Fin Fun Needs To Get Neoprene/ Full Silicone Tails

[Sea Unicorn]

Like now. I love the spandex tails Fin Fun offers, but I really want a silicone tail ( or neoprene at the very least) but I just can't afford one that's 700 dollars or more. Fin Fun tails are very realistic and affordable, and I imagine silicone or neoprene wouldn't be any different, just maybe charge a little extra for labor and materials. Fin Fun Mermaid is a highly successful tail making company so why wouldn't they step up their game and offer more than just fabric?

[Theta]

If FinFun started offering silicone tails, they would not be in the same price range as their fabric tails. The materials and labor involved are too expensive. They would still cost thousands of dollars.

As far as neoprene goes, it's more expensive than spandex so there would probably be a similar price hike. It's my very loose understanding (since I don't dabble in the neoprene side of things) that the colors are limited and customization is trickier (I believe paint doesn't always stick?) You can add things like sequins, like Hanna does, but again, you'll be up into the thousands after material and labor are factored in (for sequin tails, not just plain neoprene.)

You can always try getting some neoprene and making a tail yourself.

[Mer-Crazy]

Because their market is fabric tails. They are aiming themselves at children mostly and they are going for a mass produced product and there is no way a full silicone tail will ever cost less than (whatever mer nation charges for their basic ones I think they're around the cheapest)

The thing is that silicone is very expensive and to move into the silicone business you need an entirely different skill set from the fabric one (that is assuming they make their tails I'm under the assumption it comes from China or something).

The same goes for neoprene.

As you stated finfun is already very successful. Why would they put extra money into a line of tails they may be no good at making? The slicone line is always extremely personalised, from colour down to size. For a place that sells (because I still don't believe they actually make them) fabric tails it's not a logical step to go to silicone.

Honestly the cheapest way to get a silicone tail right now, aside from mer nations basic one colour tail is to get mer tailors neoprene/ silicone hybrid. Mertailor is the perfect example of a 'factory style' silicone business and the quality suffers for it. I feel safe saying it would happen to anyone who tried to mass produce silicone tails as quickly as he did.

Whilst I understand the desire for good quality silicone tails, heck who doesn't? The two industries are completely different. The fact that they are both mermaid tail business is irrelevant. It would be like asking one of those companies that makes the memaid tights to make silicone tails.

[AniaR]

yeah i don't think that would work for them wouldnt make sense business wise.
People want cheap silicone tails, but when you go cheap, you lose quality

[Sea Unicorn]

How much is the one from Mernation? I believe the Mertailor's basic full silicone tail is under 1000 but still expensive. I really like the Mertailor's tails but not sure about quality/durability.

[Mer-Crazy]

$1700 and honestly for a full silicone tail that we know is good quality and will last that is as cheap as its gonna get. Silicone is expensive stuff and the cheaper you go the less quality you're gonna get. If under $1000 is considered expensive for you then a silicone tail is probably out of reach at the moment. I mean really they're expensive for pretty much everyone. It's all just about saving and budgeting really.


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[PhaylennMurúch]

How much is the one from Mernation? I believe the Mertailor's basic full silicone tail is under 1000 but still expensive. I really like the Mertailor's tails but not sure about quality/durability.

Mertailor's Basic silicone tail is not 100% silicone, it's silicone over neoprin, for less than $600

Hun, if $600 is out of your reach then you should stick with fabric until you have the money saved up for a good quality silicone tail, it might take a while but you'll get there

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Or you can buy printed neoprene that has patterns on it, so you don't have to worry about painting the tail. And just sew it up yourself.

[Sea Unicorn]

Mertailor's Basic silicone tail is not 100% silicone, it's silicone over neoprin, for less than $600

Hun, if $600 is out of your reach then you should stick with fabric until you have the money saved up for a good quality silicone tail, it might take a while but you'll get there

Wel that's good enough for me. It's still a silicone tail. Also, were not all Bill Gates how do they think the average American just has 800 dollars to drop on tails? Especially soon to be college students? This is why I wanted Fin Fun to start selling silicone tails, all their tails are affordable for all budgets.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

Wel that's good enough for me. It's still a silicone tail. Also, were not all Bill Gates how do they think the average American just has 800 dollars to drop on tails? Especially soon to be college students? This is why I wanted Fin Fun to start selling silicone tails, all their tails are affordable for all budgets.
Fin Fun won't ever make silicone. Their tails are aimed mainly at kids.

