Solid Perfume › Forums › General Lauder Solids Talk › 2011 Bears Being Sold On Ebay
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I have been giving thought to the above due to the fact that I have received emails from various members who have been really fed up with what they have been seeing on Ebay re the 2011 Harrods Bears which, in fact, have not even been released as yet.
Had I not received any emails (and I expect the only reason they have been sent to me is due to the fact that many members know I live in central London) then perhaps I would not be posting this now.
I too agree with many of the comments which have been shared i.e. the disgust that the bear is appearing on Ebay prior to it being released. Many collectors feel they are being cheated by this obvious unacceptable situation and I tend to agree!How are these bears being obtained? We all have our thoughts and I have mine!
These bears were the idea of Mohammed Al Fayed who was the previous owner of Harrods.
Therefore, I have decided that they should be told what is happening and whether this will produce any results, I cannot answer.
Either way, I intend to bring this to his notice as I do not agree it should be happening and the Harrods Solids collectors are not happy about the situation.
If I hear anymore, I shall write…..but I do think the situation re the Harrods collectables is affecting the collectors and this is something that we do not want to see….
I may alter this post tomorrow as I feel I have not been articulate enough.
Since my post last night, I have been told that the 2011 Harrods Bear listed at a starting price of $800 has been removed!
These imperfect bears are being brought out of the factory even before the Harrods Bear is released legitimately WHICH brings up the point of who is doing this which the Seller on the auction would no doubt know!
Hi Petals
As you know I love my Harrods solids and do own quite a lot of them. I have been very surprised at the low prices they seem to fetching of late. This is most probably due to the recession I imagine.
However, I was always under the impression that the Harrods solids eg moulds, seconds etc never managed to get out of the factory and were destroyed. This was one of the things that made them a bit more special. So it is a shame that this is perhaps happening now. I've spent a lot of money on my Harrods solids, but I might add I have also benefited from the low prices of late as well. But it would be a real shame if these solids went down the same road as the rest.
I hope this is not the case.
Daisy
Hello Daisy,
I agree with you one hundred percent and if we don't stop it here as much as we can, we will see the Harrods solids going down the drain the same way as our friends' solids on the other side of the ocean! That is why I am prepared to pull out all the stops here re Harrods. The 'seller' has withdrawn the original solid perfume bear and replaced it with the yearly Harrods' resin bear. The resins I know alot about as I have been buying and selling these ever since the Harrods solid bears were first released.
They retail at Harrods for £4.95 and are NEVER given as gifts with the normal BEAR solids! They are Christmas Tree decorations but collectable due to the date on the foot! In the auction on ebay on the American site for this resin bear, the wrong information is given! Please check out the English site HARRODS CHRISTMAS RESIN COLLECTABLE BEARS U.K. and you will see some others listed. Write to me if you would like the proper information!
It is a pity that more has not been done in the States to stop the moulds getting into the hands of these people who are doing this. If anyone writes that the moulds from the Harrods solids are easily obtainable, then I would ask the question
how can that be the case for the 2011 which has not even been released as yet! It is so obvious what is happening. It is disgusting to say the least.
I have the auctions of the 2011 bears and will prepare something this weekend to put forward to Harrods. At least they will be aware of what is going on!
Hello, all,
First, I'd like to say this topic saddens me and I'm glad Petals is addressing it because I'm really wondering what the future of collecting EL solids will be. I went back to the General Lauder Solid Talk Forum under the topic “Solids in the Stores” where it was first brought up about the 2011 Bear showing up on ebay. I re-read Woody's post and thought it was important enough to copy and paste it here (hope that's okay, Woody?):
Posted 20 July 2011 – 10:35 AM
Hi everyone! I am still around, check in when I can. Life has taken me on some pretty interesting roads these past few years, but I am still alive and kicking:-)
I did see the English Rider, it was not a prototype, but an empty. I am surprised we don't see more of these, probably the limited numbers preclude it from happening. I also saw the 2011 bear, that was really interesting, but when I thought about it, I can see how it happened. I do know that EL discontinued their ops in at least 1 large production facility on the east coast. The whole division was shut down last year and samples/prototypes did get out. A few lucky collectors got those and there were some very special solids. As items are submitted well in advance of production, it doesn't surprise me that a 2011 piece was included. The bear I saw was absolutely legit. The few EL “wanna be's” I have seen are usually bigger and more crude and not marked. Obviously, just my opinion, but I am sure this is the case. I will be really interested to get the update on Harrods 2011 release. I had heard – rumor mill – that there was not going to be a Harrods Bear this year. I hope that is not the case.
