Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

OK, I know there have to be some rules of thumb out there on wholesale pricing for bears, for example if supplying a bear to a store or gallery.  However, I think they were discussed on another board, and it's not working again.  Anyone have any thoughts or experience on the subject?  I know the pricing will be less than selling directly to the collectors, but is there some sort of standard percentage less?  I'm clueless :)

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

Dilu, you can go to the USPS web site and search for 'customs' to get some information.  Unfortunately, there seems to be no one place where all of the information is spelled out clearly.  In my experience, the rules are so confusing that enforcement even differs between post offices, as even THEY aren't too sure about some of it.  Here are some tips I can give you though...

Basically, if you're shipping through the USPS, there are 2 different customs forms to choose from.  Currently, one is small and green, the other is large and white.  Which one you need to use depends on about 50 million variables.  Generally, if you need to insure the item, use the white form.   If the item is on the expensive side, use the white form (can't remember the cutoff value, $50 sticks in my head but it may be more than that). 

My other bit of advice for international mailing is to not overlook Airmail Letter Post as a shipping option.  It is not, as many assume, just for letters!  I think this is possibly the best kept secret in shipping items internationally   Packages that weigh 4.0 lbs and under qualify for this rate.  This gives you service comparable to Global Priority Mail at a lesser cost.  I think average delivery time for Airmail Letter Post is 4-7 days, and I have found it to be VERY reliable whereas I have had problems in the past with global priority.  Just my $0.02 anyway, hope it helps someone!

Cheers,
Kelly

Hi Kirsten, the bear is a sweetheart!  How about using something in your auction description to acknowledge Ted Menten's influence?  Something like 'inspired by Ted Menten's designs'.  If your gut reaction is to give credit, then you are probably correct to do so!

Cheers,
Kelly

I know there are a lot of people who manipulate the info on customs forms (and not a few international buyers who insist on it to prevent them from paying tariffs on the package's arrival), however it IS a no-no.  In the future, you may want to add to the text of all of your auctions that you will only fill out customs forms with the correct values, as merchandise and for a $ amount equal to the auction's end price.  That may eliminate problems in the future.  If you fully intend to ship this first bear with accurate customs information, then by all means do so.  You can tell your buyer that it is your policy to fill in customs forms only with accurate information, and that you will be adding this information to all new auction listings, so that it is not in question in the future.

Hope this helps!
Kelly

I've got discs sized up to 4", however does anyone know a source for larger than this?  Or does anyone make their own?  I was working on a big baby grizzly bear the other day, and was pushing the limits of my available disc sizes.  I would hate to ever have to scale back future projects for lack of a big disc source.

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

Sue Ann, the only difficulty here is that you're asking us to compare A+ work with A+ work   All of the bears are gorgeous, and each has his own unique charm.  The toes are fantastic, keep 'em coming.  From the perspective of your overall look, I don't think the double jointed neck made a huge difference.  However, you will certainly be able to achieve a wider range of motion and poses with the new neck, which can indeed make it worth the time.  It may just not be something you'll want to do in every all-fours bear, and your original bears are so well done there's nothing wrong with that.

Cheers,
Kelly

There are definitely some sad stories here!  Judi, that story makes me wonder if her husband finally found out?  Daphne, your hubby, on the other hand, is a keeper... what a wonderful story, I bet both hubby and the bear were feeling pleased with themselves!

Cheers,
Kelly

Thanks to everybody for their input!  Glad to see I was just being overprotective, sounds like this is not something to worry about.  I appreciate being able to 'ask the experts' rather than just worry about it, as I otherwise would have done.  Well, this being the case, I have some little fur bears that need their pictures taken...

Cheers,
Kelly

As we move into the hottest months of the year, I am curious if any of the experienced fur bear artists hold off on shipping their bears out in summer heat?  If the bear is in a priority box for perhaps four days at most (we'll say NY to California over a weekend), is that asking too much of real fur or is there a risk of damage?  Or what about shipping it overseas, which could take several weeks?  Maybe this is not so much of an issue as I am thinking, but I wanted to check and make sure.

Thanks in advance,
Kelly

Oh yes, I can definitely relate to that one.  I adore a certain type of bear... sort of the big, fluffy, 'serious' type... and it's always particularly sad to send bears like this on their way.  Actually, I find it bittersweet to say goodbye to ANY bear!  I always was hopelessly attached to my teddy bears as a kid, though.  I don't think that ever went away. 

I know we'll have to be stockpiling bears for a couple of big shows we have coming up this fall, and I'm going to hate getting attached to all of them in the interim.  Ah, well, that's business.  I have managed to hold onto a few of my favorites from my mother's creations, however.  I find that it helps to name them after one of her relatives (insert big wicked grin here).  "No, we can't get rid of Calvin, that was your father's name!"  All being fair though, she has kept several of mine as well.  We just can't keep ALL of the ones that appeal to us, or I don't think we'd ever get around to selling anything. 

Cheers,
Kelly