[Calizaire]

Also, were not all Bill Gates how do they think the average American just has 800 dollars to drop on tails? Especially soon to be college students?

Paying for a silicone tail is a luxury expense, not something you need.
Given the time, talent, artistry, skill, not to mention cost of materials involved in making one, I think their cost is entirely appropriate.

[Theobromine]

Paying for a silicone tail is a luxury expense, not something you need.
Given the time, talent, artistry, skill, not to mention cost of materials involved in making one, I think their cost is entirely appropriate.

A+++

-_-

[Sea Unicorn]

[QUOTE=Calizaire;235236]Paying for a silicone tail is a luxury expense, not something you need.
Given the time, talent, artistry, skill, not to mention cost of materials involved in making one, I think their cost is entirely appropriate.[/QUOTE/]

All im saying is they should be suited for every budget, not the ones who are driving Ferraris and eating Filet Mignon every night. Kinda like fabric. Fabric tails aren't cheap but come in all sorts of price ranges. I know the above doesn't apply to everyone here who has a nice tail, it's just your not going into college, and if the cost of books doesn't get you the debt from financial aid sure will.

[Calizaire]

"All im saying is they should be suited for every budget"

If the materials alone cost a tailmaker $1,000, how do you propose they provide tails for every budget? Should they give their time away for free?

[Kait]

Paying for a silicone tail is a luxury expense, not something you need.
Given the time, talent, artistry, skill, not to mention cost of materials involved in making one, I think their cost is entirely appropriate.

Honest truth.
Silicone is an expensive material and the tails take time and skill to produce.
Expensive to make = expensive to buy.
It's not feasible for a business produce a product at a loss to them.

You don't need a silicone tail to be a mermaid.
But if it's your ultimate dream, take the time to save and buy a good quality tail. If it's your true passion, you won't regret it and will be relieved that you waited.
Or keep an eye out in the classifieds for a pre-loved silicone tail in your size.

[Theobromine]

Yeah, not like we have to pay rent or bills or buy groceries or anything....clearly because we're not going to college we get free money and drive Ferraris and eat filet mignon every night....seriously?

Also, do you realize not only how much the materials cost, but just how much work goes into creating a silicone tail? Mine that I just finished, for example, took me a year to construct, not including about 6 months of preliminary R&D before that, to make sure I knew what I was doing. Additionally, I have two college degrees (in biology and zoology) that I draw directly from in the creation of my designs, and that aid in my general knowledge of the physics, chemistry, and engineering of these projects.

Just like with any large, custom-made items (i.e. anything in the cosplay and prop-building community), the artists and professionals who create these pieces have to learn their craft and learn it well before they can even consider making a living off of it. And that means lots of time, effort, and money out of our own pockets. And that's only scratching the surface, but I'm out of patience.

[Mermaid Mystery]

Theo hit the nail on the head.

[Mermaid Kelda]

Some people are lucky enough to have that kind of disposable income, others aren't. Many of our members saved up for years before they were able to afford their dream tail.

Mermaid tails are not a basic human right. No one should be obligated to make a tail for less than the material and labour costs. If it takes you a year or two to knuckle down and save enough, then at least that's more time to figure out what you really want in a tail.

[Mer-Crazy]

I think your expectations for silicone tail makers is slightly unrealistic. As many have pointed out its not like these things cost a couple of hundred to make and the rest is just mark up. I'd say about half of the cost goes into materials. So even if fin fun did ever make a silicone tail it'd be unrealistic to expect them to cost any less than anyone else on the market.

I kind of resent the comment you made about people who owns a silicone tail driving ferraris and eating filet mignon. I worked hard and saved damn hard for my tails all whilst supporting my entire family and I don't even own a car. I mean it's not collage, but paying for bills, rent and food for a family of 4 adults all who are on government support besides myself is really insulting.

The only other option, if you're worried about mertailor quality would be to maybe talk to Keris (I think I spelt that wrong my apologies) about his fabric/ silicone hybrid tails

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[Sherielle]

There are also several people who are selling their previously owned silicone tails. Many of those are at a nice price.
But I agree with everyone here. A silicone tail is something you save up for. Your not going to find a full silicone tail for cheap unless it's used or very poorly made.

