“How Companies Ruin a Great Thing” - Daryle Lambert [ Doulton – Fenton – Ty - Ganz ]

Sponge Bob Beanie Baby - Thanks to Flicker

Do you recognize these names: Royal Doulton, Fenton Carnival Glass, Beanie Babies and Webkinz? I believe most of you will but what do they all have in common? I will give you a hint; it starts with “G” and ends in “d”. If you guessed “Greed”, you are correct.

All of these companies began by making quality products in fairly limited production, but as you will see that big $$$$$ got to be too much for them and what had made them great was soon what took them to mediocrity. It never ceases to amaze me how companies can forget what got them to where they are. They miss the point that it isn't about them but the love of what they produce.

First, let’s examine The Doulton Company that flourished since the 1800's. This company, founded in England by John Doulton, was able to acquire the services of some of the greatest pottery artists of the time and by the turn of the century names like Barlow, Tinsworth, Butler and Marshall were household names in the pottery industry. Doulton produced stoneware and porcelain during the early years but after 1920 they became the king of porcelain collectibles such as figurines, Toby jugs and decorative plates. They were the toast of the town but what happened between then and now?

First they used artists to decorate each piece separately and the artists were on salary. Next they used the best designers in the world to make their molds and each had outstanding detail such as fingers that were separated and not just a clump of clay. However, with their success, Doulton soon became greedy and thought that if their name was on it the people would purchase their products regardless of quality. Boy were they wrong. With the ever increasing prices and the lack of quality caused by putting their decorators on piece work (paying them by the number of pieces they decorate in a certain period of time), the public soon turned against them. Figurines that at one time sold for $500 may now be purchased for $100. Yes, there are still collectors for the older quality pieces but today’s production has very little value. So much for greed, right?

This same scenario has also played out with other companies such as Fenton, Ty and Ganz. Fenton produced some great Carnival glass patterns that were highly collectible but then they had to reproduce them, Now the collector is cautious. Ty though that the public could never get enough of their Beanie Babies but that proved to be false as can be seen by the prices that they are fetching today.

I told the story in my book ”31 Steps to Your Millions” about a friend having me sell 12 Princess Di Bears. They had to be shipped to me from Texas. After they arrived at my home I immediately put them on eBay where the prices had dropped $300 each. Greed had again reared its ugly head. What were they thinking by producing millions of each bear? I am afraid the Webkinz are headed in the same direction.

This is why I tell all my readers not to get caught up in all the frenzy but stay with the quality and it will prove to be your best friend. There is still a fortune to be made in collectibles but you have to be knowledgeable enough to know which ones.

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