it full time for about 6 months. I made enough money to survive, but with no benefits and not a ton of money in those days, I kept looking for work. I ended up in my current position, though I had no idea in 2005 that I would stay there for 21 years.
It's a wonderful life!
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
362 of these available this morning again
Ah, you were there from the very beginning of Ebay (after its name change from "AuctionWeb") It was a lot simpler then. You've seen a lot of changes and evolution in the market in all those years. Nice story.
The thing that's changed the most is shipping. Back then, you could send bubble envelopes first class so it cost roughly 80 cents for a 2 oz package. Now, I don't think you can ship one for less than $5 with some a much as $7.
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
The site also calculates shipping based on package weight and dimensions. Often in the 1990's you'd just charge a "shipping fee" and many sellers would charge a flat fee much higher than actual shipping costs and call it "shipping AND handling"
PS...these EU ASE's sold out again quickly, but the Uncirc set still out there available.
It's unavailable now
All comments reflect the opinion of the author, even when irrefutably accurate.
Boy do I miss the days of Beanie Babies. Especially the Princess Diana one when first released. All in the marketing and FOMO. Loved exchanging an SUV full of cases for a box full of cash every month. God bless Ty Warner!!
PS Wish I had purchased a boat load of Moderna stock a few months ago. Up 153% this morning.
@mbr33 said:
Wayyyy back in 1997-1998 I assisted my mother in selling the dreaded Beanie Babies (not internet savvy, so I helped her online) Those profit margins were extreme, and I was completely taken aback that people could be so into something that seemed to me to be so “silly”, and would pay such ridiculous sums.
Funny story: Went to birthday party for 10 year old niece. Gave her a bag with 6 or 7 beanie babies. She looke at it and frowned so I asked if she had any. Her mother replied yes but she is not allowed to play with them because we are saving them to pay for her college. I went to my car and got two beanie bears and tore off the tags. Gave them to her and said these have no tags so not collectable and only good for playing. She held on to them so tight for the rest of the party.
After that I would give away dozzens to kids at company picnics. It felt so good to see the smiles on the kids faces.
Those were insane days for sure. I would occasionally help my Mom at a local flea-market and it amazed me to no end the number of people who thought that saving them for decades would put their kids through college. A story that stuck with me to this day was a woman who said "I have to pay the trailer park lot rent this week, but this bear is gonna be worth $200 next year so I'm gonna skip the rent"
I think that whole fad lasted 4-5 years until the market for them dried up and people got burnt again and again and again and again. One week this bag of beans is worth $40 and next week $30 and the following week $20.....time and time again.
I gave several large plastic containers that had several hundred brand new ones in them to the Joe DiMaggio Kid’s Hospital down the street from me. Figured they would enjoy them way more than me…and they were happy to have them. That was an expensive fad for sure. If one sold for a lot, 10 or 100 would sell for even more…and then 10,000 and 100,000 till they ruined the collectors market literally overnight by mass producing practically every one of them. Was glad to unload them, that’s for sure.😉
Same as pogs, same as sports cards from that time and modern coins are heading in the same direction. The future losses for people who were sucked into the 2026 overkill will dent the market even more.
I've got you beat. My sign up day was Dec 22, 1996.
I saw 390.
28 this morning. I was able to very leisurely buy 2 (I had to go find my CC and get the code). Checked out and there were 11 left. A minute later, all gone.