[Mermaid Wesley]

I had similar thoughts when I started, but when I did the math, the amount of silicone for one tail is 200 bucks. Mold materials are 100+, clay For sculpting is 50+, pigments can be 20+, monofins are 50-100 then you have tools like airbrushes buckets, stirs, and plenty of expenses that you don't think about until you need them like gloves and solvents for cleaning. My tail has cost me about 1000 bucks already and 2 years of steady (but slow) work. Best case scenario, making a silicone tail takes 2 months and 800 bucks. The creators are people who need to pay themselves for their time and unless you're an artist it really is hard to conceptialize how much labor there is. I understand your frustration, but this is expensive for everyone. Most mets buy one silicone tail ever and save up for a long time.

You're not financially independent yet, I'm assuming since you're just starting college, neither am I, and my parents won't shell out 1000 bucks for me to make a tail let alone 3k for purchasing one. I saved for months while working at chipotle to pay for my supplies. I currently have 7 bucks in my account to last me a week because I'm also in college.

People get upset at this because it is SO HARD to make silicone tails and people who sell them already are doing their best to keep prices low and fair.

I know you don't mean to come off as disrespectful to tailmakers, but I can assure you that the prices are that high for a good reason.


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[Theobromine]

Wesley, thanks for mentioning a point I forgot to make, which is that artists have to be able to pay themselves (and also the fact that there's all that overhead that no one ever thinks about). I think this guy explains it very well; the video is about props as that is his business, but the exact same principles apply to tailmaking.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNxKtX-I_U

[AniaR]

Tails are suited to every budget, that's WHY there are fabric tails.

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[PearlieMae]

Because their market is fabric tails. They are aiming themselves at children mostly and they are going for a mass produced product and there is no way a full silicone tail will ever cost less than (whatever mer nation charges for their basic ones I think they're around the cheapest)

The thing is that silicone is very expensive and to move into the silicone business you need an entirely different skill set from the fabric one (that is assuming they make their tails I'm under the assumption it comes from China or something)...

Actually, FinFun's business pretty much singlehandedly saved the local economy of a small town in Idaho. Their tails are manufactured in the USA.

[Starfrit]

I paid just shy of $1000 CAD for my neoprene tail, including the shipping and customs fees. The tail itself was about $700. For the quality I got, that price was almost too cheap, to be honest.

It's weird that you feel the need to paint everyone who can afford a higher-end tail as a bunch of rich snobs who drive fancy cars and eat filet mignon every day and such. I can tell you that I don't know a single person with a tail who's living that kind of fancy life. They all worked their ASSES off to get the money, put it aside and pay for these things. It's unfair to them to be painted that way just because you're jealous that you're not getting one handed to you yet, and it's even more unfair to the tailmakers who are working so hard to make their clients dreams come true— especially the newer tailmakers who are drastically undercharging for their tails as-is.

I'm gonna suggest some advice from The Great Britney Spears— You wanna live fancy? You better work, b!tch.

[SeaGlass Siren]

i paid 2000 CDN for mine. granted i've been saving up for one for 5 years (from when i was 19, probably your age), had a decent job and was very frugal (esp since some of that money had to be put towards a wedding, honeymoon, and house). i earned my tail from working hard, not relying on handouts. and i most certainly do not eat filet mignon or drive a ferarri.
work real hard and im sure you'll be able to afford one.

[AniaR]

Honestly from their posting and references to being almost ready for college I feel like this person may be a "young" teen. being new to the community, just a case of a lot of ignorance.

[PearlieMae]

My Ferrari is also known as a 17 year old Toyota Corolla.

Almost lunchtime! Yum! A can of Starkist Filet Mignon! Woohoo! Living' large!

http://replygif.net/i/1005.gif

[Theobromine]

My Ferrari is a 21-year-old Subaru named Toad. Hey, I just realized the upside of that: my car is old enough to buy its own alcohol.

[Meilyn]

Most people here are middle to lower class and I know a LOT of people that can't even afford college so be grateful that you can.

Many have saved up for many months, if not years for their silicone tails including myself. On average from what I've seen with the professional tail makers it takes 2 weeks to 4 depending on the weather to craft a tail. Materials again, are already about 1k. Let's just say 2 weeks/14 days in this scenario. A tail is selling at 1,700, the cheapest, and it took them 2 weeks and 1,000$ to construct. 8am to 3pm an average work day/8 hours x 14 days = 112 hours of work time to craft it. And from 1,700 you take away 1,000 for supplies which leaves you with 700$ as a tail maker in profit. 700$ profit ÷112 hours = tail makers getting paid 6.25$ an hour. That's not even minimum wage in most states. How do you justify that? It's unlawful lol.

