JOÃO ESTEVES - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de uma pequena entrevista a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ português - João Esteves

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small interview of one of the greatest portuguese PEZ collectors - João Esteves

Qual o seu nome, de onde é?
Olá, meu nome é João Esteves e sou de Lisboa.

Como nasceu esta paixão? Quando e porquê começou a coleccionar? Lembra-se do primeiro dispensador PEZ que teve?
Digamos que tenho espírito de colecionador sempre presente desde pequeno e os dispensadores seja pela cor, pelo conceito, pelas personagens ou pela diversidade sempre me fascinaram.

Como sou pai de uma menina muito simpática com 8 anos, encontrei a “desculpa” perfeita… vou colecionar Pez para ela!!! :-)
Sinceramente não... tive alguns em miúdo que entretanto desapareceram com o tempo, mas neste novo ciclo recordo-me perfeitamente que primeiro set que comprei foi o do Madagáscar.

Quantos dispensadores PEZ tem?
Como não tenho assim tanta coisa, fui contar hahaha e assim posso com precisão confirmar que são 168!

Qual o seu dispensador PEZ favorito?
Curiosamente não tenho favoritos.

Como é que a sua família e amigos, reagem ao seu hobbie e colecção?
Alguns acham piada mas diria que 90% acham que deveria ser internado num hospício. :-)

Tem algumas regras para coleccionar? Apenas colecciona os dispensadores PEZ ou qualquer produto PEZ?
Como disse atrás, eu coleciono para a minha filha :-) ora como ela ainda é uma criança pensei qual seria a melhor forma de os preservar até ela chegar à idade adulta… conclusão apenas coleciono PEZ em blister e não loose, o que é um pouco limitador.

Onde os compra? Também vende?
Basicamente nos supermercados e lojas, muito pouco via internet.
Não, não vendo!

Geralmente tem uma quantia máxima em dinheiro, para dar por um dispensador PEZ? (opcional no valor)
Nunca pensei muito nisso mas sim sou um colecionador com limites na arte de “gastar” euros… diria que se gostar muito, mas mesmo muito de um dispensador posso dar até… sei lá… 30 euros.

Qual a quantia máxima que já ofereceu por um objecto PEZ? (opcional no valor)
Pouco, são quase todos itens recentes por isso não tenho nenhum ex-libris…

Como consegue gerir os diversos dispensadores, que apenas saem em alguns países?
Não cheguei ainda a um estágio de colecionismo em que tenha essa preocupação… tenho perfeita consciência que muitos dispensadores me passam e irão passar ao lado.

Dos dispensadores que já existem e não tem, quais gostaria de ter?
Tanta coisa… mas um que vou ter seguramente é o set do Feiticeiro do Oz… adoro!!

Que personagens gostaria que fizessem em dispensador PEZ?
Tintin + Lucky Luke… e ainda uma banda… os Ramones!!

Acha que a fábrica PEZ, podia ser mais inovadora com alguns dispensadores? Porquê?
Terá eventualmente a ver com os licenciamentos das personagens, mas sim poderiam e deveriam inovar… existe um universo gigante de possibilidades que fariam o sonho de qualquer criança (já não falando nos colecionadores) e noto que alguns personagens, como a Hello Kitty estão já muito explorados.

Como os guarda? O pó é um problema para si?
Em blister e em caixas… dupla proteção! Não existe pó que penetre nos meus dispensadores!!! :-)

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Tem algum projecto relacionado com o hobbie?
Não.

Existe muito desejo nas redes sociais, que a PEZ americana pudesse ser mais participativa nas Convenções/Encontros, como acontece na Europa, Médio Oriente e Ásia. Como vê esta situação?
Como não estou 100% dentro do assunto melhor não me prenunciar para não dizer disparate… no entanto parece-me que eles estão um bom bocado à frente de todos os outros, no que respeita ao universo PEZ.

Que conselho daria a um novo coleccionador PEZ?
Funciona com PEZ como com qualquer outra coisa. Acho que qualquer colecionador deve acima de tudo ter prazer. Ao mesmo tempo consciência que só dedicando muito tempo e gastando muito dinheiro, terá uma coleção acima da média. Se nenhum dos dois requisitos anteriores estiver ao teu alcance, tens que usufruir a coleção que tens e não te “angustiares” com a que querias ter… desfruta… a nossa coleção é a melhor de todas porque… É A NOSSA !! :-)

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Adicionalmente aos PEZ, colecciona alguma coisa mais? O quê?
Ohhhh sim, como disse logo no início desde sempre tive espirito de colecionador, daí já ter colecionado tanta coisa… mas chegou a uma altura que me passei a dedicar quase em exclusivo à Banda Desenhada, sobretudo franco-belga, pois recorda-me a minha infância e transporta uma enorme carga de nostalgia - saudade.

Pode passar um dia inteiro sem pensar em PEZ?
Bem acho que consigo mas tenho a sensação que vejo PEZ todos os dias, por exemplo quando estou em casa ou quando dou uma saltada ao Facebook, PEZ está sempre presente… e é uma ótima companhia acreditem!!!

Obrigado João! :-)

FÁTIMA SANTOS - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de uma pequena entrevista a uma das grandes coleccionadoras PEZ portuguesa - Fátima Santos

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small interview of one of the greatest portuguese PEZ collectors - Fátima Santos

Qual o seu nome, de onde é?
Chamo-me Fátima, tenho 41 anos e sou de Lisboa – Portugal.

Como nasceu esta paixão? Quando e porquê começou a coleccionar? Lembra-se do primeiro dispensador PEZ que teve? 

A minha paixão pelos PEZ nasceu desde muito cedo… talvez desde os 7 ou 8 anos. Não me lembro do meu primeiro PEZ (já lá vão muitos anos) mas lembro-me de alguns que tive ( Pluto, Donald, Pateta, Speedy Gonzalez, o árabe (PEZ Pal), a laranja (crazy fruit), entre outros.

Quantos dispensadores PEZ tem?

Quando era pequena tinha bastantes (nada que se compare com as coleções que vemos de 1000, 2000, e por aí fora…) Andava com eles dentro de um saco plástico de supermercado para todo o lado… até quando ia de férias, os PEZ iam comigo! Era mesmo fã! Mas todos os PEZ que tive em miúda desapareceram… talvez nalguma limpeza que a mãe fez sem avisar… Só me sobrou o Pony. Comecei agora (talvez 2, 3 meses) a colecionar de novo, por isso ainda tenho poucos (talvez 150)... mas a minha intenção não é ter uma coleção grande… pretendo só comprar os mais antigos… os que me fazem recordar a minha infância!

