-40%

AT&T Collection Of Advertising Weepuls From 1986-Salesman Samples -12 Characters

$ 14.78

Availability: 100 in stock
  • All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
  • Refund will be given as: Money Back
  • Type of Advertising: Specialty
  • Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
  • Brand: Weepul
  • Item must be returned within: 30 Days
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Date of Origin: 1986
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Restocking Fee: No
  • Date of Creation: 1986
  • Color: Multi-color

    Description

    I own an advertising specialty company - now in our 42nd year I am happy to report - and worked in the industry for many years prior to establishing my own firm.   For many years my best client was what was formerly known as "The Bell System".   Of course after divestiture it was later broken up into what was generally called the "Baby Bells" - and later morphed into many variations.
    So over the years we worked very closely with Western Electric, AT&T, Southern Bell, BellSouth, Lucent Technologies, OFS, Avaya, etc.   I collected many over-run samples, one-or-a-kind spec samples, and the likes.   We are now in semi-retirement and offering many of those sometimes rare - and always unusual - items on eBay.
    As mentioned, AT&T was a very good client and we were fortunate that they worked so closely with us.   In the late 1970's and '80's we had an industry supplier named "BIPO".   At the time, their primary advertising item was what they called "WEEPULS".    Weepuls were small furry creatures featuring various designs.   These loveable little fur balls had stick-on feet and an advertising banner.   A very catchy advertising item.
    Here perhaps is a better description:
    What is a Weepul?
    Weepul / `we-pul n, (1971)
    1. A small (1¼") fuzzy pompom with rolling eyes, die cut pressure-sensitive feet, antennas and an attached imprinted ribbon.
    2. The fun little giveaway that isn't thrown away.
    3. Dollar for dollar, the most effective trade show/ convention traffic builder offered in the promotional products industry.
    4. An inexpensive collectible item that will be kept for years by any recipient, regardless of age, whether used as a unique calling card, a small token of appreciation, an incentive reward for accomplishing any desired task or merely given away to say thank you for stopping by our booth.
    5. Crafted by hand
    6. The original character, copied by others, but never duplicated with the same quality for the same price.
    7. Over 100 different stock designs available with custom designers starting as low as 2500 pieces.
    They were created by BIPO, and here is their story:
    Who is BIPO?
    BIPO, Inc. was founded in 1969 by Bill and Polly Blundell. At the time the company manufactured a line of small stuffed animals. Their son, Tom Blundell, joined them in 1971, after serving in the U.S. Army for three years. Tom purchased the company from his parents in 1976 and has been the sole owner since that time. The name BIPO was created from the first two letters of Bill and Polly's names.
    I liked these inexpensive little jewels, and sold many over the years.
    In 1986 AT&T was among our better customers.   Frequently I would pay my suppliers to make speculative samples that I could in turn show to specific customers in the hope of securing an order.  Such is the situation here.
    I had BIPO create a variety of Weepuls with differing ad copy applicable to AT&T.   As indicated, these were a limited run of spec samples to show my customer - AT&T.
    BIPO shipped these special AT&T Weepul samples to me on 4-8-1986!!!   I just recently happened upon these and listed 12.   Those sold immediately, and here are the remaining dozen that I ordered.   I do not have any other it appears.
    And here are 12 of the samples I ordered:
    *   Two Bunny Weepuls in white - of course - with the banner reading:  "We JUMP For Our Customers At AT&T".
    *   Three Delivery Weepuls - red / pink / yellow.   Banner says:   "Nobody Delivers Like AT&T"
    *   Two Santa Clause Weepuls - red, what else?   Banner:   "Not Even Santa Delivers Like AT&T".
    *   One Pilgrim Weepul in tan.   Banner:   "We're Thankful For Our Customers At AT&T".
    *   Two Scholar Weepuls - red and green.   Banner:   "Smart People Know That AT&T Delivers".
    *   Two Weepul with Number One Finger raised - orange and pink.   Banner:   "PDQ Is Number One t AT&T".   PDQ was an internal program at AT&T's Atlanta Works at the time.  it was related to product delivery time.
    AT&T did not buy all of the little characters, but over time did purchase many - frequently with different banners.   So here is your chance to buy the initial offering that got AT&T started in the Weepul business!
    Although 35 years old, these samples are in over-all excellent condition.   None have ever been used, but rather stored in sample boxes in our office.   Even the adhesive feet appear to be fine, although you may need to add to a couple.
    A nice collection of unusual Weepuls for anyone associated with AT&T or the Bell System or for one who collects such memorabilia.   Theses will be very well packaged to insure safe arrival of the little dudes.
    All for only .00 for all 12 items PLUS you will receive a couple of EXTRA telephone industry logoed items as a surprise for free...And a hand drawn in ink personalized cartoon "Thank You" note!   This is much less than a fewer number of used Weepuls sold elsewhere on eBay.
    From a smoke-free, pet-free climate controlled environment.
    With 1350+ feedbacks and 100% positive responses you can buy from me with confidence!   For my international buyers, please contact me for shipping details and options.
    Thanks for looking...