[SeaGlass Siren]

i dont have a car.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/b8780f9ef313e5bc37ce3887dc7abe5c/tumblr_mxsz4uTzqX1t7lh6oo2_250.gif

[Theobromine]

I didn't have a wedding :lol:

I got married in a courthouse. If I'd waited to get married until I'd saved up enough for a "real" wedding, I'd still be waiting.

[Mermaid Lorelei]

i dont have a car.

http://25.media.tumblr.com/b8780f9ef313e5bc37ce3887dc7abe5c/tumblr_mxsz4uTzqX1t7lh6oo2_250.gif
The way his mouth moves makes it seem more like he's saying "...or phones." to me.

[SeaGlass Siren]

i dont have that either LOL

[PearlieMae]

Most people here are middle to lower class and I know a LOT of people that can't even afford college so be grateful that you can.

Many have saved up for many months, if not years for their silicone tails including myself. On average from what I've seen with the professional tail makers it takes 2 weeks to 4 depending on the weather to craft a tail. Materials again, are already about 1k. Let's just say 2 weeks/14 days in this scenario. A tail is selling at 1,700, the cheapest, and it took them 2 weeks and 1,000$ to construct. 8am to 3pm an average work day/8 hours x 14 days = 112 hours of work time to craft it. And from 1,700 you take away 1,000 for supplies which leaves you with 700$ as a tail maker in profit. 700$ profit ÷112 hours = tail makers getting paid 6.25$ an hour. That's not even minimum wage in most states. How do you justify that? It's unlawful lol.

TWO TO FOUR WEEKS? Maybe, if you're pouring a scale sheet and don't give a damn about side seams or painting it.

If I factor in the labor cost for a tail, I LOSE money!

[Theobromine]

I kinda figured that was more of a "best case scenario" type estimate. Because yeah, you CAN knock some of the cost off a silicone tail if you work that fast, but you're going to lose quality; you literally just won't have the time to have that much attention to detail. I can 100% attest to this @_@

[Merman Arion]

It's weird that you feel the need to paint everyone who can afford a higher-end tail as a bunch of rich snobs who drive fancy cars and eat filet mignon every day and such.

^ THIS.

This was pretty much my reaction when I read her post :

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/3121/1273/original.gif

[Merman Arion]

Also, does driving this kart count as owning a car? I'm pretty good at this game lol ;)

http://www.image-gif.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Mario-Kart-2.gif

OOOOH. LOOK AT ME. SO FANCY !!! :rainbow:

peace :mermaid kiss:

[MermaidDalni]

the amount of silicone for one tail is 200 bucks.
Where do you buy silicone! I had to spend closer to 400 + shipping for silicone for my tail. It took about 1 and a half gallon sets haha tell me your secrets!

[Calizaire]

I didn't have a wedding :lol:

I got married in a courthouse. If I'd waited to get married until I'd saved up enough for a "real" wedding, I'd still be waiting.

Me neither. Which is one of the things my husband brought up when he offered to buy me a silicone tail as a gift. He said I saved him thousands by just running off to Vegas, hahaa! No expensive dress or ceremony.

[Theobromine]

Weddings are so expensive! We kept saying we'd have a "real wedding" in a few years when we'd managed to save up enough, HAHAHAHA! Now 3+ years down the line, the idea of even trying to do something like that gives me the willies. After all the ridiculous expense and hassle we had to go through just to get my husband his visa and green card (he's from Australia) I'm just ecstatic that I get to live in the same freaking country as him!! And that...is yet another insanely long and expensive process most people don't even consider (and if I ever hear one more person say "but doesn't he become a citizen once he marries you" I am gonna punch them into next week.)

[Sea Unicorn]

Again wow yall turned into a bunch of fish sticks. The Ferrari thing was about the cost of silicone tails. Sorry if you aren't rich that was my analogy to compare the cost of one of these tails to. I will save if I want it bad enough, right now my Fin Fun tail is good enough. No need to b*** about it. It's not like I started making fun of your kid or anything. It was an analogy.

