Archive: "Maybe I received a tail already used."

[Winged Mermaid]

This is an archived thread that was originally posted on mer.yuku.com, the predecessor to MerNetwork. For more information about mer.yuku.com, click here (http://mernetwork.com/index/content.php?136-About-MerNetwork-article).




http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNim (http://nim.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 31
01/04/11 09:58:38

After a loooooooooot of question I have asked to Eric, I had to decide to buy my tail from him… I was undecided where to buy my tail,from Mike Van Daal or from Eric Ducharme…Well…I totally wrong the seller!!!!!…I thought :"Eric have a site,maybe it was better and secure…." No-no-no and no!


I start by saying every reply from Eric was incomplete and rude.
I received the tail after 3 months (!!!) (11 August - 10 November).

The fin is with some parts without paint,there is paper stuck to the paint and signs of clothes pegs on the ankles!
It's too big in the waist and too long.
I had bought also the top,but on the shell (inside) there's paper stuck and the strings to tie are dirty with paint.
The tail and the top it's full of dirty dust and the smell is bad.But a strange thing it's the tail was wet inside!


I'm thinking the tail was used (maybe from a man looking the size).

I also paid before the delivery 300 euro (413 $) for international shipping; after,when the postman give me the box (in so poor packing!!! The packaging for shipping was horrible) I did to pay 101euro (141$) for taxes!!!!!!!
I'm totally crestfallen and angry!

But that's not all…
Eric it's haughty : 1 week after make my order,I realized I'm pregnant.( http://mer.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/cute.gif )
I asked to Mr Eric if I could cancel the order,his reply was : from the original mail :"There is no refund available. As much as I understand your feeling, you should not have processed your order if you were not in the position to do so."
But I did not know to expecting a baby!!!!!!!!!!
Now I'm at 23 weeks it's a baby boy and I'm so happy,also because I've already a daughter (1 year and 5 months)http://static.yuku.com/domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/roll.gif and they'll can play together!


I put now the photos hoping to help someone in the choice of the tail…


This is the top. It's so heavy and seems done in a hurry,grossly. The strings are dirty with paint.

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item1.jpg


the fin it's cut without color
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item2.jpg

There are scratches everywhere and the right side it's ruined.
http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/M.joK-1E%3DbuHDnX8DMqnVLI_1qYoQM.W8ZFhXU6OHdluvSuDnwsuQl cW-jxgwwl/item.JPG?rot=1


Dirt?…It's normal?…It's matt...
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item4.jpg

Here the sizes:


Around Waist : 77 cm (In my order 73 cm)
http://img.mypicturetown.com/cache/hkOBeC5m2oLD1Sr0ZFLTe5tm56.O3HAUtDUvS4T1h%3DpL6_TD ZoFf1iY7mIU1KQs/item.JPG?rot=1


Waist to knees : 65 cm (In my order 60 cm)

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item5.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item6.jpg

Around ankles : 44 cm (in my order 34 cm)

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item7.jpg

Waist to floor : 112cm (in my order 103 cm)http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item8.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item10.jpg


Here you can see the original order and the packaging




Shell TopColor OptionsPainted
Shell Top
1
$65.30


Latex Realistic Mermaid TailAvailable
Fluke OptionsTattered/ Jagged Edges
Color OptionsAqua Crush (Blue, aqua, green, turquoise)
Around Waist: Measure above the hips all the way around just along the belly button.73 centimeters
Around Hips: Measure the fullest part of your hips all the way around.96 cm
Around Knees: Measure around both knees while they are together.59 cm
Around Ankles: Place feet together and measure around both your ankles together34 cm
Waist to Floor: Measure from belly button down to the floor.103 cm
Waist to Knees: Measure from your waist down to your knees.60 cm
Shoe Size (If your shoe size is over the limit, please order the next size)Men's Size (Shoe Size 6.5-11)

latex-tail
1
$540.00


Subtotal
$605.30


Shipping & Handling
$337.45


Grand Total
$942.75






http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item11.jpg





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNim (http://nim.mer.yuku.com/)
#1


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Posts: 31
01/04/11 10:08:35
Do you believe I'm pregnant?…...http://mer.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/cute.gifhttp://mer.yuku.com/domain/bypass/images/tongue.gif


http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/winged_mermaid/MerNetwork/item12.jpg



http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifMermaidRaven (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)
#2


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/1ac26436c162ce1de270145424f43a7ed13ac61b_s.jpg (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 536
01/04/11 11:20:21
first off, thank you for posting such a thorough review with pictures and congratulations on a baby boy!:)

Now, $65 for two shells on some dirty hemp?! this makes me sooo sad. the most Ive paid for lions paw shells were 5$ each. that is such a rip off and I'm sorry.
$337.45 for shipping I would expect that tail to be packaged MUCH better, he really doesn't care about your tail after he takes your money. this only shows that more. And I think the pictures speak for themselves as for the rest of the problems:( Im SOOOOO sorry this has happened to you, hes such a jerk.


