Westland Cow Parade

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In 2001 I was SO excited when the Cow Parade figurines became available. I thought Westland Giftware did a great job on their reproductions. At that time the Beanie Baby craze had ended. (If you remember that craze, the manufacturer made a major goof and discontinued items – then changed their mind. Anyway the craze ended in a poof.)

Westland Giftware and I discussed the new craze, the Cow Parade, which replaced the Beanie Baby one. We wondered how long it would last – our guess back in 2001 was 3 to 5 years. Well, guess what, it’s been longer than that! We’ve had some really great cows!

Now we get to today’s situation.

Westland Giftware and the Cow Parade organization parted ways. Contract expires 12-31-09. If your contract expired at the end of the year, you would want to be sold out of inventory. Westland Giftware has done that. They are shipping no more orders.

The Cow Parade organization tried to add to MY cow blog that you could order through them. They offered their web site and phone number. I did not allow that to go on my cow site. In fact, it infuriated me. I have spent a lot of money designing sites, offering service, etc. to Cow Parade customers. I was the very first web site to offer Cow Parade figurines back in 2001. And, now, Cow Parade – on MY site – is telling you to go to them. Does that seem ethical? I didn’t like it.

I’ve known for awhile that Westland Giftware was getting out of the Cow business. I did not know that I was being forced out of it too. I called Westland and they were surprised and didn’t know. I called two of my competitors who didn’t know.

CowsCowsCows.com will continue selling what I call “black and white” cow items. Wall art, greeting cards, cookie jar, platter, cups, etc – you get the picture. In fact we will expand this area. I found out yesterday that I can no longer purchase Cow Parade figurines. Not just me. All Internet sites can get no more inventory – except for the Cow Parade site itself. Talk about being stabbed in the back. Eight years of work. Legally they have the license and can do what they want. But, it’s a crappy way of doing business. No official notice – we just can’t get merchandise any more.

Since I have been unable to get Cow Parade, I have a very limited inventory today.

Even though I believe that I have been treated unfairly – I would like to help anyone who has purchased a cow from me and hasn’t yet received it. This is what I have done. I have removed the buy link to all Cow Parade items on my web site. They all show as SOLD OUT. I am sending all customers an email explaining this situation and listing the cows that I do have on hand. They will be able to purchase any cow I have.

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