[PearlieMae]

Again wow yall turned into a bunch of fish sticks. The Ferrari thing was about the cost of silicone tails. Sorry if you aren't rich that was my analogy to compare the cost of one of these tails to. I will save if I want it bad enough, right now my Fin Fun tail is good enough. No need to b*** about it. It's not like I started making fun of your kid or anything. It was an analogy.

Awww, we were just being salty. :mermaid kiss: If you're gonna hang with the big fish, ya gotta be able to take a finslap or three. I know I get my fins nailed to the floor now and then!

[AniaR]

I own 5 silicone tails.

I am also dirt poor.

it's taken me nearly a decade to get them, and winning an award that came with money. And taking a chance on a then new tail maker.

[Theobromine]

Sea Unicorn,
it was a naive analogy, and your tone was insulting. You touched a nerve with a lot of people by making your broad sweeping assumptions. You don't need to insult people for pointing things out to you (that you clearly haven't done your research on). You say things like that, you're pretty much guaranteed to get salty responses.

[SeaGlass Siren]

^ theo basically said everything that needed to be said. :P

[Calizaire]

Again wow yall turned into a bunch of fish sticks. The Ferrari thing was about the cost of silicone tails. Sorry if you aren't rich that was my analogy to compare the cost of one of these tails to. I will save if I want it bad enough, right now my Fin Fun tail is good enough. No need to b*** about it. It's not like I started making fun of your kid or anything. It was an analogy.

To be honest, it's the sense of entitlement you're displaying that yucked me out; as if this is something you deserve just because you want it.

[Calizaire]

Weddings are so expensive! We kept saying we'd have a "real wedding" in a few years when we'd managed to save up enough, HAHAHAHA! Now 3+ years down the line, the idea of even trying to do something like that gives me the willies. After all the ridiculous expense and hassle we had to go through just to get my husband his visa and green card (he's from Australia) I'm just ecstatic that I get to live in the same freaking country as him!! And that...is yet another insanely long and expensive process most people don't even consider (and if I ever hear one more person say "but doesn't he become a citizen once he marries you" I am gonna punch them into next week.)
Hubby and I used to say the same thing; we'll have a "real" wedding "someday"...well then we both went back to school/had kids/bought house....there were always more important things to spend that kind of money on and now 12 years later we both know it's just not something we're willing to spend money on and that's ok.

[PearlieMae]

Hubby and I used to say the same thing; we'll have a "real" wedding "someday"...well then we both went back to school/had kids/bought house....there were always more important things to spend that kind of money on and now 12 years later we both know it's just not something we're willing to spend money on and that's ok.

You could always do that thing where you reaffirm your vows on your 20th anniversary (like a second wedding) and do it in Maui, make a big to-do about it, and for your gift registry, have everyone donate to your...uh...I dunno...tour of European luxury hotels!

[Calizaire]

You could always do that thing where you reaffirm your vows on your 20th anniversary (like a second wedding) and do it in Maui, make a big to-do about it, and for your gift registry, have everyone donate to your...uh...I dunno...tour of European luxury hotels!

We go back to the same little chapel in Vegas every year for our anniversary and "get married" again.
I like the idea of doing a BIG one though at 20 years!

[Raquel Skellington]

If money is the worry, how about this.. :)

I am a college student but I was lucky to get a decent paying job. Now I'm working with Tigg Tails on a payment plan to get my hybrid neo/silicone tail with extra colors and fins ect. Tigg is honestly one of the sweetest and most accommodating makers and she wants to make sure getting the tail of your dreams is possible. She'll let you break it up into as many payments as you need.

Look for makers that offer payment plans, and stick too it! The only thing i don't get is how some makers don't offer payment plans and almost expect you to pay it all up front, which I don't understand- but that's beside the point.

Set yourself a goal and I promise you, you'll be able to achieve it. I'm only 19 going on 20 and I'm able to! Im sure you can :)

[SeaGlass Siren]

see i like the option of a payment plan too if you can't afford it right away. thats what i did with one of my orders from Traci Hines.

[Mermaid Wesley]

Where do you buy silicone! I had to spend closer to 400 + shipping for silicone for my tail. It took about 1 and a half gallon sets haha tell me your secrets!

I just buy from smoothon lol where are you buying???