Makes me so angry.


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifCydAdeTol (http://cydadetol.mer.yuku.com/)
#3


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/e8d26336457f47d9b28419db27641bb06af26211_a.jpg (http://cydadetol.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 117
01/04/11 11:40:31
That is ridiculous. Your pictures clearly prove the wrong measurements. How are we supposed to order something "custom made" when its not even the right size! I hate the brown at the bottom of the tail where the "jagged/ tattered edges" are. Mine is like that too; you can see the glue coming out of it and it looks like a five year old with safety scissors cut it. >:(

As for your pregnancy, congrats! :) I highly doubt that he had even started when you asked him to cancel. I mean its not like you did it on purpose. Life happens, he needs to realize that and figure out policies that incorporate real life or at least give you another solution.


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.giffreethinker71 (http://freethinker71.u.yuku.com/)
#4


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Posts: 167
01/04/11 12:15:34
Raven: maybe you should share your theory on why we got a good one for anyone still thinking of ordering from him....


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNim (http://nim.mer.yuku.com/)
#5


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Posts: 31
01/04/11 13:38:35
Mermaid Raven: Yes…Two shells on some dirty hemp…If I knew,the top I would made by myself!
It's totally different from the mer-top in his site!
http://www.themertailor.com/magento/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/p/a/painted_shell_top.jpg



Cydadetol: my daughter (17 months),maybe,with a safety scissors,would cut it better! I'm sad also for your tail ç.ç


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNeotail (http://neotail.u.yuku.com/)
#6


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/7c9368f360e471a0f295bfb813b020387c864bf5_a.jpg (http://neotail.u.yuku.com/)

Posts: 144
01/04/11 14:21:51
Look at your material inside of the tail??? How is it? I hope it IS neoprene =(


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifCapt Nemo (http://capt-nemo.mer.yuku.com/)
#7


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/a45269f61a697d1194b83e30e110093fd3299de0_s.jpg (http://capt-nemo.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 573
01/05/11 06:21:26
That's not neoprene!

Looks like that crappy auto upholstery fabric Raina's tail was made from.

The dirt is a corn starch or powder to keep the tail from sticking to itself. That should rinse off.


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifgreenman692003 (http://greenman692003.mer.yuku.com/)
#8


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/676269c65b4895bc276b66c0a0351b5b72299913_a.jpg (http://greenman692003.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 24
01/05/11 10:22:57
Looking At My Mer-Tail, That I got from the Mertailor in October It is made from the same Fabric You are Right...GeeZus!http://static.yuku.com/domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/eek.gif


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifSHould (http://should.mer.yuku.com/)
#9


http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/efe265e6ae9ec8911c769ad43ef118295441375a_a.jpg (http://should.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 166
01/05/11 10:23:35
1) so sorry that you had such a lousy customer service and such a lame tail. The pictures proove it, it is not a pretty tail at all! And I am really sorry you cannot get a refund.

2) congrats on your pregnancy. At least something good came out of all this.


http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.giffreethinker71 (http://freethinker71.u.yuku.com/)
#10


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Posts: 167
01/05/11 10:45:15
Hmm.....I really don't think this is the same fabric Shell's tail was made with but I can't be sure. Anyone who has seen her pics know? Raven?

[Winged Mermaid]

http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifMermaidRaven (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)



http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/1ac26436c162ce1de270145424f43a7ed13ac61b_s.jpg (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 536
01/05/11 10:46:04

I would keep a close eye on the inside of the tail, since it was wet on the inside when you got it (which is terrible, but his photographer probably used the tail for a photoshoot before you got it) keep an eye out for mold, cause if it shipped wet like that these tails need to be dried out...Im concerned it could mold if it was in the shipping box wet for a while. just sayin.





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifraina (http://raina.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 836
01/05/11 11:58:54

Wow. I see there are areas on yours that the paint is really thin or not at all. Your tail looks a lot like mine. I wish I had taken photos when I first got mine and screen capped the measuring like you did. Then I could prove how bad my measuring was too. But Raven knows- she fixed mine!