Qual o seu dispensador PEZ favorito?

Sem dúvida a Laranja (Crazy fruit)! É a que me lembro de ter e de gostar mais quando era miúda! E tive a sorte de a comprar há pouco tempo, por um preço razoável (dentro da sua cotação hoje em dia).

Como é que a sua família e amigos, reagem ao seu hobbie e coleccção?

O meu marido chama-me acumula tralhas! Não liga nada a estas coisas de nostalgia e de colecionismo, mas não se mete muito! (Mal ele sabe o dinheiro gasto nos PEZ!!!!) Os meus filhos adoram ver as coisas antigas da mãe, mas sabem que há restrições no que toca a mexer!

Tem algumas regras para coleccionar? Apenas colecciona os dispensadores PEZ ou qualquer produto PEZ?

Sim , tenho algumas regras! Como disse, tento só comprar os PEZ vintage, aqueles que me lembro de ter tido em criança e os que não tive mas gostava de ter tido nessa altura. Só coleciono os dispensadores, mas já comprei algumas caixas (box display) e dois expositores… só para “arrumar” a colecção, enquanto não têm uma prateleira própria.

Onde os compra? Também vende?

Compro pela internet, a maior parte no eBay! Em Portugal não se encontram o tipo de PEZ que procuro e os poucos que aparecem, têm preços completamente proibitivos! Não vendo, porque não tenho repetidos! Como disse a minha coleção ainda está no início!

Geralmente tem uma quantia máxima em dinheiro, para dar por um dispensador PEZ? (opcional) Não tenho um preço máximo! Depende do quanto eu desejo aquele PEZ, se é raro aparecer, mas é claro que não vou dar 150 ou 200 dólares por um… a maluquice tem limites!

Qual a quantia máxima que já ofereceu por um objecto PEZ? (opcional) 

O PEZ mais caro que comprei foi a Laranja, porque queria mesmo ter! Era uma questão de honra e dada a sua cotação, achei que o preço até foi razoável. 100 dólares.

Como consegue gerir os diversos dispensadores, que apenas saem em alguns países?

Essa questão não me afeta! Como disse, não faço coleção dos PEZ recentes! Os únicos que tenho são os que vou comprando para os meus filhos (que adoram comer doces PEZ) e fazem o favor de me ceder os dispensadores para juntar à coleção!

Dos dispensadores que já existem e não tem, quais gostaria de ter? 

Na minha wish list estão vários que hei de conseguir… aos poucos: o Pinóquio, o Peter Pan, o médico e a enfermeira (PEZ Pal)…entre outros… mas estes são os principais.

Que personagens gostaria que fizessem em dispensador PEZ?

Um personagem que acho estranho não existir é o Porky Pig (WB)… já que fizeram os outros todos, incluindo a sua namorada (Petúnia)… adorava esse boneco! Esse devia ter sido feito na altura! Agora acho que um personagem que deveria existir dada a dimensão do seu sucesso mundial é o Noddy (e os seus amigos, claro!)

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Postais escritos pela coleccionadora Fátima, 

com referência aos dispensadores PEZ, quando esta tinha 7 ou 8 anos

Acha que a fábrica PEZ, podia ser mais inovadora com alguns dispensadores? Porquê? 

Não consigo responder a essa pergunta, pois, como disse, não coleciono os PEZ modernos! Mas uma coisa que eles podia fazer era sem dúvida, um remake da coleção PEZ Pal (médico, enfermeira, árabe, bombeiro, polícia, etc, etc)! Acho que iria ter sucesso!

Como os guarda? O pó é um problema para si? 

Neste momento, como tenho poucos, ainda os consigo arrumar nas caixas de PEZ (boxes display) e nos dois expositores PEZ vintage que comprei… mas, mais lá para a frente pretendo arranjar umas prateleiras próprias para eles! O pó ainda não é um problema, pois, como ando sempre a mexer neles, o pó não tem tempo para assentar!

Tem algum projecto relacionado com o hobbie?

O único projecto é fotografar todos os PEZ para poder ter noção do que tenho ou não e mais tarde, fazer uma espécie de mini catálogo da minha coleção!

Existe muito desejo nas redes sociais, que a PEZ americana pudesse ser mais participativa nas Convenções/Encontros, como acontece na Europa, Médio Oriente e Ásia. Como vê esta situação? 

Entrei há pouco tempo no mundo PEZ (outra vez)… ainda não estou suficientemente envolvida para pensar em ir a esses encontros, mas creio que, dada a dimensão dos mesmos, a PEZ Candy devia apoiar os vários eventos que se vão fazendo no mundo inteiro, porque, no final de contas, quem lucra são eles que aumentam as vendas de ano para ano!

Que conselho daria a um novo coleccionador PEZ? 

O mesmo conselho que um amigo colecionador me deu: calma, muita calma, porque, por muitos PEZ que compremos, nunca os conseguiremos ter TODOS!

Adicionalmente aos PEZ, colecciona alguma coisa mais? O quê? 

Eu sou uma verdadeira colecionadora!!!! Coleciono tudo o que me faz viajar até à minha infância: borrachas, canetas, cadernetas de cromos, brinquedos antigos, entre outras coisas… Por isso agora me voltei para os PEZ, porque foram uma grande paixão em miúda!

Pode passar um dia inteiro sem pensar em PEZ? 

Impossível! Até de noite sonho com eles!

Obrigado Fátima! :-)

ANDERS REHNSTRÖM - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ sueco - Anders Rehnström

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest sweden PEZ collectors - Anders Rehnström

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What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Anders Rehnström and I'm from Stockholm, Sweden.

How it was born this passion? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
A friend of mine had bought a Batman PEZ (I think it was in 1993 or so) and I through it was cool so I bought a Droopy Dog dispenser and after that I just keept buying PEZ whenever I found one. In the begining of 2000 I discovered eBay and after that everything exploded.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
Somewhere around 1800.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
Droopy Dog.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
It's different from person to person, my wife accept it, my children like it, my friends find it strange and amusing.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
I only collect head variations but if I found any other PEZ related stuff cheap I buy that too.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
I buy them in stores and by sellers I know and trust. I'm a lousy salesman so If I have something extra I prefer to trade it for other PEZ, not to sell it.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
Since I collect for fun, my rule is that I never pay more than I can afford to lose. At the end of the day it's plastic toys, they can break or the value can decrease. The money part is a necessary evil, I collect because it's fun I don't look at it as an investment.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
The most I payed for one dispensers is somewhere around 200 €.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
By trading or by buying from sellers I know.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
The next one I buy.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
A "Nightmare Before Christmas" would be nice.