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[Elodea the Mermaid]

I dunno what you guys are talking about. I got a sweet Ferrari right here...
35435

[SeaGlass Siren]

i think this wins the internet xD

[Mermaid Mystery]

My Ferrari http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160129/556917e28b424231e5f6bb3dc466bb00.jpg (might I add the least comfortable way to get around. I've got just about the worst saddlesore I've ever had)

[Mer-Crazy]

Actually, FinFun's business pretty much singlehandedly saved the local economy of a small town in Idaho. Their tails are manufactured in the USA.

I apologise for my ignorant post. I did not know :(


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[Mer-Crazy]

Look for makers that offer payment plans, and stick too it! The only thing i don't get is how some makers don't offer payment plans and almost expect you to pay it all up front, which I don't understand- but that's beside the point

I think it may be due to the risk of people not paying and potentially wasting their time. For example a tail maker may state that they won't start your tail until the thing is completely paid off. But by doing that they then have to sit their waiting, holding a spot for someone who may take forever to pay (if at all because not all clients are wonderful like you (no sarcasm I promise)) when they could have already received full payment and be working on someone else's tail.

I think the main thing is that the big names are so big they can afford to be picky and demanding with their clients :)


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[Theobromine]

^^And that, folks, is how you politely accept and acknowledge a correction!

[PearlieMae]

I would have thought the same thing about Fin Fun if I didn't see the articles in Fast Company and the Wall Street Journal. No worries!

I offer a payment plan with no financing charges, and your paid-off date determines where in the production line up you are. I do need to protect myself with a non refundable deposit, but I think my payment plan and discounts are very fair.

[Raquel Skellington]

I think it may be due to the risk of people not paying and potentially wasting their time. For example a tail maker may state that they won't start your tail until the thing is completely paid off. But by doing that they then have to sit their waiting, holding a spot for someone who may take forever to pay (if at all because not all clients are wonderful like you (no sarcasm I promise)) when they could have already received full payment and be working on someone else's tail.

I think the main thing is that the big names are so big they can afford to be picky and demanding with their clients :)


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Aww thank you:blush: That I understand if they are a bigger maker, but I've had pretty new makers tell me no, even if I told them I could in 3 payments or less! Which I think is a bit weird, but no harm.
I totally understand that there are awful people that can't keep to their word! Sucks they ruin it for everyone else!!! :thumbdown:
I think it just worked out for me because Fifi is booked till march and I have till then to pay it of which im already halfway past. I just think that more makers should offer it! I know pearlie does and i think that rocks I just couldn't wait a year, I need my tail by August. :)

[Samantha Siren]

It's quite Ironic that every celebrity I have seen who probably own several Ferraris have all been spotted wearing fin fun Mermaid tails!

[PhaylennMurúch]

It's quite Ironic that every celebrity I have seen who probably own several Ferraris have all been spotted wearing fin fun Mermaid tails!

I was just thinking this last night!

[AniaR]

Cuz they all want it for a quick photo op or fun. They aren't out to be pros. Makes no sense to order silicone!

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[MermaidSabrina]

Yeah,I definitely agree with Raina,Unless you are like a Kardashian or someone who can make that much money in a matter of a day,However even if you are,Its still just not Practical.Fin-Fun is quick,inexpensive and good to lounge around and have fun in.

In my opinion on the topic at hand,I believe there are a few other factors in why they don't make these higher end tails.The first being age demographic,I'm NOT saying everyone who buys one is a kid,but the main age demographic for these tails is quite young.The idea of Parents wanting to spend this much money on a silicone/neoprene tail would not be appealing and wouldn't sell as well,If ever even having any sales at all!Another factor would be lack of consumer knowledge and safety concerns.Fin-Fun has dealt with a bit of backlash due to safety concerns in recent times,Mainly due to parents thinking its "unsafe" or "a drowning hazard" even with the safety mechanisms the tails provide.

Although I was only thirteen when I started saving for my silicone tail,I cannot think of a single child younger than I was at that point,(im 16 now btw,stopped growing at 14) that could handle something more than a fabric tail,and some kids cant even handle that (yet again I don't know many young kids,but still)Along with the concern of lousy parenting and rough use of what is most likely their first tail,it could be quite dangerous.For example a while back a video went viral of a girl in a tail in a pool,with her mother in the Background saying "do a flip!" and the child proceeds to struggle.Although the little girl was okay in the end,The parents of the internet got upset about it,even with safety mechanics built in.Things like this if they were to sell Neoprene/silicone tails , could end a LOT worse,as they would be unable to have these safety features.