I guarantee he hadn't started your tail before you sent him an email to explain you were pregnant, and since he knew you were pregnant and wouldn't wear it he probably did sell you an old used one.

Im sorry this happened to you, I had a similar experience. But congrats on the bouncing baby boy :)





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifCapt Nemo (http://capt-nemo.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 573
01/05/11 19:28:57

The ankle measurement is probably off due to the monofin circumference, so I wouldn't worry about that one being off, but the rest yes!





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNim (http://nim.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 31
01/14/11 06:04:06


Hello to everyone,Eric reply my e-mail :
"Manuela,

Please acknowledge that you have received this message. I have written you this message with possible solutions.

Thank you for your business and messages regarding your recent purchase. Thank you for including photos and descriptions of your complaints. This has allowed me to see what you are inquiring about.

I apologize you had a negative experience with our company. We try our hardest to make sure that each and every customer is satisfied with their product purchased from our company.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Unfortunately I can not offer a refund for the tail. It is company policy that all sales are final, however, once you have your baby I would be happy to alter the tail for you free of charge, just pay for shipping. I will even add an accent color as a bonus add on, just let me know which you would like.

After reading your recent email, I have a few things I would like to answer for you.

Shipping:

Our tails are shipped UPS, USPS, and FedEX. All of our products are shipped with insurance and packaged at a UPS facility. When you purchase our products from our online store and website, shipping and handling is calculated from one of these three companies. Unfortunately, shipping and handling fees outside of the USA are not inexpensive. We have no way to control the shipping companies prices. All packages going to other countries have additional taxes on that package that we have no control of. Depending on the country, taxes will vary if there are any. We can work with a different shipping company for your alterations if you'd like.

Wet:

This was a brand new tail created for you. The tail has never been used before nor been submerged in water. The only thing that I could think of would have be if the package had gotten wet during shipment. If this was the case, the box would have shown water damage. That would have been considered an insurance claim from shipping.

Dirt:

The white powder residue that you are talking about is not dirt. It is a baby powder to keep the tail from sticking. This can be wiped off with a damp cloth. We also recommend using baby powder on the tail when you are storing it after use.

The Tail:

All of our tails and products are hand made. There are going to be imperfections in the scale, tail, and paint designs. This tail was airbrushed with pearlescent green hues to create a wearable piece of art.

The tattered edges that look unfinished to you were photographed on our website when you purchased the product. We recently took this additional option down off of our website and have discontinued offering this option. I can paint the edges if you choose to have it altered or I can send you a small paint kit so that you can fix it yourself.

Top:

All of our tops are made from real sea shells and are hand painted to the customers order, normally to match the tail.

Measurements:

Did you try on the tail or did you just measure it? It is great that you measured it, but trying it on and stretching it out over your body is going to be more accurate. Even using your exact measurements, there are alterations that we make for monofin allowances and such. A tight fitting mermaid tail is a better fitting mermaid tail. Mermaid tails are suppose to fit like a second skin. Therefore our tails typically run smaller for proper fitting. Even with this as the case I do apologize for the apparent miscalculation. There is every possibility that an error was made when converting from centimeters to inches. I would love to fix this for you. Please put the tail on when you can and measure with it on. Please convert the measurements of what needs to be altered before sending. Also, please send pictures of where you would like the alterations so that I can have a visual reference.

I can offer you a couple options

Option 1: I would be willing to refund $10.00 for the tattered edges and a refund of $65.00 for the shell top.

Option 2: As stated before I can send you a paint kit to touch up the edges. You could also use this to paint the string all the way if you'd like, or I can send you more string.

Option 3: Send the tail and top back and I will fix both free of charge and add the bonuses discussed above, just pay shipping.

I really want to thank you for ordering from Mertailor. Please let me know which path you would like to take from here.

All the best,

Eric Ducharme"

What do you think about this mail?
What can I reply?
I don't know the America's judicial laws,but here in Italy;if you sell an item different from the site or wrong without a refund; you make a "swindle in commerce" (you can go in jail or pay a looooot of money).


Sorry for my english…http://static.yuku.com/domainskins/bypass/img/smileys/embarassed.gif I hope you can understand.






http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifAinaR (http://raina.mer.yuku.com/)




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Posts: 836
01/14/11 10:26:44

Well, I think it's absolutely wonderful that he's making an offer to help out. Honestly, he does state on the website that he wont refund tails, but I think it's excellent he goes through each of your points with you- that is more than many customers have recieved in the past.

