A thought about annoying discount requests for tailmakers

[Merman_Shawn]

So I KNOW many tail-makers get many emails from mostly kids, requesting free or massively discounted tails. It must be so frustrating to sift through so many e-mails from people wanting a tail for $30, $40, free!
So my thought is this. Reach out to them with a video and post it right on the front page of your website, with a title like "DISCOUNT TAILS!". The medium of video let's them see that you are a real person, and hopefully helps them realize that you are not a factory, but an individual with the same passion as them. Explain in the video that you, more than anyone else, knows the longing to have a beautiful tail to call your own. However, in reality the cost of the materials alone is *insert rounded or vague price here*, and that as much as you would like to give people tails for $40, you would go broke in no time. Go on to say something to the effect of, "I love to create art, but this is my job. I will not be offering tails at discount rates unless otherwise notified".
I'm not saying do this word for word, but the attention grabbing title alone would get the lazy readers to tune in.
Just trying to help you guys cut down on the spam.

*hopes this didn't come off as pretentious*:doh:

[Blondie]

I think that's a great idea Shawn!

I do remember being one of those kids when I first started learning about mermaiding. But I wasn't super annoying (or I hope I wasn't.) I always would email tail makers how I was interested and had to talk to my parents. I feel so stupid now when I think about it xD I think kids gets so caught up in the fact that that can be THEM wearing a tail, getting thousands of views on YouTube, looking beautiful, ect... It's sort of funny on how the beauty of mermaids literally lures them in like sailors. And I think kids always dream that there will be some sort of "give away" or if they become "friends" with a tail maker they'll get one for free at a discounted price. But what kids fail to realize is that at least 70% of the cost of a tail strictly goes to supplies. Then there's labor. It's not just an easy processes like they think...

[MermanJesse]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!


I get these on an hourly basis! :headwall:

Then they throw in there that they are only 10 or 11! Am I supposed to :yay: when they tell me this info?

[Angel the Little Merman]

I always hear things like that, I understand they're children but at the same time I just can't help but to laugh. But they need to understand that the materials to make these tails are very expensive mainly the monofin which goes up to $50-300, I just don't think they don't know of how much time and money is put into making one tail.

[Merman_Shawn]

I took it upon myself to lend MVD a hand and answer a bunch of unanswered "how much?" questions... I think I just inadvertently crushed a few prepubescent dreams lols

[Merman_Shawn]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!


I get these on an hourly basis! :headwall:

Then they throw in there that they are only 10 or 11! Am I supposed to :yay: when they tell me this info?

Jessie, you crack me up!

[happyguava]

When I was first a hobbyist mermaid in a homemade tail I used to see these posts on tailmakers' facebook walls and get really annoyed. I always thought... sure, I'd love a discount too, but I'm never going to just outright ask for one, why should these kids get a cheap tail just because they demanded it? grumblegrumblegrumble :p

It must get really annoying constantly getting these messages - Mermand Shawn, I think that video's a great idea!

[AniaR]

I get these on a daily basis and I dont make tails. ALL MY WEBSITES and my FB and my youtube all say it, and I made a video specifically saying it. I still get them daily. lol

[Kanti]

I think the video idea is a good idea because there's probably more of a chance that people will watch
that video rather than read a description or get fwded to your website to actually check themselves.
It also would make it easier when people ask, you can just say "refer to my video: "discounted tails"".

It's just tough for a kid when they want something so bad, and if they're that young they often still
have that mentality that the world revolves around them so they are entilted to it or something.

[Sitre Seer Moroaica]

With the video part make the title a fun title so they'll end up watching it for sure only to find out that those who make tails dont do discounts :P

[Mermaid Celissa]

Maybe, the title could be "50% off tails!" or something

[Ashe]

Oh, geez. I'm gonna be having to say no to all those little kids! Maybe i'll do a special sale sometime... But definately, that video sounds like a good idea!

[MermanJesse]

Other emails that I have been getting lately are like these...

"I am a beauty guru on youtube with about 75,000 subscribers. I constantly make videos and I get many views! My subscriber base is constantly growing at an average of 1,015 per day.
Anyways, I am doing a mermaid tutorial this halloween and I am doing a photo shoot and of course, video. I was wondering if you could send me one of your mermaid tails that I could use in this video. (If I love it, I would most likely do a video solely on it, like a review or a demo. I am obsessed with the idea of mermaids!) I see how much work your put into your tails and they are absolutely beautiful. As I said, my subscribers and views are growing constantly so this video will bring some business to you! If you are willing to work with me, please email back"

or this one.....