Woody
So, it would seem employees, collectors, other people, (who knows how many) were able to obtain solids including ones not yet released. Since the solids are boxed in Canada, some may be coming from there via employees who have access to them also. I have seen auctions for the empty 2011 Harrods Bear, 2011 “Peace” Branch, 2011 “Luck” Elephant and 2011
“Prosperity” Coin all on the same ebay seller's site over the last 2 weeks. The Bear had one bid on it one day and the next day the listing was gone but when I checked the “Completed Listings” the Bear was there with no bids and no longer available. However, there was a new auction from this seller for the 2011 Peace Branch so I wrote to ebay about it and received no response. In due time it sold as I'm sure the Elephant and Coin will, too. I don't have any answers but am as frustrated as Petals is because I want it stopped, too. It makes a sham out of our collecting. And what message is sent when these items are resold for a huge profit? It doesn't seem like ebay or EL cares and it's very disheartening. Maybe Harrods will do something about it. Thank you, Jacky, for making the effort. I just hope Harrods doesn't decide not to release the Bear because of what has happened. Food for thought? I know this post was lengthy but I feel very strongly about it and I hope that others will take note and respond.
Very sincerely,
Wendy
'wjh414' wrote on '05:Hello, all,
First, I'd like to say this topic saddens me and I'm glad Petals is addressing it because I'm really wondering what the future of collecting EL solids will be. I went back to the General Lauder Solid Talk Forum under the topic “Solids in the Stores” where it was first brought up about the 2011 Bear showing up on ebay. I re-read Woody's post and thought it was important enough to copy and paste it here (hope that's okay, Woody?):
Posted 20 July 2011 – 10:35 AM
Hi everyone! I am still around, check in when I can. Life has taken me on some pretty interesting roads these past few years, but I am still alive and kicking:-)
I did see the English Rider, it was not a prototype, but an empty. I am surprised we don't see more of these, probably the limited numbers preclude it from happening. I also saw the 2011 bear, that was really interesting, but when I thought about it, I can see how it happened. I do know that EL discontinued their ops in at least 1 large production facility on the east coast. The whole division was shut down last year and samples/prototypes did get out. A few lucky collectors got those and there were some very special solids. As items are submitted well in advance of production, it doesn't surprise me that a 2011 piece was included. The bear I saw was absolutely legit. The few EL “wanna be's” I have seen are usually bigger and more crude and not marked. Obviously, just my opinion, but I am sure this is the case. I will be really interested to get the update on Harrods 2011 release. I had heard – rumor mill – that there was not going to be a Harrods Bear this year. I hope that is not the case.
Woody
So, it would seem employees, collectors, other people, (who knows how many) were able to obtain solids including ones not yet released. Since the solids are boxed in Canada, some may be coming from there via employees who have access to them also. I have seen auctions for the empty 2011 Harrods Bear, 2011 “Peace” Branch, 2011 “Luck” Elephant and 2011
“Prosperity” Coin all on the same ebay seller's site over the last 2 weeks. The Bear had one bid on it one day and the next day the listing was gone but when I checked the “Completed Listings” the Bear was there with no bids and no longer available. However, there was a new auction from this seller for the 2011 Peace Branch so I wrote to ebay about it and received no response. In due time it sold as I'm sure the Elephant and Coin will, too. I don't have any answers but am as frustrated as Petals is because I want it stopped, too. It makes a sham out of our collecting. And what message is sent when these items are resold for a huge profit? It doesn't seem like ebay or EL cares and it's very disheartening. Maybe Harrods will do something about it. Thank you, Jacky, for making the effort. I just hope Harrods doesn't decide not to release the Bear because of what has happened. Food for thought? I know this post was lengthy but I feel very strongly about it and I hope that others will take note and respond.