I think you should take option 3 once you've had your baby but I would get him to write a formal letter contract so that you can hold him to it after the baby has been born which will be a while from now.

I think it's pretty reasonable that your tail did get wet if the packaging came the way you showed. That's not his fault but it's great he offers to go with someone else for shipping.

I think it's good he's not offering the tattered edge look anymore, since it seemed to cause so many problems.

I honestly think you should take option 3 :) I think that's more than reasonable, I think he makes valid points, I would just get a contract to be sure he doesn't change his mind in the long run.





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifMermaidRaven (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)



http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/1ac26436c162ce1de270145424f43a7ed13ac61b_s.jpg (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 536
01/14/11 10:30:42

I agree with Raina:)





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifbluemermaid (http://bluemermaid.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 228
01/14/11 13:00:14

I'm so happy to see Eric making such an effort to make his customers happy!





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Posts: 167
01/14/11 13:07:06

Redemption and forgiveness are possible for everyone. No one should be eternally damned. I didn't mean for that to sound like a sermon, but there it is.





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifMermaidRaven (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)



http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/1ac26436c162ce1de270145424f43a7ed13ac61b_s.jpg (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 536
01/14/11 13:26:31

I too am thrilled hes changing. despite what chris thinks, I want to see people getting good tails and I would like to think that all the negative press might have had an impact on him because if he didn't know he was doing anything wrong he cant know to fix it. that is the point of a bad review.


Like I said in other post it seams hes turning over a new leaf and I'm happy to see him doing what he should have been doing all along.

[Winged Mermaid]

http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifNim (http://nim.mer.yuku.com/)



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Posts: 31
01/15/11 02:55:30

Raina Thanks for your suggestion, but shipping overseas is expensive and long waits.


I opened a complaint on the PayPal website, but I do not know if it will successful.
If the complaint will a failure, you have a suggestion on, how to decorate and what kind of paint used to modify my tail?
For measurement errors I can ask to a seamstress, because I have fear that my sewing machine is weak for the type of fabric.





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/off_line.gifAinaR (http://raina.mer.yuku.com/)



http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/6c226346ae7e6b31364c36c8510d31288a8f570e_s.jpg (http://raina.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 836
01/15/11 09:56:54

well if you can order the createx airbrushing paint you'll be good but Ive never worked with it before. You're better of asking someone else, but Eric did offer to send you a paint kit if you'd like, so maybe you'll take that option?





http://static.yuku.com/common/bypass/images/on_line.gifMermaidRaven (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)



http://images.yuku.com/image/jpg/1ac26436c162ce1de270145424f43a7ed13ac61b_s.jpg (http://mermaidraven.mer.yuku.com/)

Posts: 536
01/15/11 11:22:59

Nim: honestly he really doesnt put that much alex on the tail if you have a machine it will probably sew right through it. I have a normal sewing machine an it sews through all of the tails I have just fine. I just put a little lube on the needle.
Also I would have him send you the paint since he offered and hopefully it will be the right color. Also I would return that top...cause 65 is just too much for that, lol Ill make you one if you want.

[Nim]

A new problem…The mono fin inside the tail it's too big and when I swim,slips away from my feet...

[Mermaid Saphira]

^ Maybe you could try a pair of latex socks??

Link--> http://www.swimoutlet.com/socks_&_Slippers_s/882.htm

[Nim]

Now,after tried the tail it in water,I'm scared because the monofin has slipped away from my feet! I almost lost my tail in the high sea...

What can I do for tighten the mono fin? There are no more bars,the band it's smooth on 10/15 cm.

This mono fin have laces,but are too long and I don't know it has been painful for me to put my feet into the foot pockets.
After two minutes out the water, leaves red marks painful on my right foot.I don't understand why,maybe because it's too big for me?And also this mono fin gives me foot cramps...
The mono fin is a "rapid".

This tail it's a totally trouble:
*I had to repainting
* I had to sew a rubber band around the hips
*I paid a shoemaker for reshape the sides (too big)

This tail cost me like a MVD tail!!! Over 1000$
I eat nervous every time I look this unusable tail,because I trusted him? At this time I had a beautiful (and swimmable) MVD tail …I'm so sad.

Sorry for my english


Thank you for the support Aqua! I'll try ^_^

[Nim]

In the meantime,I having a baby boy….I'm so happy for that!

[Mermaid Saphira]

No problem! I just want you to have a nice tail that fits, everyone deserves one! ;) Good luck