PDA

View Full Version : Swimtails is out of business for good



Mermoviemedic
09-21-2019, 07:23 PM
People started posting that they got notices they were getting refunds, then the Swimtails IG sight was taken down now one of their ambassadors posted this on FB
43835

MidsummerMermaid
09-21-2019, 08:00 PM
Oh my god that's insane. Not terribly surprising but still, they're one of the major tail makers

Sent from my LM-X212(G) using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

chickcasa
09-21-2019, 09:12 PM
Very interesting. I only started reading about all this drama yesterday, when I got an email notifying me that an order I had placed a week prior was refunded but given no information on why. I emailed support, but in the meantime did some googling and read what's been going on with the company the past year or so and found this forum in the process. In any case, I received the following email from them today in response:

"Hello Katy,Your Current Order has been canceled and refunded, due to a shortage of necessary materials to complete production.
A full Refund has been processed, please allow up to 3-10 business days to see that credit on your account, depending on your bank or financial institution.
If you have any questions regarding the refund, please let us know.


The cart is closed for the foreseeable future, however if and when it does reopen, we will notify you and provide a special discount code if you wish to place your order at a future time. We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience.


Fincerely,
Ryan Newman"


So they clearly aren't telling their customers if they are, in fact, shutting down for good. I can't say I have a strong opinion on them closing down, just some disappointment because I really like their tails (I have 2 already) but I'm definitely not on board with their use of images they didn't have permission to profit off of OR the issues with failing to honor orders or ensure refunds were successful in the past.

Guess I will have to try and take in my current tail, since I like the Mahina and don't like any of the other options using that fin currently.

Mermoviemedic
09-22-2019, 12:39 PM
Very interesting. I only started reading about all this drama yesterday, when I got an email notifying me that an order I had placed a week prior was refunded but given no information on why. I emailed support, but in the meantime did some googling and read what's been going on with the company the past year or so and found this forum in the process. In any case, I received the following email from them today in response:

"Hello Katy,Your Current Order has been canceled and refunded, due to a shortage of necessary materials to complete production.
A full Refund has been processed, please allow up to 3-10 business days to see that credit on your account, depending on your bank or financial institution.
If you have any questions regarding the refund, please let us know.


The cart is closed for the foreseeable future, however if and when it does reopen, we will notify you and provide a special discount code if you wish to place your order at a future time. We apologize sincerely for the inconvenience.


Fincerely,
Ryan Newman"


So they clearly aren't telling their customers if they are, in fact, shutting down for good. I can't say I have a strong opinion on them closing down, just some disappointment because I really like their tails (I have 2 already) but I'm definitely not on board with their use of images they didn't have permission to profit off of OR the issues with failing to honor orders or ensure refunds were successful in the past.

Guess I will have to try and take in my current tail, since I like the Mahina and don't like any of the other options using that fin currently.

At least this time Vs last time (2018) they are sending out notices and (hopefully) refunds (though no one has gotten one yet, but the notices have only just gone out and it does take a few days to process those). Honestly without putting out a PA of some kind first (after the last time they nose dived) I really don't see how they could make a 3rd comeback.

MerNetworkMod
09-22-2019, 06:24 PM
So I have background checked this and seen screen shots of multiple emails that people have reported. So here are the facts as I can confirm them:

Swimtails started to refund people without any warning. However none of these people have actually gotten their refunds yet, just the notification on their invoices. If you are impacted by this, keep an eye on your credit card to see if you are refunded. A few people reported that Swimtails did this in the past and all they did was mark the invoices refunded. They didn't actually get any money, which according to the people who posted, Swimtails tried to blame it on their banks but it was proven they didn't actually refund people. So be sure to keep an eye on it, and file a claim with your credit card company if the refund doesn't come through. You can use the cancelled invoice as proof.

People might want to use this thread for keeping track.

I haven't got all the back end of the site figured out yet, but I'll speak to Iona about adding swimtails to the tail maker black list.

chickcasa
09-22-2019, 10:19 PM
At least this time Vs last time (2018) they are sending out notices and (hopefully) refunds (though no one has gotten one yet, but the notices have only just gone out and it does take a few days to process those). Honestly without putting out a PA of some kind first (after the last time they nose dived) I really don't see how they could make a 3rd comeback.

Yep this was my thoughts, at least they just cancelled the orders relatively quickly instead of waiting for people to start hunting them down, but I'm still going to keep my eyes peeled to make sure the refund actually comes through.

They clearly don't understand the concept of paying attention to how many orders are coming through and shutting off orders BEFORE they are too low on materials (if that is even the actual reason this happened this time.) And yes, they turned of checkout but NOWHERE on their website does it state they aren't taking orders and you are still able to add items to the cart. It's not like it's unusual for growing tail makers to have to stop taking orders because demand outpaces supply. That's totally normal. What's NOT normal is not being transparent about everything.