Even some professionals I know and have read about NEVER swim in their silicone tails alone,even as a professional.Imagine a parent thinking it would be okay to walk away from a kid wearing a tail that heavy for a while.The child could get tired and not be able to get out,try to do a trick,or swim to the bottom of the pool,and not be able to get back up on the surface.It would likely lead to the first mermaid tail related death,a lot of anger,and lawsuits left and right,Because People don't know any better about these kinds of things and the risks they hold.Along with price of material,it would just most likely be disastrous.

[Sea Unicorn]

Yeah,I definitely agree with Raina,Unless you are like a Kardashian or someone who can make that much money in a matter of a day,However even if you are,Its still just not Practical.Fin-Fun is quick,inexpensive and good to lounge around and have fun in.

In my opinion on the topic at hand,I believe there are a few other factors in why they don't make these higher end tails.The first being age demographic,I'm NOT saying everyone who buys one is a kid,but the main age demographic for these tails is quite young.The idea of Parents wanting to spend this much money on a silicone/neoprene tail would not be appealing and wouldn't sell as well,If ever even having any sales at all!Another factor would be lack of consumer knowledge and safety concerns.Fin-Fun has dealt with a bit of backlash due to safety concerns in recent times,Mainly due to parents thinking its "unsafe" or "a drowning hazard" even with the safety mechanisms the tails provide.

Although I was only thirteen when I started saving for my silicone tail,I cannot think of a single child younger than I was at that point,(im 16 now btw,stopped growing at 14) that could handle something more than a fabric tail,and some kids cant even handle that (yet again I don't know many young kids,but still)Along with the concern of lousy parenting and rough use of what is most likely their first tail,it could be quite dangerous.For example a while back a video went viral of a girl in a tail in a pool,with her mother in the Background saying "do a flip!" and the child proceeds to struggle.Although the little girl was okay in the end,The parents of the internet got upset about it,even with safety mechanics built in.Things like this if they were to sell Neoprene/silicone tails , could end a LOT worse,as they would be unable to have these safety features.

Even some professionals I know and have read about NEVER swim in their silicone tails alone,even as a professional.Imagine a parent thinking it would be okay to walk away from a kid wearing a tail that heavy for a while.The child could get tired and not be able to get out,try to do a trick,or swim to the bottom of the pool,and not be able to get back up on the surface.It would likely lead to the first mermaid tail related death,a lot of anger,and lawsuits left and right,Because People don't know any better about these kinds of things and the risks they hold.Along with price of material,it would just most likely be disastrous.

I never thought about this. Professionals not using silicone tails alone? Maybe it's not a good idea to sell silicone tails and market them to a younger demographic. I just admire the realism of full silicone, that's why I want one so bad.

[AniaR]

I dont think silicone tails are marketed to a younger demographic for the most part. I think mertailor might be the only one who tries that but he sells to anyone, anything Most tail makers dont want the hassle because it wont fit long.

[Mermaid Jaffa]

I just watched a video of a young girl, about 12 -14 yrs, in her new mertailor tail. The saddest thing when I was watching it, is how short of a time she gets to use it before outgrowing such a beautiful creation.

[MermaidSabrina]

I dont think silicone tails are marketed to a younger demographic for the most part. I think mertailor might be the only one who tries that but he sells to anyone, anything Most tail makers dont want the hassle because it wont fit long. Exactly.Its not worth the trouble going into making such a tail,and I swear Eric will do anything to make some money,even if its not done right.It's honestly just not practical to make a tail that at most will fit the child for 6 months

[MermaidRaegan]

The only other tail maker I've seen who works in silicone for kids is Tiggs. But those aren't full silicone, and they are way cheaper than a full silicone tail. And I top of that, they seem to be for kids who are doing photoshoots or who have parents/adults around them who are into mermaiding and know the proper safety precautions.

Full silicone is a wonderful goal to aspire to, but there's a lot that goes into owning one besides the swimming. Storage, transportation, having a place to clean it and dry it out.... I was going into college when I got my first tail, and all of those things are a pain in the butt when you live in a dorm. It may take a few years to save for your dream tail, but you will probably be in a much better situation to own and care for one by then.