"We Deal In Quality And Trust!"
A Comprehensive Site For Boyds Bearstones
Reference / Value Guide & Secondary Market Resource
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BEARSTONE BASICS
A Learning Center
SECONDARY MARKET
The what Market?
Once a Bearstone has been sold in the Retail Market it can be resold
in what is called the "Secondary Market". A good synonym for
the Secondary Market is "Pre-Owned".
And so you will not forget, we will state this here at the outset.
If there is one phrase that describes your walk in the Secondary Market
it is "Caveat Emptor" - Let The Buyer Beware!
There are quite a variety of Secondary Market outlets including garage
sales, flea markets, antique malls, individuals, Retailers and
Dealers. In case you were wondering The Bear Collector.com is not
only a unique reference site, but also a Secondary Market for Bearstones.
We will review for the major areas of the Secondary Market, based on
how they are sold, under the general categories of Retailers,
Brokers and Dealers.
RETAILERS
It is quite a phenomena to see Retailers listed here and to many a
"sore" spot. With advent of the Internet, Retailers found that if they
sell at on line auctions and classifieds not only could they advertise,
but also triple or quadruple their profits on low edition Bearstones.
This is a prevelant practice and the reason Retailers are
listed as a major category.
The Internet has certainly put a spotlite on this Secondary Market
phenomena of Retailers, but it is not a new practice. A number of
Retailers watch the retirements of Bearstones and when the little guys
retire the price goes up on the shelf. So, when you go looking
for these retired Bearstones, "Beware"! Know the suggested or
usual price of the Bearstone you are seeking.
BROKERS
A Broker is a reseller clearing house. They garner clients who wish
to sell their Bearstones but do not want the hassle. For this
service they charge the seller (owner) a commission.
The Broker does not own the Bearstones or possess them. When an order
for a Bearstone comes in the Broker contacts the owner and
the Bearstone is shipped to the Broker for inspection/processing and
is then reshipped to the buyer.
The Broker can be beneficial if they themselves are honest. They act
as an "informal escrow service." This can afford one a certain
measure of protection from unscrupulous individuals.
The drawback for a Broker is that their prices tend to be a little
higher than open market. You must evaluate the balance of price and
quality assurance when using a Brokerage.
DEALERS
A Dealer is a reseller of Bearstones that actually buys, owns and
possesses the Bearstones. The Dealer may be an individual, company
or group. Dealers accumulate an inventory of Bearstones for sale in
the Secondary Market.
It is our impression that Dealers comprise the largest category in
the Secondary Market.
Where Do You Find Secondary Markets?
As stated earlier you may find Secondary Markets at Antique Malls, Flea
Markets, Garage Sales and even in Trade Magazines. However,
the largest and most comprehensive Secondary Market is on
the Internet. The myrid of possibilities encompasses Websites,
Classifieds and Auctions.You can find these areas of the
Internet with Search Engines, Web Rings and information from
Internet buddies.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that behind the Websites,
Classifieds and Auctions are people. People can be honest
or dishonest and just about everything inbetween. We have
always said that anytime you are dealing in the Secondary Market
your greatest protection is to "know the seller." It is, as
we stated at the outset, "Caveat Emptor" - Let The Buyer Beware!
At The Bear Collector.com our business practice and policy is stated
in our byline "We Deal In Quality & Trust." We feel that this
expresses our Hallmark and it extends to all aspects of our
venture, including shipping, remittance, privacy, guarantees, returns,
refunds, classifieds, drawings, newsletter, advertising and
any/all information we provide in the Bearstone Listings
and Bearstone Basics.
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