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Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?

If they could stop doing series like the Baseboll Caps it would be great. Otherwise no.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?

Sorry to say I don't live in a castel and my wife don't like the idea of living in a PEZ museum so I have most of the dispensers in boxes. Some of my favorite I have in glass cabinets so dust is not a problem, the lack of space is.

Do you have any project related to the hobbie?

I'm one of the host of SPG (Swedish PEZ Gathering).

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
I really don't have an opinion about that.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Have fun, start small, do it your way.

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
A lot: buttons, lego minifigures, books, films, CD's, comic books.

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
Absolutely but I always start thinking about it again after a while.

Thanks Anders! :-)

RYAN RIMMER (SILAS PEZ) - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ americano - Ryan Rimmer

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest american PEZ collectors - Ryan Rimmer

What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Ryan Rimmer and I reside in Austin, TX, USA! I grew up in Massachusetts and lived there my entire life until I met my wife in 2011 while training for my job in Austin.

How it was born this paisson?
I was 16 (almost 17 years ago) and started listening to the band Less Than Jake. They are a fun punk/ska music group that loves PEZ. I remember attending shows and they would have PEZ on stage and fans would bring them PEZ. I became very intrigued. It was that very same year that my father took me to the 2nd NE Pez Collectors Gathering in Stamford, CT.
This is where I became obsessed with PEZ and the history of it all. This was also where I discovered PEZI and Pez Pals. I purchased my first one at that show. It was a 3.4 Dual IMC Red Banded Sheik. I still have him today.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
Currently I have between 160 and 170. They are all Pez Pals. I used to collect whistles and MMM's and also used to have a rather large PEZ Space gun/Candy Shooter collection. These have all been sold to fund more pal purchases.

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Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
My favorite dispenser is my 3.4 Nurse with bright yellow hair from Spain. I had the opportunity to last year to get her and I sold most of my PEZ space guns to fund the purchase.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
Well my Dad always knew I loved them a lot. He has not seen the full collection in person though, just pictures. My mother loves the fact that I collect them and am super passionate about them. I would not be able to fully enjoy them if my wife, Amanda, didn't love them too. I informed Amanda about a month before we were going to be married that I collected PEZ. I was pretty embarrassed about it (this was before I found the online PEZ communities). She has been so supportive and let's me talk her ear off about all the differences between all my pals. She came to Pezamania 24 with me and got to see what a bunch of Pezheads are like when all in the same place. She loves the collection and suggested that I move it out of my office and into a more centralized part of the house so that others could see it. So far everyone of my friends who have seen the collection are intrigued and curious about them and the history and why I collect only Pez Pals.

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Do you have some rules for collecting?
So I decided about a year ago to focus my collection to only be Pez Pals. I collect all variations. My only rule is, if I can notice a difference in color or style just by holding them up in front of me, then I need them both. Variations in hair color, stem color, patent number, country of origin, face color, accessory color, footed, non footed and even (in some cases) inner sleeve color. I also have a small collection of vintage PEZ candy packs and vintage PEZ advertising. I hope to find more PEZI/Pez Pal advertising from the 60's and 70's and really hope to eventually own a few counter display boxes (preferably filled with Pez pals still in cellophane!)

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Where do you buy them?
I have changed how I buy Pez Pals over the years. eBay is always a gamble. If it is a small dollar amount, and the seller has added enough pictures for me to make an educated decision, I will buy. I have found many rare pieces via eBay and will always go back. I have also found a few higher end dealers that always have the good stuff. While their prices may be retail (based off price guides), I know that the piece I am getting will be in excellent to minty shape. Conventions are the best place to find the cooler variations. This past Pezamania, I brought every Nurse Pez Pal I had, in a protective case, just so I could have the ability to have actual side by side comparisons. I found 3 new nurses with hair colors that were different from others I had!

You sell too?
I do sell, but I only sell to buy more. I look for insane deals on vintage PEZ and resell them. This is not consistent and comes in waves. I recently started my own business, ATX PEZ COLLECTORS, to host my ATX PEZ COLLECTORS GATHERING this March 2015. I am still getting up to speed, but I think this year I am going to try buying a small collection to resell and get more Pez Pals.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
Unless the price is just so high, it's stupid, I usually do what I have to do to get the money to buy the rare Pez Pal. I do not have many possessions other than my collection and my music equipment. I have sold all my other stuff that I have no use for to fund a lot of my collection of the past 2 years.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
The maximum amount I offered for a pez object... let's just say it was over $1k.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
That is the easy part. :) that is, until they release a new Pez Pal that is only available over seas! If that happens I will move mountains to get at least one! For now, if I acquire one, then I am happy and will resell it over here to fund another PEZ Pal purchase.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
I would like to eventually get a Bride A and an Alpine Man. Eventually all the different Bride A and Alpine Man variations. :)

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Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
Ren & Stimpy would be a great set.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
I think that PEZ is over thinking it sometimes when it comes to characters and how they are portrayed on the top of a stem. Look at the original witch or a Pez pal, it's a head, plain and simple and it ain't broken, so why fix it?

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
I purchase my PEZ displays from displaycasesandmore. David treats me well and the final product is gorgeous. All my pals live together in felt lined display cases with plexiglass doors. Since I do not have many pieces in my collection compared to many others, I decided to put a little more money into how I displayed them. I highly recommend checking out the site. No, David did not ask me to say this hahaha, I just really like his products.

