"We Deal In Quality And Trust!"

A Comprehensive Site For Boyds Bear Bearstones^TM

Reference / Value Guide & Secondary Market Resource

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do You Have A Question? Perhaps it is listed below. If not,
you may write to us at:
Question-Comment@thebearcollector.com

QUESTIONS

ANSWERS

1. How do I find out the prices of the bearstones?
   DUH!? This site was not made for rocket scientists! Just kidding! Each page for the Bearstone Listing has editions and prices on it. You may email right now for a purchase request at:
   Purchase_Request@thebearcollector.com.
   Back to Questions
2. Are these prices firm?
   Yes and No! The selling prices are set based on the usual costs of having the bearstone on hand, current market and condition of the bearstone. Individual item prices are usually firm. If you are purchasing several to many items at once we will work with you to come to agreeable terms. And, it is prudent to purchase several at one time if for no other reason than to have lower shipping costs. Prices on Specials are always firm!
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3. Are the Bearstones and stuff MIB?
   YES! YES! YES! The bearstones and stuff that we sell are always MIB, unless expressly stated. We take pride in the condition of the Bearstones (and stuff) that we offer for sale. This is one of things that you will always find here--Quality, Trust and Mint Bearstones!
   In fact, we GUARANTEE all of our Bearstones. If you are ever disatisfied with any Bearstone you receive, just let us know and return it. We will give you a full refund plus the cost of shipping it back!
   We inspect all of the bearstones that we receive, no matter where it comes from. We use a bright halogen light and a magnifying glass (And not just because I'm blind!). If we find anything at all wrong we generally ship it back to where it came from. If we are in question as to the nature of some part of the stone we compare it to others (we have almost every Bearstone issued displayed here). If it is a production error it is considered mint. If it is determined that the questionable part of the stone is not from production we will generally return it and not allow it for sale. Sometimes it is a production error, but if it differs from most others in the line we will let you know and not consider it mint.
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4. What does MIB mean?
   MIB is an acronym (stands for) Mint-In-Box. This means that the bearstone itself is in perfect (as perfect as production allows) condition from issue. It is also means that the bearstone has the original box, the original card and original packing. For other definitions and information please visit our BEARSTONE BASICS
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5. How do I buy the bearstones?
   Just send your money and see what you get! No! No! No! How about you start by going to Purchasing Information. This will explain many things. And if you still have a question, you can still Email us at: Purchase_Request@thebearcollector.com and ask for further information. It is also worthwhile to note that in the case where we are negotiating with another party and there is not a confirmed hold, we will not enter into other offers or negotiations until these negotiations are complete.

   And, if you are negotiating or have a confirmed hold and do not want to proceed with the actual purchase we would appreciate you letting us know. This allows us to offer the Bearstone to another party without any mix-ups in communication, which can and do occur from time to time.
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6. Are you a store?
   We are not a store in the traditional sense, because we are only on the Internet. We are not a retail store. We are a Secondary Market Pictorial Reference Guide, Information Resource and Secondary Market for Boyds Bearstones on the Internet. We also host Free Classifieds for all collectibles.