"Hye Mermaids,
I'm your MermaidGodFather and I'm here to make you a deal. I'm a model for Nikon Club Malaysia and we're having a photoshoot in about 2 or 3 months ahead and we're having it at a beach. And I also own a Youtube Channel. The first thing that pop out of my head are Mermaids and Merman for the photoshoot. I was been told by my friends on Youtube, Facebook and Twitter to check on you guys if you're interested. The deal is we need two of your tails which are swimmable and also made in silicone. I need a colour of Gold and Deep Blue Sea with scale designs on it to make it look realistic, you can add designs on the monofin to make it more attractive. And that is just all we need. And for your side, we get to commercial your tail design through the photoshoot and the video I'm going to make on Youtube, your design will go worldwide. It's really easy just send us your tails, we'll do the photoshoot with it and make a video of it and post it on Youtube and Commercial it too. You'll get plenty of hits by then, trust me. I'm requesting for Sponsorship is because that I don't have any budget to pay the Tail and we need a free tail by making a sponsorship. If you need further information or question to ask just email me back. But remember, this is a oppurtunity of once in a lifetime for you're company to make more customer, fans and money for you're company. If you reject this request, I'll still have some options from other companies to cooperate with us for the photoshoot. Like the Mertailor, Fliptails, Merbella and lots of companies that wants this Sponsorship. And I'll be happy if you're agree with my idea. Happy always and keep on wagging those tails."

They want me to GIVE them a tail to help me "promote" my work.

The first one above states "I see how much work your put into your tails and they are absolutely beautiful."

Seriously?!

[Angel the Little Merman]

Wow! Really these people should really start investing into buying their own tails instead of begging or making up some tall tale such as this. I feel bad for you and Raina to put up with that crap everyday.

[Merman_Shawn]

Other emails that I have been getting lately are like these...

"I am a beauty guru on youtube with about 75,000 subscribers. I constantly make videos and I get many views! My subscriber base is constantly growing at an average of 1,015 per day.
Anyways, I am doing a mermaid tutorial this halloween and I am doing a photo shoot and of course, video. I was wondering if you could send me one of your mermaid tails that I could use in this video. (If I love it, I would most likely do a video solely on it, like a review or a demo. I am obsessed with the idea of mermaids!) I see how much work your put into your tails and they are absolutely beautiful. As I said, my subscribers and views are growing constantly so this video will bring some business to you! If you are willing to work with me, please email back"

or this one.....

"Hye Mermaids,
I'm your MermaidGodFather and I'm here to make you a deal. I'm a model for Nikon Club Malaysia and we're having a photoshoot in about 2 or 3 months ahead and we're having it at a beach. And I also own a Youtube Channel. The first thing that pop out of my head are Mermaids and Merman for the photoshoot. I was been told by my friends on Youtube, Facebook and Twitter to check on you guys if you're interested. The deal is we need two of your tails which are swimmable and also made in silicone. I need a colour of Gold and Deep Blue Sea with scale designs on it to make it look realistic, you can add designs on the monofin to make it more attractive. And that is just all we need. And for your side, we get to commercial your tail design through the photoshoot and the video I'm going to make on Youtube, your design will go worldwide. It's really easy just send us your tails, we'll do the photoshoot with it and make a video of it and post it on Youtube and Commercial it too. You'll get plenty of hits by then, trust me. I'm requesting for Sponsorship is because that I don't have any budget to pay the Tail and we need a free tail by making a sponsorship. If you need further information or question to ask just email me back. But remember, this is a oppurtunity of once in a lifetime for you're company to make more customer, fans and money for you're company. If you reject this request, I'll still have some options from other companies to cooperate with us for the photoshoot. Like the Mertailor, Fliptails, Merbella and lots of companies that wants this Sponsorship. And I'll be happy if you're agree with my idea. Happy always and keep on wagging those tails."

They want me to GIVE them a tail to help me "promote" my work.

The first one above states "I see how much work your put into your tails and they are absolutely beautiful."

Seriously?!