Do you have any project related to the hobby?
ATXPEZ.COM - I am putting together and hosting the 1st ATX PEZ COLLECTORS GATHERING on March 27-29, 2015. I decided after getting back from Pezamania, that I wanted to do something for the southwest. There had been one other Texas gathering back in 2010 I believe, but not in Austin. This will be the first of hopefully many to come! I have a few dealers signed up so far and a good handful of some great pez heads attending. If you can’t attend you can always order an absentee packet. This gathering will have games and get togethers, tasty BBQ, many super great raffle prizes and a charity Auction for Austin Pets Alive!, a local shelter that I adopted one of my dogs from. This being the first year, I expect the turn out to be warm and cozy, meaning that I expect some folks to sit this one out to see what others say about it. Then I hope they attend the 2nd gathering! :)

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There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
I have called PEZ USA and they will work with you, but you have to order something silly like 30,000 pieces and the set up fee is astronomical. I have my personal opinions as to why I think PEZ USA does not want to follow what PEZ International GmbH does for it's collectors. I won't get in to that. Yes, it is disappointing and yes, I do think that it comes down to money in one way or another. All we USA collectors can do is keep our fingers crossed that our time for cool custom pieces is coming. :)

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
- Dive in head first and become totally obsessed with the hobby of collecting PEZ.
- Join the Facebook communities for PEZ and ask questions! Ask, ask, ask! No one will ever get mad at you for wanting to know more about your hobby.
- Attend a convention or gathering. You will learn more in your first room visit, then you would surfing on line.
with that being said...
Search for all things PEZ on line. You will find so much info!
Make Pez friends. We all look out for each other in this community and try our best to make sure the new collectors have a great experience. We will do our best to keep you informed about reproductions, stem swaps and general fakes, as we do to the seasoned collectors. Everyone who collects PEZ is the same in my book. One collection is not better than another, regardless of quantity, quality or rarity. Each persons collection is cherished by themselves and appreciated by everyone else.

Get out there, buy a PEZ dispenser and then buy all the other ones hahahaha

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?

I do not collect anything else other than PEZ. :)

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
I actually cannot go an hour without thinking about PEZ! I am pretty much obsessed. Between the gathering and my personal PEZ interests, I find that I am always thinking about PEZ and I love it.

Thanks Ryan! :-)

BILL HELTEMES - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ americano - Bill Heltemes

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest american PEZ collectors - Bill Heltemes

What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Bill Heltemes and I live in Burlington, KY, USA.

How it was born this passion? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
I started collecting PEZ about 18 years ago. It is due to my wife's former boss who had a small collection at the time. My wife thought they were cute and we started collecting. She lost interest many years ago. I'm out here all alone!

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
I quit counting years ago at 1,000. Guessing I have about 2,000 now. 99.5% are all loose!

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
My favorites are #1 Trucks, #2 PEZ Pals, #3 Euro only releases.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
My family & friends are mildly interested. Sometimes they ask if I have this or that after seeing something in a store, antique setting, etc.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
I don't really have any rules to collecting, except that I only collect dispsensers (I don't collect the mini ones out years ago). I used to be a "complete-ist" with currents, but not anymore. I'm not interested in Star Wars, Star Trek, Hobbit, sports releases, etc.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
I buy PEZ on eBay, the currents at retail outlets and vintage at PEZ conventions. Yes i do sell PEZ on Facebook’s PEZ for sale page and on eBay (seller id: kentuckypez).

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
I really don't have a max. I've paid dearly for a few PEZ that I really wanted. But those must be a "really wanted" item. It's all relative really when I comes to the amount I'll spend. Example: I'd spend for any of the SPG Gathering Trucks!

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
I bought someone's collection for $650.00 to resell. I ended up making money on it after I sold everything.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
Thankfully, I have a pretty good network of PEZ friends in Europe that can usually help me out with the Euro releases. Sometimes it takes awhile (but I'm in no hurry). In turn, I help them out with things released in the USA that they are interested in having.

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Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
My most wanted PEZ are (in no order): Ringmaster, Trucks series "A" and "B" and all 3 Knights. Everything else falls behind the previously mentioned.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
I really don't have any PEZ that I really would like PEZ to make. It seems to me though that the real life dispensers (Orange County Choppers, KISS, etc) in the long run don't sell that well. I'd be happy with PEZ sticking to the cartoon, movie whimsical releases.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?

I don't see how they could make dispensers better. It's a pretty simple thing. I'm not a fan of the little mini figures on top of stems. That was innovative a few years ago.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?

Dust can be a problem for me. As 99.5% of my PEZ are loose. Sometimes I have to dust them, which is a big job, But I like to be able to touch, hold, look at them quickly.

Do you have any project related to the hobbie?

No I sure don't. I just collect the PEZ dispensers.

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
It would be great if PEZ USA would help out the USA Conventions by making exclusive dispensers for the Conventions. If PEZ Euro can support their Conventions, sometimes making less than 100 dispensers, I would think that PEZ USA would be able to financially make something unique for the USA Conventions.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
My advice to a new collector is to definitely attend a full blown PEZ Convention or at the very least, attend a regional PEZ Gathering. There are sooooo many PEZ at these events and the face to face friendships will last a lifetime (which in my opinion is more important than the PEZ themselves).

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In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
I don't really collect anything else. If I did, it would take money away from my PEZ habit… mean hobby!

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
It's doubtful I can go a day without PEZ, as I check eBay for PEZ everyday. So right there, I'm doing something PEZ every single day. If anyone wants to contact me concerning this bio or about PEZ in general, I can be reached at: mrnkypezhed@fuse.net

Thanks Bill! :-)

KELLE BLYTH - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a uma das grandes coleccionadoras PEZ inglesa - Kelle Blyth

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest english PEZ collectors - Kelle Blyth

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What's your name, where are you from?
Hi, I'm Kelle Blyth and I currently live in North Walsham which is in Norfolk, England.

How it was born this passion? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
As a child, my parents used to purchase me PEZ dispensers as a treat. I remember going to the doctors for my injections and receiving a Miss Piggy PEZ from my Mum as a reward for being brave. I never saw them as a collectable then though; they were just my toys. Fast forward to my early teenage years - I was in a lesson at school reading a music magazine when I noticed a photo of Roger from Less Than Jake. He was standing in front of a huge PEZ collection. It brought back lots of childhood memories and made me smile. As soon as I was home that evening, I immediately went into the attic and found my old dispensers. I guess you'd say that was the beginning of my passion for PEZ.