Very sincerely,
Wendy
Hi everyone
Yes, thanks Petals for addressing this thorny issue. When I saw the 2011 Harrods solid Bear sample up for sale on ebay I really couldn't believe my eyes and that Estee Lauder was indifferent of the fact was even worse and very disappointing. Surely, apart from the fact that we are on hallowed ground when it comes to Harrods compacts the last bastion for collectors, the whole crux of the matter is that the 2011 Harrods compact hasn't yet been released for general sale, therefore early release of these 'samples' to employees should never have been allowed. If anyone did buy the compact, I feel sorry for them as the ebay buyer only has to wait a few weeks and they will be able to purchase the compact 'full' from Harrods for a fraction of the price they paid. Sorry Woody, but obviously some of the 'few lucky collectors' you mentioned are not genuine collectors but people out to make a fast buck.
MitziMay
xxx
Petals, you make some very great points. I too was surprised to see the bear. I know that since we are collectors, we are more invested in keeping our collections value. I know over the years the warehouse sales, escaping prototypes, early releases and some stolen goods have been a battle that many corporations have had a battle with. It is in the handbag, perfume, fashion, jewelry and so many other industries. I think that more than likely Estee and Harrods are aware and do have mechanisms in place to monitor what goes in and out of their factories. Maybe it is a Pollyanna view, but I am optimistic that because we are not inside EL we just may not know what measures that they take to prevent their goods from being exploited. That is my best hope. I do admire though that you are willing to be sure to let them know. That cannot hurt anything. A business as large as Harrod's cannot watch every worker, every minute.
But on the flip side of the coin, and I hope I do not fire up everyone, I personally cannot afford the Harrod's bear. I have purchased some empty and more than likely warehouse solids because I could afford them. I appreciate it much more greatly when I am able to get my mint in both boxes, original solids which are mostly from very nice collectors that are so wonderful to let me make payments. (And I love when once in a while I get MIBB solids by ebay luck, in a wrong category!)
I truly love my solids and my hope is that even in the short term if a solid was made in the warehouse and it is an original Estee. I am proud to add it to my collection. The “get rich quick” sellers see the short term buck, but I see a beautiful collectible that I enjoy at this moment and hope later down the road to pass along to other true collectors. The “short” term buck will be long gone, but the solids I hope to continue to be ageless treasures.
Hi Butterflies,
No one can fault your comments but in this instance there is an issue which we, as collectors, have never previously encountered.
To see the Harrods items coming out of the factory BEFORE the actual solid has been released, beggers belief! Harrods personnel are not at the factory to see what is going on. The factory is in a different part of the world. The Harrods named solids are very special.
To see these being secreted out of the factory and passed on to a so called collector who is receiving these goods, is a moral issue! It means that this so called collector knows the people responsible.
I and other collectors have saved and spent alot of money to attain our collections. Why should one greedy person cause the downfall of everything we have worked and saved hard for? I could not afford many items but I waited and waited and had some lucky breaks on Ebay etc. It was hard work but had I known someone who was ''smuggling'' them from a factory, I would not, and repeat I would not have purchased! Either way, I would not want to be associated with the crooks involved and either way, Harrods will have a report from me to present to the powers that be, irrespective!
You know something Jenn, I have always found that the longer I waited for something i.e. the real thing, the sweeter the taste when I finally acquired it. Nothing wrong with selling on for a few bucks more but to bring down the collections of others, NO WAY!
MITZIMAY, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!! AGREE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.
'butterflies1219' wrote on '05:Petals, you make some very great points. I too was surprised to see the bear. I know that since we are collectors, we are more invested in keeping our collections value. I know over the years the warehouse sales, escaping prototypes, early releases and some stolen goods have been a battle that many corporations have had a battle with. It is in the handbag, perfume, fashion, jewelry and so many other industries. I think that more than likely Estee and Harrods are aware and do have mechanisms in place to monitor what goes in and out of their factories. Maybe it is a Pollyanna view, but I am optimistic that because we are not inside EL we just may not know what measures that they take to prevent their goods from being exploited. That is my best hope. I do admire though that you are willing to be sure to let them know. That cannot hurt anything. A business as large as Harrod's cannot watch every worker, every minute.