I also noticed that their IG was first empty then completely gone yesterday, but is back up today though the profile info says CLOSED. Again, you'd expect they put up a post on there and Facebook saying "hey we're closed for orders due to high volume" or "sorry we are no longer open for business." They may have learned some things last year but clearly not enough.

Mermaid Jaffa
09-23-2019, 04:54 AM
What a shame. *SIGH* They do have nice tails.
But their website is still open.

MerNetworkMod
09-23-2019, 08:53 AM
It's very odd they've kept the website open. There's the potential for people to still go an order.

Yannatar
09-23-2019, 08:57 AM
My first tgought was that they closed jist the cart because Shopify left them.

Sent from my VTR-L09 using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Slim
09-23-2019, 09:00 AM
It's very odd they've kept the website open. There's the potential for people to still go an order.

You’ll get an error message when you go to checkout


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork

Trade Winds
09-23-2019, 01:21 PM
I've seen them claim they are closing due to knock offs being produced and stealing their business. They are to release a statement later this week according to some FB posts I've seen from others. That reasoning is a cover up even tho I have seen knock offs of betta tails on amazon.

AniaR
09-23-2019, 03:47 PM
So this whole thing just reeks.

How can people be stealing from them when their designs are made FROM STOCK that is mostly royalty free? ANYONE can access it. Yes knock offs happen for sure, but when you're using content that is legally and publicly available, yeah others are gonna use it.

Some of the posts I have seen from Ryan contradict himself and it seems like he's throwing shade at his wife IMO. Some passive aggressive replies in emails about tails nearly being done but management choosing to cancel. Like that doesn't seem appropriate to me at all but he gaslights so much on FB posts I am of the opinion there's an abusive personality going on there, personally.

It seems a bit of karma if they indeed go under due to theft, considering they have stolen designs from at least 3 with a possible 4th that I know of (documented in the other threads here).

I hope if they do try to stage a come back people never buy from this company again. So many shady deals, people who years later still haven't gotten tails or been refunded, his behaviour online towards clients (calling one mentally ill!) it's unacceptable.

PhaylennMurúch
09-23-2019, 08:49 PM
I've seen them claim they are closing due to knock offs being produced and stealing their business. They are to release a statement later this week according to some FB posts I've seen from others. That reasoning is a cover up even tho I have seen knock offs of betta tails on amazon.



I call bullshit, in the SEA of knockoff tails on Ali or Wish or any of the others, probably less than a percent of them are swimtails. IMHO it's a "valid" enough reason to pass the blame of their disgusting behavior over the past year (at least) instead of admitting fault for their actions and their attempts at art theft

Satine
09-23-2019, 10:04 PM
Ok so something no one has mentioned that is also possible! Last year swim tails blew up and the wife I’m not sure what her name is posted on Instagram about she was very sad swimtails would be closing because her husband couldn’t keep it in his pants with an employee! And was upset because the store was her baby! Then it all got pulled cause Ryan prob got access to it all!

What I am wondering is if they have been in the process of getting a divorce and determining who has rights to the business to make business decisions! And maybe it got settled and the person probably the wife chose to shut it down especially if a investor had pulled out!

I bet this played some part in the blow up just not sure how much!


Sent from my iPhone using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

AniaR
09-24-2019, 08:25 AM
Oh yeah that's what I am eluding to with him seemingly passing the buck to his wife. I KNOW that happened despite them changing their story afterwards, because I messaged his wife!

chickcasa
09-24-2019, 03:31 PM
UPDATE- I received my refund. So at least there's that? Will probably be ordering a mertailor though I really didn't want to spend the money on an additional fin.

I'm not convinced they are closed for good, considering their website is still up and the Instagram has a new post today. They have comments turned off on IG, probably to avoid drama in the comments from the current situation. Seriously though if they wanted to handle this thing right they would have a big banner on their site saying NOT TAKING ORDERS and it wouldn't be possible to add items to the cart. I don't think simply getting an error when you're ready to check out is enough. All that does is avoid them having to issue more refunds, which is clearly about making things easier on THEM and not considering the customer experience. Even just marking everything as out of stock would be better.