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How many PEZ dispensers you have?
I don't know the exact figure, but on last count I had 1500+ and I've added quite a few since then.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
My favourite dispensers are the PEZ Pals. I think they're ultra cute and full of character.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
My family and friends think I'm mad but support me nonetheless. If they see them out or whilst on holiday, they call me to see if I need them. Now that I have a family of my own, we enjoy going on PEZ hunts together. My eldest daughter, Billie, has her own little collection now as well and my youngest daughter, Casey, enjoys them too.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
When I first started collecting, I used to collect anything and everything that was PEZ related. At this point, I was still living at home and space soon became an issue. So I decided that I'd limit myself to dispensers only. I was really good at sticking to this, and only occasionally did something else creep in. Nowadays though, I buy anything that takes my fancy. I don't buy many items that aren't dispensers, but when I do it's predominantly art based items that I buy. I'm a 50's girl at heart so I really love the retro artwork, especially all of the pinup / Gil Elvgren style pieces.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
There aren't that many places to buy PEZ in England, especially in the East, which is where I am based. I tend to rely on the internet; mainly eBay and through Facebook. I do a lot of trades with fellow PEZheads too.
I don't sell PEZ very often, but if I can help others out (especially abroad) by getting them a dispenser that's not released in their country, then I'm more than willing to buy extras to sell.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
In all honesty, I'm not the wealthiest of people, so high end items are out of my reach (for now anyway). I find that I have to pay a bit extra for most of my PEZ as I can't find most in shops, so unfortunately online prices tend to be a bit higher than I'd like sometimes. If there's an item that I really want though, I'd consider any price for it - I guess I'd just have to sell a few things to be able to afford it.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
I tried to buy a PEZ vending machine once - so you can imagine that wasn't cheap!! Unfortunately I was outbid at the last minute though. The only upside is the money I would have spent on the machine contributed to buying a lot of nice PEZ instead.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
It'd be lovely if all of the dispensers were released worldwide. But until that happens, I do a lot of trades with people. I think it's nice to build up relationships with other PEZheads and it's great that you can help one another out.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
I think most people would agree with me that it'd be a dream to own the Make-A-Face PEZ. I can but dream. Other than that, I'd like to start my PEZ Pony-Go-Round collection as I'm yet to own one.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
There's a few characters that I think would look great as dispensers. I'd personally like to see some Studio Ghibli characters such as Totoro, No Face and Baron. Other than that I'd like to see Yo Gabba Gabba characters, Disney Villains and Where's Wally.
If there's a cartoon character that's not been released and my daughter wants them, I tend to make fantasy PEZ for her. My latest creations are Adventure Time PEZ.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
I do think it'd be nice for them to make completely new sets rather than adding new characters to existing sets, or remoulding older sets. I know it's hard with licensing, but I sometimes think they miss out on potentially money making sets, especially if they were to release them to coincide with a movie/game release. Kids (their target market) would love to get a dispenser of a character that they'd just seen in the cinema.
One thing I personally am not a fan of is the "bust" type PEZ. I prefer heads only!

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
Sadly, my PEZ are boxed up at the minute whilst my garage is converted into my PEZ room - so no dust for me at the minute! After everything's back to rights, they'd be proudly displayed loose in bookcase type cabinets with dust proof coverings. It's been known for me to spend a whole day dusting them in the past though, so hopefully my new setup with combat that issue.

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Do you have any project related to the hobbie?
I run a Facebook group for fellow collectors in the UK > FB/pez.collectors.uk.
I also run an instagram account to coincide with this. Through this, I done a project called 100 Days Of PEZ, which featured a different dispenser in a different environment for 100 days. It was really fun to do and I'm planning on doing another one very soon.
A project I'm currently running is called Around The World With Stella PEZ. It is a travelling PEZ which will be visiting collectors around the world. FB/AroundWorld/StellaPEZ.

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There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
I think we are very lucky to have such a great service with PEZ International over here. They really do seem to go to great lengths to help out the collectors and they have great communication with us (Thank you Gabi). I can't see why PEZ Candy don't work in the same manner. There is obviously a reason, but I think it's just one of those things that unfortunately doesn't look like it's going to get resolved any time soon.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Buy what and how you like! Don't feel intimidated by people with huge collections, they all started somewhere! Most importantly have fun with it.

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
I collect vinyl and my house is full of musical instruments (both myself and husband are musicians) so I suppose you could say I collect them too. Other than that I have collections of comics, old printing/craft tools (I run my own handpulled screen printing / craft company).

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
I find it hard to get away from PEZ, especially because of social networking sites. I see it as a harmless obsession!

Thanks Kelle! :-)

ANDREAS LINDELL - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ sueco - Andreas Lindell

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest swedish PEZ collectors - Andreas Lindell

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What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Andreas Lindell, from Krylbo, Sweden. Born in 1979.

How it was born this passion? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
My brother-in-law (Henrik Svensson aka. HenkePEZ) collected PEZ and every time I paid him a visit I got more and more interested. I started my collection back in June 2009, a couple of months before my 30th birthday. My first PEZ was the whole Monsters vs. Alien-set. Of course, I had some dispensers as a kid, but I don’t remember which ones.
HenkePEZ is only collecting MGM’s now a days. I bought a bunch of his PEZ collection when I started.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
That depends on how I count ;) But I think I have between 1300-1500 dispensers.

Which is your favourite PEZ dispenser?
Hard to pick just one but my absolute favourite among the newer ones is THE DUCK, from FinnPEZ2014. Amazing! Great PEZ!

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
I have a very understanding and supporting wife. Every single friend and family member are searching PEZ when they are abroad. I’m lucky that they are so involved.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
I “try” to collect loose dispensers only, but I have a lot of carded ones and other PEZ products as well. So, I have to admit that I collect anything from PEZ.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
From eBay and fellow pezheads, in stores, at gatherings etc. I don’t have any extras to sell or trade at the moment. I try not to buy anything I already have.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
No, not really. That depends on condition and size of my wallet at that time.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
Hmmm, I might have paid too much once. Or twice ;) But I’m not crazy and buy stuff over my limits. I have other things in life that always comes before PEZ (family and health for example).

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
The only thing I use Facebook for is PEZ (I’m not even friend with my mother on Facebook). I try to buy or trade from fellow pezheads. The ones I missed during the year I usually pick up at gatherings.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
Olympic Snowman. I’m a sports freak. If someone wants to give me one for free, please go ahead. I will not stop you ;)

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Super Bowl-winning teams, Robocop.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
Well, I’m not a fan of click ‘n play-dispensers. But I don’t have any new ideas. I think it’s important to keep innovate new PEZ stuff.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
I have one smaller display (with glass doors) that shows the variety of PEZ. Everything else is packed down in plastic bags, in plastic boxes, stored in my future pezroom? My wife doesn’t agree ;)

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Do you have any project related to the hobbies?
I’m arranging group travels for Swedish collectors to gatherings outside Sweden. We have been to FinnPEZ twice, and next year we will add VIP to the list.

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
That would be great! They are so welcome!

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Buy a larger lot on eBay or, even better, from another collector. And go to a gathering! You will make friends for life!