But on the flip side of the coin, and I hope I do not fire up everyone, I personally cannot afford the Harrod's bear. I have purchased some empty and more than likely warehouse solids because I could afford them. I appreciate it much more greatly when I am able to get my mint in both boxes, original solids which are mostly from very nice collectors that are so wonderful to let me make payments. (And I love when once in a while I get MIBB solids by ebay luck, in a wrong category!)
I truly love my solids and my hope is that even in the short term if a solid was made in the warehouse and it is an original Estee. I am proud to add it to my collection. The “get rich quick” sellers see the short term buck, but I see a beautiful collectible that I enjoy at this moment and hope later down the road to pass along to other true collectors. The “short” term buck will be long gone, but the solids I hope to continue to be ageless treasures.
Hi butterflies1219
I really enjoyed reading your thoughts but I believe that Estee Lauder should have taken action as soon as the 2011 Harrods solid perfume Bear 'sample' was listed on ebay (please read my previous post for reasons why I think the Bear should not have been sold) instead of leaving the listing to complete with 2 bids finishing at $850. It was the second Bear with exactly the same description that the same seller tried to list that seems for some reason to have been removed, perhaps the first sale fell through or heaven forbid there are two Bears???. I do appreciate that not everyone has unlimited money to spend on compacts especially in this present economic environment but why would anyone pay $850 for a 'sample' when they will be able to buy a 'full' Harrods 2011 solid perfume Bear for £160 in a few weeks time and especially when the compact has been listed for sale prior to general release, therefore without the official permission of Estee Lauder or Harrods?
MitziMay
xxx
'Petals' wrote on '05:Hi Butterflies,
No one can fault your comments but in this instance there is an issue which we, as collectors, have never previously encountered.
To see the Harrods items coming out of the factory BEFORE the actual solid has been released, beggers belief! Harrods personnel are not at the factory to see what is going on. The factory is in a different part of the world. The Harrods named solids are very special.
To see these being secreted out of the factory and passed on to a so called collector who is receiving these goods, is a moral issue! It means that this so called collector knows the people responsible.
I and other collectors have saved and spent alot of money to attain our collections. Why should one greedy person cause the downfall of everything we have worked and saved hard for? I could not afford many items but I waited and waited and had some lucky breaks on Ebay etc. It was hard work but had I known someone who was ''stealing'' them from a factory, I would not, and repeat I would not have purchased! Either way, I would not want to be associated with the crooks involved and either way, Harrods will have a report from me to present to the powers that be, irrespective!
You know something Jenn, I have always found that the longer I waited for something i.e. the real thing, the sweeter the taste when I finally acquired it. Nothing wrong with selling on for a few bucks more but to bring down the collections of others, NO WAY!
MITZIMAY, YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD!!!!!! AGREE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT.
/quote]
Totally agree
Daisy
Hi
There is another harrods 2011 bear turned up on Ebay. Listed under harrods bears, however, I have just lost my page due to closing tab by mistake and now I can't find it. It was from an american seller. I wonder if they are in the hands of one person or whether theres actually a lot of them out there.
When I find it again I shall try and post the link, I have to go and get my little one from a party now so I'm short on time 😀
Daisy
Just to let you know that Harrods have asked for the report to be sent to them and they will be looking into it further. Hopefully E.Lauder at Harrods will receive lots of calls to back up the concern we have.
Have just heard that Head Office will be receiving this information and if they need to make contact would I be willing to discuss further. I have replied in the AFFIRMATIVE!
Daisy, It would not surprise me if they are all tied in together. Family, friends etc.! Either way, they are skating on thin ice if Estee Lauder and Harrods start to investigate the situation. I only wish we would have started the ball rolling earlier.
I have also had a thought but not sure…..
as these items are not on sale as yet and Harrods confirmed not released, they could be classified as suspect property or something like that. Will check with Harrods on Monday. If so, Ebay are not allowed to sell items in this category!
J — I'm with you and MitziMay all the way on this. Thanks for taking action. Please send us a PM with contact information if it would help for us to individually email or send a letter to Harrods over this issue. Ar
'Petals' wrote on '06:Just to let you know that Harrods have asked for the report to be sent to them and they will be looking into it further. Hopefully E.Lauder at Harrods will receive lots of calls to back up the concern we have.
Have just heard that Head Office will be receiving this information and if they need to make contact would I be willing to discuss further. I have replied in the AFFIRMATIVE!
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