User:Xyz7890/Clubby
Clubby Beanie Babies were a series of Beanie Babies that were available for sale exclusively to members of the Beanie Babies Official Club. There were a total of ten styles of bears, named Clubby and then Clubby II-X. Although the Clubby bears were not rare, they often proved elusive for people who weren't enrolled in the club.
Clubby
[edit]The first of the series, Clubby I, simply known as Clubby, came out in 1998. The bear could be obtained through the purchase of a BBOC kit for about $5, followed by mailing in a membership application form, along with about $10 for the cost of the bear itself plus shipping. While the offer was made, there was a heavy demand for the collectible, and many orders came long past when they were promised, leading many to lose faith in the legitimacy of the club[1]. The problems with Clubby's delivery were soon exposed as one of many frauds perpetrated by Cyrk (Company), later known as Simon Marketing[2]. The Federal Trade Commission issued a $216,000 fine against the company[3].
Clubby II
[edit]
Clubby II came out in 1999. In order to settle complaints from customers during the previous year about delayed shipments, Clubby II was sold within the kit that was found in stores for about $20, which also included a coin, a checklist, a set of Ty trading cards, and other Beanie paraphernalia. In another CYRK blunder, the "carrying case" for the kit (which was designed to double as a Beanie Baby display case) was made entirely out of PVC, which is known to damage fabric over time.
Clubby Buddies
[edit]Later in 1999, Clubby and Clubby II Beanie Buddies became available to BBOC members by mail order.
References
[edit]Ty Beanies Tracker: The World's Most Complete Ty Guide By Inc Ty