   You see, first, we were just private collectors. Then we became dealers of Boyds Bearstones on the Secondary Market. Then we found that we had learned so much because we see so many of these Bearstones that we became "Experts?" (We do not know everything!) on Bearstones. Then we noticed that there is a lack of definitive, specific information about each of these Bearstones and so we began disseminating this information through our Free eNewsletter. And now, we have published a lot of information on the individual pages for each Bearstone on this Website. And, we do not believe that you will find this kind of information anywhere else!
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7. Where do I send the money?
   Send the remittance to the name and address provided in the email communications at the end of the negotiations.
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8. Do you take checks?
   Yes. Personal checks are acceptable. However, personal checks will hold shipping 7-10 days for the check to clear.
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9. How can I trust you?
   In reality, you may not know us or how we do business. However, we have provided some references on our What Do People Say About Us Page. For the record, to date (3-2001) we have sold somewhere in the neighborhood of 800 Bearstones and purchased approximately 400 just in the past year. We have never lost a Bearstone and have only had one returned! The reason this one Bearstone was returned was because the party already had the Bearstone in question and received a full refund (less shipping), no questions asked, upon receipt of the Bearstone.
   We have had several that arrived in less than mint condition as promised. In these cases, we replaced or compensated the individuals as they wished. All of this at our cost. All of our Bearstones are Guaranteed. If for any reason you are not satisfied we will upon request, provide a full refund and under most circumstances pay for the return shipping.
   All bearstones are as stated!! If they are not mint, we will tell you. If they have a defect, we will tell you exactly its nature. Our goal is to have only excellent MIB Bearstones. Some that we have now are not MIB, which is our fault for not having inspected them closely enough. And you may find that our prices are slightly higher than some. It is because you are paying for a GUARANTEED MINT, QUALITY BEARSTONE.
   And actually, we are honest! We treat visitors to or Website like we would like to be treated!
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10. How often do you update your site?
    We update the site as often as we can if there are significant changes to be made. Time is sometimes a problem, but we try to stay current with new arrivals and sales.
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11. What if my bearstone arrives damaged?
    First, let us make this very clear (shades of Nixon), all Bearstones and other items are shipped Priority Mail/Insured. We require insurance on the shipment for at least the actual purchase price of the Bearstone(s) and usually for the Value Guide value. This protects both of parties for all circumstances incured in the shipment from here to there.
    Second, your money is protected by the purchase of insurance. If there is ever a necessity to file a claim for insurance, we will file the claim. And once the claim is filed and you have satisfied your part of the claim I will immmediately refund your covered amount plus the cost of shipping. Other than filing the claim and the time that this takes, you do not have to wait to receive a refund if that is your desire.
    Now, what to do.Notify us immediately!! Keep the shipping box and contents that are damaged as you received them!! You will need the box and damaged goods to substantiate the claim. (We will have to trust you with this. We will not file false claims). When you notify us include all the details of the damage and/or circumstances. We need this information to file the initial claim. Once we file the claim we will notify you and ask you to watch for a mailing from the Post Office, which is the claim itself. You must fill out your portion and take the claim and goods (shipment, including box) to the Post Office for inspection. It probably is a good idea to call first to find the time that the claims person is available and exactly the procedure in your location. When you have completed this aspect of the claims procedure email us so that we can get your money back to you or provide whatever recompense that we have agreed upon.
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12. What if I get a bearstone I already have?
    Email us and we will make arrangements to have the bearstone returned for a full refund, less shipping.
    Back to Questions.
13. Do you give discounts?
    The discounts that we give are those that are advertised in the SPECIALS. In the case of larger orders we try to do a little better on the price. With return patrons we also try to do a little better.
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14. Are you a man or a woman?
    It is a mystery!! And let us ask you, "Why are you asking?"
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15. I sent for your list of prices. They seemed high. Why?
    Because they are a little higher than others that you may see. The reason for this is the quality of Bearstones that we sell, which in turn comes from the price we have to pay to make sure that we have absolutely Mint-In-Box Bearstones. Our Guaranteed also extends to the box, card and packing. All of these are Guaranteed to be the original that is to be with the Bearstone you receive. No one else can make this Guarantee! There is also some overhead (services offered costs, ad costs, host costs, etc) which is figured into the final cost.
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16. Where do you get all of these bearstones?
    We have acquired and acquire these Bearstones just about anywhere Bearstones are bought and sold. We have traveled thousands of miles, written hundreds of emails and called many, many places looking for Bearstones.
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17. Do you have a layaway program?
    No, we do not! Though some parties have assumed that we do. Which, for the record, brings us to a request. If you have a confirmed hold a Bearstone (purchase commitment) and something occurs (flood, meteorite...) and you cannot purchase the bearstone. Let us know, so that we can take the hold off and offer it to someone else. We try not to let more than 10 days go by before emailing and asking if the transaction is still good, but we do not like to do that.
    Back to Questions.
18. What happens when two or more people want the same bearstone?
    If you read the answer to the question about How do I buy the bearstones? (You can click on the question to read the answer) then you will notice that the inclusion of the shipping address to confirm intent is important. The first party to include the shipping address in their communication secures first rights to the Bearstone(s) in question. If two parties or more are interested in the same Bearstone(s) and include the shipping address first rights are determined by date and time of the receipt of email in OUR email box.
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19. How are the bearstones shipped?
    We ship via US Post Office, Priority Mail/Insured. If you mean, how are they packed, then this is how it is done--cardboard box, foam peanuts, sometimes bubble wrap and sealed. Actually, it is whatever it takes to protect the Bearstone from damage in the shipping process. We have shipped hundreds of Bearstones and have only had one that was damaged.