All I read in those two letters was: "Give me free tails"
It's like when someone finds out I draw and do some graphic art. Suddenly they want me to produce a masterpiece for them for free. Bah!

[Merman_Shawn]

Wow! Really these people should really start investing into buying their own tails instead of begging or making up some tall tale such as this. I feel bad for you and Raina to put up with that crap everyday.

I couldn't concur with you more good Sir! :)

[Mermaid Annariea]

I could maybe understand giving someone a discount if they were going to promote the company A LOT, but for ONE PHOTOSHOOT OR COMMERCIAL OR VIDEO?
oh hell no.
and I doubt many other tailmakers would "wants this sponsership". its not a very good deal, honestly.

[Mermaid Celissa]

Jesse's already a big-time tail maker, he doesn't need some illiterate kid's help or "sponsership"

[Mermaid Annariea]

^ were they kids trying to "sponsor" him?
no wonder they had awful grammar... mostly the second one. lol.

[Kanti]

Wow Jesse did you ever respond to either of those? xD
I'd find it pretty hard to not be rude at that point, that's pretty ballsy of them to contact YOU and
ask you for a free tail.

[Ashe]

"Happy always and keep on wagging those tails" ???
We aren't dogs for crying out loud!

[MermanJesse]

Well, Dennis helps me out by answering questions that he is able to answer.

His reply to the larger paragraph:

"Thank you for your interest. Perhaps one of the other tail makers would be interested in your proposal."

After I had time to think about it, I responded with:

"Unfortunately, we do not have a tail to just "lend" to someone in hopes that it will make it back to me in the same condition it left my hands. I would have to make one in the colors you choose.

You can rent the tail for $500 with a $500 deposit. The total will be $1,000 US plus shipping to and from. Once the tail is returned to me and I inspect for damage, I will refund you $500 via PalPal. If the tail is not returned to me OR is damaged, it will be as if you bought it. No refund of $500.

We have time to make this awesome tail and get it to you, but these are our conditions. The tails are too valuable, and cost too much for me to make and just lend out every time someone asks. You are not the first.

I hope you understand the position I am in with this."

That way, if I got the tail back, I would refund the $500. If they kept the tail, I would make what I am asking for the tails.

Then the reply he sent to me was:

"Nevermind, I've just got an agreement with other tail makers. But, thanks anyway for your kind response."

:headwall:

[roamingmer]

It would be interesting to ask them for their official portfolio of work, and then cross reference the photos to see what is originally theirs. There is an interesting link about spotting plagiarism online at photo.net : http://m.photo.net/learn/photography-business/copyright-image-usage/one-photographers-story-the-birth-of-an-internet-meme-hurrr-im-a-hoers/

there are also many serious professional underwater photographers on there who are probably much more genuine.

Anyhow in keeping with this thread "when cycling to work I am viewed by many hundreds of people" and "taking the train I have a captive audience of 50 people". "if I cycle and take train at different times of the day I am potentially viewed by many thousands a day". For this reason alone, I need two mertails of your finest quality to be sent to me free of charge which of course I won't sign for. This unique offer is for you only...(sorry irony alert). Unfortunately sorting wheat from chaff is tough - good luck

[MermanJesse]

Just had an epic " :doh: " moment.

10 points for the first person to point out the question that made me :doh:!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBbRYWsQY8g

[Little_Orca]

Just had an epic " :doh: " moment.

10 points for the first person to point out the question that made me :doh:!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBbRYWsQY8g

"Where did she get that tail?"


Did I win? Do I get the points? Is that enough for a free tail? (hehe)

[MermanJesse]

"Where did she get that tail?"


Did I win? Do I get the points? Is that enough for a free tail? (hehe)

DING DING DING!

Yes you get 10 points, no you don't redeem them for prizes. It's like "Whose Line" points don't matter....LOL

[Little_Orca]

Awww *sniffle!* hehe

[Mermaid Narina]

Some people who ask for free tails are shameless. I mean, honestly! I guess I'm classified as a "kid" being 15, but i wouldn't dare ask someone like Jesse for a tail :O i can see how much hard work and talent goes into them!
They are amaaazing Jesse! just so you know :D

[Mermaid Celissa]

In all fairness, when I was a little kid, I imagined tails like Mertailor's or something to be much cheaper. I pointed one out to my dad and was like, "Daddy, will you get me this for my birthday?" "How much is it?" "$50." LAWL AT MY RETARDEDNESS

[Kanti]

Lmao sometimes I even wonder why there's video descriptions xD Not like people read them anyway.

