Hello, it's me again!
Sorry for the interruption, but I am having difficulty getting ahold of blowup_boy. If he could respond to my email, that would be great.
Thanks!
Calling blowup_boy (again)
Fri, 10/25/2013 - 12:36
#1
Calling blowup_boy (again)
Sat, 10/26/2013 - 07:15
#3
He posted a journal at FurAffinity. I'm sad to hear that they're not doing custom one-off designs anymore. I'm also sad to hear that their quality of service has declined.
Sat, 10/26/2013 - 08:56
#4
I did receive that email from him, but I had a question that emailed to him I have not yet received an answer to, hence this post.
Sun, 10/27/2013 - 17:18
#5
Yeah I'm hitting a year of waiting on my very expensive piece next month. It's reassuring to know there are only 12 of us left though. Some hope.
Sun, 10/27/2013 - 22:49
#6
blowup_boy
Yep, I'm a terrible person.
As I said, I haven't taken orders in months just trying to sort out workshop issues. They have pushed our 4 orders for me already.
Yours Dan is a complete custom new pattern which will take more time than an off the shelf design. So hopefully we can get it all down soon and get it out to you.
Honestly folks. I've put a considerable amount of effort, money and now debt into this business. I've focused on the community and really tried to supply things, like the wonka outfits that have never been done before. Keeping prices with in reasonable means so they are available to all, not just the wealthy.
But, with recent personal problems and workshop issues (which are now sorted) I'm questioning if I can recover the negative reputation that has happened to myself and the business. As well as some very nasty members of the community words towards myself and squeak.
I've been very open about issues. But I guess it's true that people are happy to shout your failures and whisper your success.
After these orders are done, I have to question if it's worth going into any more debt to rebuild the website with order system and bring squeak back online and into the community. Starting to feel less worth while.
Those who have been waiting, I thank you for your patients and understanding.
Sorry for everything, but I'm doing all I can to run this company.
Tue, 12/03/2013 - 00:06
#7
I've heard nothing but good things about your buisness, and still plan to buy a suit from you.
Mon, 10/28/2013 - 07:10
#8
As I stated in my email to you, I think any negative reputation that you might have garnered from this would be healed by making sure you stay on top of requests for updates. Even something as simple as "We're still working on it" is sufficient (at least for me). Without news, however, as customers, we're left entirely in the dark, especially if requests for updates through email are left unanswered (in the deepest darkened recesses of my mind, I worried that the money I spent would vanish without anything to ever show for it--I did not want to believe that you 'ran off with my money' but parts of me felt that way at times).
I say, if you enjoy doing this, please continue to do so, keeping my ideas in mind. If this has become too much for you to handle, I understand and it is regrettable. So many custom latex-suit shops close and it'd be a pity for yet another one to close, but I would understand.
I hope you don't close up shop. I hope you continue making us all puffy in the years to come. :)
Tue, 12/03/2013 - 19:03
#9
Blowup_boy - I just thought a message of reassurance was required here.
As someone who runs my own business (nothing as exciting as yours, though!!) I, too, struggle to stay on top of emails (I've just returned from a fortnight's holiday which I intended to take in September, but couldn't due to workload, and returned to find 450 messages in my inbox!)
Communication, however, is an easy art to master - as danielsangeo said, a brief (even one-line) email often is all that's required to give somebody enough reassurance that you haven't forgotten about them. If you don't, though, it inevitably leads people to panic that they've paid for something that they're never going to get (plus it's not as if they can just pop down the road to see you to find out what's happening with their order).
I don't know the extent of the personal problems you have had (that's not for me to poke my nose in) but nevertheless, I hope they are soon behind you along with the workshop issues.
I work very hard to run my business and, as you say, people are quick to shout about the problems and slow to whisper about the successes - but sadly that's human nature you're dealing with. As for the nasty members of the community who've made negative comments, you will always get back-stabbers and people who, frankly, would love to see you fail. I know I do - my business and the fact I own it is probably the root of jealousy in some people's eyes.
In reality, they're probably just jealous that they don't have the wherewithal to do what you've done in creating Squeak Latex.
I will admit I do have a strong vested interest in posting this, because I'm desperate to get my hands on a Blueberry Ball Suit from you. Sadly, money doesn't permit at the moment as I'm soon finally moving in with my girlfriend... she's well aware of my inflation fetish and thinks it's weird but rather funny, so hopefully she won't object too much when I tell her what I'm buying from you in the future!!
So, for my sake and other future customers, I urge you to keep going.
Just remember who your friends are (i.e. your customers) and, as long as they are happy, you don't need to - and shouldn't - listen to what anybody else says. And, as for other companies stealing your ideas and work (as I'm aware has happened), take it on the chin, turn it into a positive and realise that it's a back-handed compliment because your pie is so tasty, they want a slice of it too - it's happened to me with my business (disgruntled former co-worker leaves and creates a rival company) but I've already taken many steps to ensure that I will have the last laugh eventually - make sure you do too and keep your head held high.
Don't let the b*****ds grind you down!
He definitely seems to be REALLY bad about getting back to people, I've heard of some people waiting for around a year to get something they ordered.