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20. Are the bearstones insured?
    Yes! Insurance is required. The Bearstones are insured, at minimum, for the amount of the purchase price and usually for the value in a Value Guide.
    Back to Questions.
21. What if you don't have a bearstone that I want?
    So go someplace else!! No, not really. Actually, you can email us and ask if we can find it for you. If you want us to do this for you, you would need to provide specific information--style number, edition range, price range, etc. Another good thing to do is to check back from time to time to check the listings.
    Back to Questions.
22. Do you buy bearstones?
    How do you think we got all of the ones we have listed? Sorry, just had to say that! It is a good question. Yes we do. However, we do not accept less than Mint-In-Box Bearstones! We try not to pay too much for them, because as you know we resell them. If we pay too much, then we cannot offer them at a reasonable price. Let us know what you have and we will consider them, but be warned if there is a defect that isn't from production we will return and expect a full refund including shipping.
    We would also ask you to review our requirements for purchase. Back to Questions.
23. My grandmother has arthritis. What should I do?
    Buy 50 bearstones and hope for the best! Where did this come from?
    Back to Questions.
24. Do you offer consignment of bearstones?
    No we do not! We have found that the price of the Bearstones becomes much higher if this service is offered. That is not to say that there are not some good buys even under consignment, but generally you are paying for this service and we always endeavor to keep the final selling price down!
    Back to Questions.
25. Do you use "cookies"?
    This information is included in the Privacy Statement but we will include it here for your information:
    Regarding Server Statistics
    As you browse the site, our servers collect information about your visit, but not about you personally. Web server logs and browser cookie files, are collated and analyzed. From this information we can we evaluate such things as:
    1. Number of visitors to the site.
    2. Which pages visitors go to.
    3. Where visitors come from.
    4. How long visitors stay at the site.
    5. Was there a failed link.
    While this information is being gathered, there are no associations made with the identity of a person or company--it is anonymous information. The statistics are used to help us improve the Website's performance. Better performance makes the site better for you and for others.
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26. Do you sell lists of visitors to your site?
    Never at anytime do we use any list, email or communication for any other purpose than to conduct the business of this Website. You might want to read the The Privacy Statement.
    Back to Questions.
27. What is QVC?
    QVC is a shopping network that airs on cable TV. It is important to because they sell Boyds stuff. With regard to Bearstones, sometimes they introduce new Bearstones (in assorted editions, as available) and sometimes they sell new Bearstones as Premier Editions. You may want to read about Premier Editions in Bearstone Basics.
    Back to Questions.
28. What is POG?
    POG is an acronym for Parade of Gifts.
    You can find information on this subject in Bearstone Basics.
    Back to Questions.
29. What is GCC?
    GCC is an acronym for Gift Creation Concepts.
    You can find information on this subject in Bearstone Basics.
    Back to Questions.
30. What is YARDP?
    YARDP is an acronym for I don't know! You're A Really Dumb Person! It's a guess.
    Back to Questions.
31. What is this Newsletter thing?
    The Bear Collectors Newsletter is an eNewsletter that is issued monthly. It provides current information on a wide range of subject matter relating to Bearstones. It is a FREE service to you. All you have to do is signup to receive it. There is no obligation for anything.
    Sign up HERE!
    Back to Questions.
32. Do you sell Newsletter lists?
    Absolutely not!! Further information is on the eNewsletter can be viewed at The Bear Collectors Newsletter Page.
    Back to Quesions.
33. What is in the Newsletter?
    Writing! Okay. It is an email publication by the owners of The Bear Collector.com that disseminates information, humor, links to special information & pictures, shopping hints, care hints, retirements, new issues, some advertisement, some specials (only available to subscribers) and just about anything pertinent to Bearstones. And the good part is that it is FREE (who would pay for it anyway) and it comes directly to your email box!
    Check it out HERE!
    Back to Questions.
34. Why should I subscribe to the Newsletter?
    You should subscribe to the Newsletter for all of the things just listed in the above answer. Try it out! If you don't like it, then unsubscribe (see below)!
    Back to Questions.
35. How do I unsubscribe to the Newsletter?
    We don't know why you would want to, but if you must know--At the bottom of the Newsletter is a link to the list service and explanation of how to unsubscribe or you may email Unsubscribe@thebearcollector.com
    Back to Questions.
36. What size shoe do you wear?
    This one is as good as the one about a man or woman! We can tell you this, our pumps and men's basketball shoes are the same size!! Or, or how about the size is just so they fit our feet!
    Back to Questions.
37. Can I use the graphics from your Website?
    The site is copyrighted©2000-2004 TL&B Enterprises which requires permission to copy or use anything on the site from The Bear Collector.com. If you would like to use links to the site or use information from the site we do have a program that is specifically designed for this situation. It is called Direct Link-TBCSM. You may read about this free service here.
    Back to Questions.
38. What is my bearstone worth?
    We assume here that you are meaning dollars and cents. There are several publications that are around (including our own online Reference/Value Guide) that give values on bearstones. These are called Value Guides. The values in Value Guides are used primarily for insurance purposes. We can't think of anyone who would pay over $200 for a Grenville the Santa bear (#2030) 25E, though that is the Value Guide price. You should insure it for this amount! The actual worth on the open market depends on the condition of the Bearstone (MIB?), if it has the right box and the right card, the edition (i.e. 1E or 15E) of the bearstone, whether it is retiring soon, if it is an Exclusive, Early Introduction, Premier Edition, Limited Edition, variation of the original (RS) same style, variation of paw print, variation of actual style (i.e. smooth or rough texture), the number of pieces in an edition (Pageant Series has 7200 per edition and regular issues have 3600 or 6000) and the availability of the Bearstone. If you email us at:
    eVALUate@thebearcollector.com
    We will give you our opinion of the open market value of your Bearstone.
    Back to Questions.
39. Where do I send a question that I have?
    At the top or bottom of this page there is an email link to ask a question. We do not allow profanity, vulgarity or the rest of that stuff, because all of our pages and newsletter are safe for all ages to look at and read!
    Back to Questions.
Have A Beary Good Day!!

Do You Have A Question?
Or A Comment?
Just Email Us!!
Question-Comment@thebearcollector.com

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