Sirenea
09-24-2019, 10:34 PM
From what they told me, they said that they will be having one big final sale before shutting down

Sent from my SM-G950U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

AniaR
09-24-2019, 10:41 PM
From what they told me, they said that they will be having one big final sale before shutting down

Sent from my SM-G950U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

After cancelling a bunch of people's orders? LOL that's not gonna go over well

chickcasa
09-24-2019, 10:59 PM
I mean if I can re order the exact tail I was just refunded for cheaper I am not going to complain. Or if I can afford a fancier tail with the sale price. Since I actually did get a refund if they legitimately have a going out of business sale I may take full advantage.

the.tattooed.mermaid78
09-25-2019, 02:46 AM
I just got a mertailor fantasea fin three and skin and it's amazing. I know they are expensive but trust me when I say you will "NOT" be sorry. I'm taking Beryl (that's what I've named my tail) to my local pool tomorrow to really open her up, but it's by far the best tail ive ever bought

Sent from my SM-G960F using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Mermaid Jaffa
09-25-2019, 03:53 AM
I will believe it when they that mega final sale. A proper sale where the prices are a quarter of the original price and not just a few dollars off like it is now.

Kwilena
09-25-2019, 05:03 AM
I am tempted by this final sale but if they just take the money and evaporate I can't very well chase them from down here in Australia. I'm pretty sad about it. They were one of the most innovative fabric tail designers. The rays, the sharks, the Bettas.... sigh. I loved their stuff and their original customer service was great for me.

moomer
09-25-2019, 07:17 AM
I am tempted by this final sale but if they just take the money and evaporate I can't very well chase them from down here in Australia. I'm pretty sad about it.

I'm in the same boat. I have been lusting after a Betta tail for a years now, and finally decided to bite the bullet for my 30th in December, when I heard they were closing.
It's so tempting to grab a tail on sale, but I am just SO wary of them...

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Kwilena
09-25-2019, 09:03 AM
I'm in the same boat. I have been lusting after a Betta tail for a years now, and finally decided to bite the bullet for my 30th in December, when I heard they were closing.
It's so tempting to grab a tail on sale, but I am just SO wary of them...

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk


I'm sorry to hear that. The Sunset Pro was my first love, and I love so many of their designs but, yeah, depends on the price as to whether I take a risk. I think the Betta leggings are kind of cool too.

Mermoviemedic
09-25-2019, 08:29 PM
You can bet your dosal fins "all sales will be final, no refunds or exchanges" who is to say these tails are not the returns that came back due to damage in shipping or were returned due to a problem? I would put a 50/50 chance on this. nor have they said anything about about lower prices Just that they have a limited number of items and they are having a "sale" which could mean anything from the cart is open to only certain items are marked down. I took the safe route, I got one in great shape gently used. and saved myself the grief of that company (and used PayPal to boot).
Just Saying to those willing to take the chance, be careful. Ursula has been known to keep,your voice and turn you into seafoam in the end.

Kwilena
10-01-2019, 04:52 AM
The final sale has proved dissappointing to me so far but apparently they are behind on loading tails to the site.

Mermaid Jaffa
10-01-2019, 05:00 AM
The final sale has proved dissappointing to me so far but apparently they are behind on loading tails to the site.

Maybe that's all that's really left? I dunno, kinda meh about it too. Was going to snap up a tail but after conversion rates, I think paying rent is more important than buying a fancy tail!

chickcasa
10-01-2019, 05:11 AM
I'm not sure they have more tails left. They only specifically said, at least that I have found publicly, that they still have to list the *fins.* I asked on one of their Facebook posts if they will be listing more tails but don't believe I've gotten a response. I was hesitant to buy a Hydra tail without the vinyl.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already listed the tails they had on hand. I wouldn't expect they keep a lot of stock, as they typically made the tails after they were ordered so what would they really have much stock on hand for ya know?

Sirenea
10-03-2019, 11:04 PM
I'm kinda sad they're closed despite all the issues. I really wanted one of their serpent tails. For a mermaid on a budget their prices were hard to beat.

Sent from my SM-G950U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

Kwilena
10-03-2019, 11:18 PM
I'm kinda sad they're closed despite all the issues. I really wanted one of their serpent tails. For a mermaid on a budget their prices were hard to beat.

Sent from my SM-G950U using MerNetwork mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=95032)

They had some amazing stuff I was really tempted by. I didn't really care for the Bettas, but the Cleopatra and the Serpent and Dragon and that cool Triggerfish were on my radar.
And I love my Sunset pro. *sigh* I'm going to miss them.

Floppus
10-20-2022, 10:00 AM
Good afternoon, friend. When running a business, it's important to remember to do your paperwork correctly. Doing it right can raise a lot of questions, but with the online service https://www.pandawaiver.com/ you can do it quickly, streamlining your work. I think you should try it personally. Good luck!

Trafalgar
02-12-2024, 02:00 PM
Nowadays, it is very difficult to find ways on how you can run your Facebook ads properly. And this is very important for today. After all, through social networks is the most massive traffic and there is easy to find the target audience in order to attract it to your web resource. Luckily I found https://leadpanda.media/ru/blog/reklama-v-fejsbutsi/ and now I hope it will be useful for you too. I now steadily run such ads everywhere.