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
No, but when I was younger I collected bear cans. My father collects toy cars so I have collecting in my blood.

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
No, impossible since I have Facebook in my phone ;) I see PEZ PEZ PEZ in my feed.

Thanks Andreas! :-)

RON HOOD - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ americano - Ron Hood

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest american PEZ collectors - Ron Hood

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What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Ron Hood and I am from the United States currently living in Maine.

How it was born this passion? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
My collection started when my son was cleaning his room. It was the late 1980's I believe. I saw a bunch of PEZ in their bags that he placed in a brown paper bag. I asked him what he was doing with the PEZ and he replied, “I collect them.” I mentioned this to a friend of mine and a short time later, he called me up and asked me to come over to his house as his mother was throwing items away as she cleaned the attic. She found a PEZ. Ends up we were given a PEZ Nurse on baby blue stem. It was our first vintage. Soon after, Wal-Mart opened up in our area and we saw our first PEZ on Card. I loved the graphics! Our goal was to create one long row of PEZ that circled my sons room. Now I have a PEZ Room! (click here > ronhoodpez). My son stopped collecting PEZ in his early 20's and it has been my adventure ever since.

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How many PEZ dispensers you have?
I have over 9,000 PEZ Dispensers and Licensed Items.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
I actually have 3.
1. The PEZ Nurse because it was my first vintage piece and researching it on a new thing called “the Internet” opened up a wide world of PEZ knowledge for me.

2. Captain Hook because it belonged to a friend of mine who has passed away. Having that in my collection means a lot to me.

3. The Ron Hood Pez because it was given to me by the volunteers in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, which was my former employer. The volunteer mentors raised money to commission an artist to make a PEZ Dispenser with my likeness. Even though it is not a “real” PEZ, it has emotional value to me.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
My family and friends are very supportive. In fact, when friends or family are out shopping and they spot PEZ, I usually get a call asking me if I need that PEZ. It is Great!

When it got to the point that I had a PEZ Room, it became something to really talk about. I held “PEZ Room Tours” and had my own candy pack that I gave away to all visitors. Each person that came into my room had their picture taken in a certain area of the room and signed a poster guest book with their thoughts of being in the PEZ Room! There is a lot of pop culture history in collecting PEZ. Everyone that visited my PEZ Room could relate to a PEZ or PEZ Character. It makes it fun.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
I have it bad because I truly like it all. I like the Carded PEZ, Bagged PEZ, and Loose. I collect anything with PEZ on it. I like carded first, then bagged, then loose. Pretty much how it goes. I like all the different heads and stem colors...I told you, I have it bad. :)

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
In my early days, I used to get PEZ in bulk and I had a group that I mailed them to so that we all had the next PEZ coming out. It allowed me to grow my collection quite fast. I have since stopped doing that and began to just get what I needed. I have recently begun to sell some of my extra PEZ and it is fun to get back to selling PEZ to other collectors.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
I do not set a maximum in my mind. When I see a good deal, I take it. I do not have a lot of vintage due to the price, but I truly enjoy the PEZ that come home to be in my collection.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
I bought a PEZ Candy Vending machine that was a lot of money. I could not truly afford it, but the offer felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I took it. I was crazy!

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
I follow the PEZ News on-line and via PEZ Collectors News. When you are part of PEZ Collecting groups, you get the opportunity to meet people all over the world. These great collectors are always willing to get you the PEZ you need/want for your collection. PEZ people are truly some of the greatest people I have ever met.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
There are so many. I am fond of the Make-A-Face and any of the PEZ Fruit (Orange, Pine Apple, Pear).

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
I would like to see the characters from The Jetsons as PEZ Dispensers.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
I think the PEZ company does a great job as it is. Part of the fun of collecting is to see what will be done next. I do not take their work too literally in terms of judgment as I know a lot of the final design may depend on licensing contracts and approvals.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
My PEZ are on the wall in my PEZ Room and those not in the room are in plastic totes. When you collect carded PEZ, you run out of room quickly. I dream of a bigger room. :) Dust is always an issue, but I use a Swiffer hand duster and that seems to do the trick nicely.

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Do you have any project related to the hobbie?
Not currently, but in the past I was known for bringing PEZ into my work with my local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is a wonderful organization that matches caring adult mentors or “Bigs” with children in need of a good role model. The kids in the program are called “Littles”. There are BBBS programs in many communities across our country.

I was first a mentor coordinator with BBBS and ended up becoming the program director. I used PEZ in my programs in many ways:

First, it was my business card. I used label tape to make sure the dispenser had all my contact information. I would use PEZ in bags. I opened them up from the bottom, slipped the PEZ out, labelled them, placed them back in the bag and ironed the bag closed again. It was perfect! AND...The adults I worked with loved receiving my PEZ Business Card!

Second, I used bagged PEZ in my mentor trainings. When new high school students or adults joined BBBS as mentors or “Bigs,” they had to go through a new mentor training. I would wear my PEZ tie to every training. At the end of the session, I told them about my love of PEZ and told them I had a PEZ for them because every time I wear my PEZ tie, someone is getting PEZ! Every mentor had to answer a question from the training in order to earn their PEZ. The PEZ had my contact information on it as well as the theme of the mentoring program I ran, which was “Mind Body Soul – 20 minutes.” I explained that the best mentoring relationships cover these ares to be sucessful. If you have an hour with your “little,” and you want to make a good impact, spend your time doing 20-minutes of Mind, which is helping with homework, 20-minutes of Body, which is playing a sport, taking a walk, or getting in some physical exercise, and 20-minutes of Soul, which is spending time talking and sharing of yourself. The PEZ were always a huge hit!

Third, I used loose PEZ to share with the “littles” at our BBBS end of the school year celebrations. I would create gift packs for every Big and Little in the program and hand them out at each celebration. The Littles knew they were getting PEZ when they saw me in my PEZ Tie. Remember, I wore that tie every time I gave out PEZ!

Sticker/packing not made by PEZ

I also used Pez for special meetings with other community organizations that I was a keynote speaker to and when the Pez came out, so did the smiles and laughter. It was truly incredible.

Here was the best part of it all. The PEZ I used were always donations from other PEZ Collectors. When I put out the word that I needed PEZ to my online group, I was always sent packages from around the world. Without the help of other PEZ Collectors, I could have never been able to give PEZ to those in the program. And as a thank you, I sent each person who donated PEZ to me a gift bag of their very own!

The PEZ Community is really like an extended family that I felt blessed to be part of.