Lol on a different note Sasha totally rocked that tail. It looks so UMPH compared to the other tails there
it's a pimped out tail xD

[AniaR]

I still get the questions even with a video. I also get people telling me crazy stories about how bad they want me to give them a tail. it's like, if you want one, WHY ARE YOU ASKING SOMEONE WHO DOESNT HAVE ANY TO GIVE. I still get asked for my OLD tail that I already passed on CONSTANTLY.

[Samantha Siren]

I chat to Stevi from fish butts all the time and I'm sure you get this too Jesse, You all mention how it's the kids demanding discounts or free tails, but Stevi has told me of many an email where she has thought it's been a child but it has actually in fact been the parents! I'm in despair every time she tells me a new story!

[Mermaid Celissa]

I chat to Stevi from fish butts all the time and I'm sure you get this too Jesse, You all mention how it's the kids demanding discounts or free tails, but Stevi has told me of many an email where she has thought it's been a child but it has actually in fact been the parents! I'm in despair every time she tells me a new story!


"Storytime with Stevi"

[SilverSiren]

You could just give them a free tail... find or make a coloring page with a tail on it, cut it out, send. Ta da! Here's your free customizable tail!

[Mermaid Marissa]

I think that is a great idea! I get asked if I could make people tails...I DONT EVEN MAKE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!! :headwall:

[MermanJesse]

You could just give them a free tail... find or make a coloring page with a tail on it, cut it out, send. Ta da! Here's your free customizable tail!

Actually, that is a GREAT idea!

I am going to start doing that!

[SilverSiren]

Actually, that is a GREAT idea!

I am going to start doing that!

Always a pleasure to serve in the most sarcastic way possible ;)

[MiniMermaid]

I do completely agree with you even though I'm a kid myself. 12, almost 13. A lot of kids don't understand the fact that other people are poor too! If people discounted the prices just because you asked, they'd be out of business in a matter of seconds. Perhaps if their parents would teach their kids about how the world is today ( as mine did to me, I'm not you're average 12 year old, knowing 3 languages and being able to actually understand the conversations that my parents have about whatever. XD )

Some people say ' You should be having more fun while you can! ' and more things like that, yet they don't realize I do, I just got all this information from actually listening in class and to my parents or brothers.

Back to the point, some kids are annoying and some are more mature. It really just depends on how their raised, some are raised more care-free, being allowed to go everywhere on the internet and emailing people they don't even know and asking for free things, or you know, begging their parents to buy it for them. Though that rarely happens and when it does, they usually become uninterested in the tails after a few months or so. Others are raised differently.

I'm pretty sure I've made my point. Sorry about ranting on and on, this was meant to be quick and simple, but whatever.

[Mermaid Annariea]

minimermaid, its nice to know that there are some younger kids who arent immature and bratty. sadly, a lot are these days.
also, LUCKY YOU FOR KNOWING 3 LANGUAGES!!!! i wish i had learned at a young age. i want to learn italian SO badly, but its hard to find the time or a program that isnt super expensive, haha. what languages do you know?

[MiniMermaid]

I know English, French as I was born and live in Canada and Vietnamese since I am 100% Vietnamese, other than the fact not being born or raised there. Though I do visit every year or so.

Also, you can still learn Italian even if you're older and are used to a certain language. As an adult, you can learn it faster as its easier for your brain to wrap around complicated things. As for the time, you could do it in any of your spare time wether its 10 or 5 minutes, or multi-task if you're up to it.

Trying to find a good program that's cheap is hard, I've tried since I'm fascinated with Japan, it's culture and it's language. After trying to learn it for a couple months, I realized something. Ask yourself this, have you ever seen a baby with its head stuck in a grammar book or anything similar? No. We don't teach them the language, we kind of just expect the baby to pick up a few words by listening to others who already speak fluently. Keep that in mind. That's about all the tips I know about picking up a language by yourself. It is a longer method, but is probably the cheapest method. I already know a couple words of Japanese, and can read Japanese fluently if in roman letters and not the Japanese characters. I'm sure it'll be exactly the same, if not easier for you.

Yeahhh.........I don't sound like a 12 year old do I?