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There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
Believe it or not, I have yet to attend a PEZ Convention. I made the decision years ago to not attend conventions so that I could use the money I would have spent on travel, hotel, and meals to buy the PEZ I wanted for my collection. I think it would be great for the PEZ company to provide special convention PEZ dispensers or other goodies, but it is my understanding that their ultimate customer is not the collector, but young children who truly make the profit for their company. PEZ has never called me to be part of their decision making process, so I will leave them alone to make decisions that keep them feeding the appetite of the PEZ Collector.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Buy what you want and like. I do not look at the value of my collection overall. I buy what I like. My best advice would be to get yourself involved in the wonderful array of PEZ Information Groups on-line. Talk to people, share your love of PEZ, and learn from where they are with their collections. Everyone's opinion is important for you to make your decisions on how you will collect. After you hear enough information, that little voice inside you will tell you how you want to collect your PEZ.

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
I used to collect pin-back buttons before PEZ, but since I began with PEZ, I love Candy dispensers. I do have some candy dispensers that are not PEZ. For example, Japanese Big Gum Dispensers, Flix, and Kliks. All great to collect alongside PEZ.

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
I certainly can spend a day without thinking of PEZ, but I honestly can't escape it. I think about it pretty much every single day because many of my friends online are PEZ people, so it is hard to go through a whole day without those three letters coming out of my mouth or being typed by my fingers.

Thanks Ron! :-)

MEGAN NORTHRUP - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a uma das grandes coleccionadoras PEZ americana - Megan Northrup

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest american PEZ collectors - Megan Northrup

Fotos Megan Northrup

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What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Megan and go by the nickname of Ameliapezgirl in the PEZ World. I'm from a small town in Ohio, USA, Amela. Now you can see how I got my name... Ameliapezgirl.

How it was born this paisson? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
Believe it or not I did not know what a PEZ dispenser was until my now ex-husband pointed them out in the store. I did not have PEZ as a child and one day I found a Donald Duck PEZ dispenser in our garage and fell in love. Next thing I knew, my son and I were looking for PEZ dispensers in all of our stores.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
I can honestly say I have no clue how many dispensers I have. I know it's a lot and hopefully soon I will have a better idea. I've been working on getting them more organized.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
My favorite PEZ dispenser is the Panther. I loved him and he was one of my first vintage dispensers I bought.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
My friends and family get a kick out of my collecting. Everyone always says they see PEZ and think of me and I always have people asking if I have this dispenser or that one. It's funny because I will show up to work and there will be PEZ just sitting on my desk. It's nothing unusual for a friend to call or text me asking if I need this one or that one.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
Rules for collecting... hmmmm that's interesting because in the beginning I went crazy. I needed one loose, MOC and MIB. It got out of control fast. I now collect head variations and every now and then a stem variation. With all the new stuff coming out, there is a lot to hunt for.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
I usually find PEZ at our local stores like Walmart, Toys 'R' Us, Meijers, I am very lucky to have a store called Jungle Jims International Market about 20 minutes from my house. They have a huge wall of PEZ and it's amazing. They are #2 in Ohio for ordering PEZ and usually get the new releases in.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
I try not to spend too much on PEZ but do treat myself to a vintage when I go to a convention. I never go with a dispenser in mind but always seem to find one that "calls out to me." LOL.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
The most I've ever spent on a dispenser... I can't give you an exact amount because it could incriminate me but will tell you it was for a Mary Poppins. LOL.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
Thankfully we have eBay to get some of the dispensers outside of the USA. I have been lucky and traded for some but mainly eBay has been my best source.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
Out of the dispensers that already exists, my vintage wish would be for a Alpine Man or a Lions Club and my current wish would be for some of the euro convention dispensers.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?

I've been lucky. I used to want a Scooby Doo set and no we're getting one so I'm not sure what I want to see... except I would love to see more PEZ Pals! A PEZ Pal with a birthday hat or a graduation cap. There's just so many options that PEZ could do with the PEZ Boy/Girl mold.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
I am pretty happy with the PEZ that have been coming out in the retail world. I remember the days when we would only get a few series a year. Now, it seems like I'm looking for something new every month. I'm always up for a good PEZ hunt!

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
Well my PEZ had been in totes for the past few years. I've recently started unpacking them and have them in bookcases. I decided this was the year I was going to be organized. I've been recording each dispenser and taking pictures of them. At this point, I have learned that dust is part of the collection. ;-)

Do you have any project related to the hobbie?
No, I currently don't have any projects associated with the hobby... Haven't found my calling yet. I love the ideas that some of the collectors have started. I'm looking forward to seeing how the PEZ Yearbook will turn out.

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
I am very disappointed that PEZ USA has not jumped on the band wagon with convention dispensers but in all reality PEZ USA only does the candy. It is very depressing as a collector to have something out of the reach of all collectors. Even if PEZ USA decided to make dispensers again they would never be worth the value of some of the other ones out there. It's all about supply and demand and currently the demand for the euro dispensers is high. Hopefully some day things will change but for now I have come to the realization that you can't have them all but a girl can dream, LOL.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
The advice that I would give to any new collector would be to educate yourself. There are so many books out there and even though some of them are older, I think you can learn something from them. I particularly enjoyed David Welch's, Collecting Pez and Shawn Peterson's Collectors Guide to PEZ Identification & Price Guide. Also, ask questions. There are so many collectors out there that are a wealth of information and they love to talk PEZ!

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
My main loves are PEZ and fiestaware. I don't actively collect anything else but somehow other things just "find" me. I used to collect cookie jars and stopped when I started collecting PEZ. Thought PEZ was so small and it would hardly take up any room unlike the cookie jars. Boy was I wrong!!!

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
A day without PEZ... are you kidding? I have them at home and even a small display at work. PEZ just makes everyone smile... Bet you're smiling now while you're reading this! Am I right?

Thanks Megan! :-)

MICHAEL VOLK - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ alemão - Michael Volk

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest german PEZ collectors - Michael Volk

Fotos Michael Volk

What's your name, where are you from?
My name is Michael Volk. I'm a german collector living in Raeren, a small village in East Belgium, near the border to Germany.

How it was born this paisson? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
In 1989 I saw a PEZ Mickey dispenser in a supermarket. I bought it for a girlfriend, but she could do nothing with him. I kept the dispenser for me and so I was starting collecting PEZ.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
About 1900 PEZ dispensers.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
Mickey die-cut.

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
They think I'm a little crazy. Only friends, who collect something, what ever, understand me.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
Most I collect dispensers. When I find some other PEZ products, I buy them, but I prefer collect the dispensers.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
I buy them in stores, eBay, flea markets, internet shop.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
I try to get the dispensers as cheap as possible.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
About 100 USD.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
I try to find them on Ebay or internet shops.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
Casper.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
Lucky Luke and the Daltons.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
They make a good job and new things. Go on like this.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
I store them in vitrines and outside. I have no problems with the dust.

Do you have any project related to the hobbie?
No.

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
I don't know much about the Conventions/Gatherings in USA. I follow them on Facebook, but I see the very nice dispensers of other Gatherings, and I think it will be good for PEZ Inc. (USA) to support too.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Have fun, collect step by step. Start with cheap dispensers.

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
No, I 'm collecting only PEZ.

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
No, not really.

Thanks Michael! :-)

FASTER PEZ - PEZ COLLECTORS

É com orgulho que PEZILLA coloca aqui algumas respostas, de um pequeno inquérito a um dos grandes coleccionadores PEZ israelita - Faster Pez

It is with pride that the PEZILLA put some answers here, from a small inquiry of one of the greatest israelite PEZ collectors - Faster Pez

Fotos Faster Pez

What's your name, where are you from?
My name is FasterPez a.k.a Ran and I’m a PezHead from Israel.

How it was born this paisson? When and why did you start collecting? You remember your first PEZ dispenser?
About 7 years ago, when waiting for a cab to take my wife and I to the airport for our honeymoon, there was a video interview on the internet with an Israeli collector (Osnat), showing off her collection. I showed it to my wife and we both though it’s a very nice thing to collect. Our honeymoon was partially in Paris and partially in Disneyland Paris. Once we got tired of waiting in line for all the attractions, we remembered that we saw PEZ at the different stores and decided to see how many different ones we can find. And then it began! I am pretty sure that the first dispenser was a Mickey Mouse, but it was a Disney store with many different ones and we bought most of them at the same time.

How many PEZ dispensers you have?
That is a very good question to ask and it depends what do you count as PEZ. I cannot tell the exact amount of actual dispensers in my possession, but I can only tell that I stopped counting after hitting 1,000 dispensers. I will have to update you once the new display will be ready and all (hopefully all will fit) the dispensers will be out.

Which is your favorite PEZ dispenser?
I’ve always loved Zeilpunkt. It is the first advertising dispenser if I am not mistaken and it is so cute!

How did your family and friends react to your hobby and your collection?
In the beginning my wife was on board with it and collected with me. When the PEZ hunt cooled a bit, she didn’t like the dispensers anymore and wanted all the licensed items. But at some point she decided she had enough and now it is ‘Your PEZ’ but she loves going on PEZ hunts in Israel and surely abroad. Whenever we plan a vacation we make sure that there are some PEZ there to find.

Do you have some rules for collecting? You collects only PEZ dispensers or any PEZ products?
No special rules, I will get anything PEZ that I can get my hands on, except for one item that I don’t know how to translate, but it’s for women in their “Special Days” we’ve seen one a few years ago. Not too long ago I started collecting the PEZ cards, as Doron Gazit inspired me. Now it’s a pretty big part of my collection and it keeps on growing. These graphics are so well made and it’s a shame to just throw them away. Ohh, and I don’t actively collect vintage PEZ, they are simply too expensive for me.

Where do you buy them? You sell too?
As the new Israeli importer is doing a great job, we get all the sets that are released in Europe, that besides Halloween, Easter and Vday + we don’t get any of the PEZ soft or PEZ gifts. Most of the currents I will buy at the local stores. I love the PEZ community very much as they are very kind to either trade with me for dispensers that are released in US or special ones made for a certain country. I wouldn’t be able to have so many items in my collection without this great community and friends I’ve made over time.

Generally, you have a maximum value of money to give for a PEZ dispenser? (optional)
I think there is no actual limit, but the higher the price is, the more thoughts will go into making the decision. As we all know, the more you think about something – it turns to a negative – so I will most likely not buy something that is expensive.

What is the maximum amount you offered for a PEZ object? (optional)
To be honest, I’m really not sure.

How can you manage the various dispensers that come out only in some countries?
Through the PEZ community – Pez people are great people and will always offer their help.

Of the PEZ dispensers that already exist and you do not have, which would you like to have?
First thing on my list is a die cut Casper – but this is a just a dream for now.

Which characters would you like to be made as a PEZ dispenser?
My First Dragon, Transformers, Skylanders, Formula 1.

Do you think PEZ factory could be more innovative in some dispensers? Why?
I think that more different sets can be released by PEZ international. There are breaks between the releases where nothing new is released, you keep seeing the same items in the stores for too long, and it hurts their sales. We need more people to buy PEZ and get excited about them. The US seems to get many more PEZ dispensers than we do.

How do you store them? The dust, is a problem to you?
In the past I used to display my PEZ in the IKEA "detolf" display cabinets, but they had too much room for the dust to get in and it was a disaster. Then I used the help of my father in law to build PEZ display racks which were great, but they were open again so the dust was crazy all the time. I cleaned each display every week, and by the time I finished with the last one, I had to start all over again. These display cabinets went down a few months ago due to renovations and await a new display to be built/bought and set everything up – everything is in bags and boxes.

Do you have any project related to the hobbie?
I have my PEZ blog – fasterpez.com where I report about PEZ news, PEZ sightings, where you can find PEZ around the globe and more.

There is currently a lot of desire in social networks, that PEZ Candy in the USA, could be more participatory in the Conventions/Gatherings, as happens in Europe, Middle East or now in Asia. How do you see this situation?
My experience with PEZ Candy Inc. (USA) has never been positive. In my humble opinion, I think that they don’t support the community enough and sometimes even go against it. In the past they sued or at least threatened fantasy PEZ makers, they threatened the bloggers over a photo, they do not allow to use their photos and more. PEZ International (Europe) has a great relationship with the collectors and I feel that someone there really listens to what we have to say. PEZ international contributes allot to the fun in this hobby.

What advice would give to a new PEZ collector?
Collect because it makes you happy, not because you need to have it all!

In addition to PEZ, collect anything else? What?
Nothing else at the moment. Real life and PEZ take up all of my time.

Can you spend a day without thinking in PEZ?
No, it’s there when I wake up, it’s there at work, it’s there on the way – It’s always around me!

Thanks Ran! :-)