Orders being made

[snowglider2319]

While I can appreciate that Bear is having problems which need to be focused on, that should not make it OK for him to lie to customers like he has been. I would like to hear the truth about my order, no matter how bleak it may be, and I'm certainly not alone.

I saw my number on a "being made" list back in June, and on another just a few days ago. If things continue in the same manner, I will probably see it briefly mentioned in a couple of months, before mysteriously disappearing yet again. At this point, it's almost like a game, "How long can my order possibly take?" I can't really get my hopes up.

As a customer of any business, I'm entitled to complain--publicly, no less--if I feel something is wrong. I'm not expecting to get a coupon for a free Coke because my meal arrived cold, but I think people deserve to know what they're getting into when they order from this site.

I should probably quit while I'm ahead here. To reiterate from my last post, I'm not even really upset that my order is taking so long. Disappointed, sure, but I'm far from angry, and I'd still like to see things improve for Bear's business--for both his sake, and his customers'.

[knotme]

I will agree that changes do need to be made to reflect the current back logged status, but I dont think publicly is the place to do that, it will deter new customers, something businesses also NEED to keep going.  Customers come and go when they either run out of things to buy or are completely unhappy with the product.  Bears product delivers quality and bear is just a one man operation and doesnt have a factory to do this in....if he did the prices would be about as much as Bad Dragons.  I cant say what I know but sometime life takes priority over a bunch of silly sex toys.  Yes the current and back logged need to be filled and customers need truthful information concerning their orders....put yourslef in bears shoes....if you went through everything he did from bad weather, to not getting supplies, almost having the shop burn down, to his vehicles breaking down and other life events how would feel?

Your toys are being made and will be out to you when he can get to them!

[snowglider2319]

I will agree that changes do need to be made to reflect the current back logged status, but I dont think publicly is the place to do that, it will deter new customers, something businesses also NEED to keep going.  Customers come and go when they either run out of things to buy or are completely unhappy with the product.

Customers are certainly going to be "unhappy with the product" if they are told "atleast 4 weeks" and it's more along the lines of 3 months or more. I would rather be informed of the backlog--and choose to help Bear's business by purchasing his toys, regardless of the long wait--than be completely in the dark about the situation and become angry when my toys don't show up, despite continual insistence that he will be getting them "out to [me] very shortly."

Back when Zeta Creations was the only animal dildo company around, Bear did not exactly need to keep his customers happy because he was the only choice (I am not saying that he didn't keep them happy, I am saying that he didn't have to keep them happy). These days, there is competition--I won't mention specifics, but I could name four other companies that make animal dildos currently. People have options now. This makes it incredibly important for Bear to please his customers, because now they have elsewhere they can go.

I hate to break it to you, but it's just like out in nature (furries and zoos like animals, right? Then they should know this part): The old and sickly die and are replaced by the young and robust. The market evolves and favors those who have a good customer record, and those that do not are destined to fail. Businesses need to adapt, there is no way around it.

If Bear wants to keep his customers, he needs to keep them happy. In order to keep them happy, he needs to be open and honest about what is going on. A little honesty can go a long way in people's minds.

I have never owned my own business, and I can't say how to fix this whole situation. But you aren't going to stop the dissatisfied customers from voicing their opinions, and I don't think you ever should. One way or another, word gets around, and censorship would not be good for Zeta Pawz's image. It would look far worse to potential customers than any backlog. It seems that Talarath and Brownbear both know this, but the long-time fans don't seem to understand.

[Flamey]

I like how everyone is stressing for a toy, kinda looks desperate haha. I have been waiting since the beginning of May, people have been waiting since January. I am sure he is trying to get stuff out as quick as he can. He has had personal problems and if people don't take that into consideration then they have some serious problems themselves.

[Trissdv]

I love when people respond without actually reading the issue..

I commented on the fact that -a lot- of people over -a good period of time, predating current known issues- are told when they send tickets that their order will be completed and shipped in a day, 3 days, a week...etc, and 2 months later what happened is a mystery. I stated that it makes me nervous because it looks really shady and is never addressed, just complained about. What is being discussed has nothing to do with initial production wait time. Bear's problems cannot possibly account for this, it's not an issue of a week delay on getting it to the post office, but month+ delays on just shipping when people are told it's all done and good to go. And it's not even about taking awhile to ship, but being told incorrect info or not being followed up with if it doesn't work out. I think most of us understand at this point (regardless of right or wrong business practice or presented information) that there are general production delays, and are generally not complaining about that, so I don't know why all the defenders always have to make it about that and use it as a mantra, that's not what the issue is about, we get it.

Again, not about wait time, but being told one thing and no follow through.

I am not saying Bear intentionally lies to customers but it -does- feel like he acquiesces to anyone asking after their order to avoid confrontation in telling them they will just have to wait for awhile (I've never seen someone report sending a ticket and being told anything except that it will be done or is done). It may not be that it doesn't happen though and we just don't hear about it, but we never see any sort of explanation and it happens too often to be a rare mistake IMO. I wasn't making the comment to start some big debate or conflict, but I'm commenting now because I really don't want to see people misinterpreting it yet again and having another pointless argument raging. Though I will say, again, that whatever the issue is, it is not mandatory for customers to be ultra lenient because of his personal issues, whether they affect business or not, so please stop demanding that we have to take that in to consideration or else we are this or that or terrible. Just as it is his option and not obligation to rush orders or do something special upon a request for extenuating circumstances. Most of us choose to be understanding where it's logical, just as he tries to give us what we ask when it's possible.

P.S. As for said other company, their prices are not that much worse honestly... I am paying $20 more (than the approximately $80 I am spending with Zeta right now) for something I think is slightly larger, I know is still good quality, and with multiple customized options that I do not have here, and of course it will be here much quicker. Without the customizations the prices are not that different, considering the other company has several more costs such as multiple size molds, staff, facilities, and tons more investment and expenditure I'm sure.

I am not saying they are better or saying go for them, as usual I am only telling it how I see the unbiased facts because it's yet another excuse/reason I am tired of seeing used, "He can't do that, prices will go up like theirs is". Honestly I don't think many of us would mind if they did go up a little if it got things on track and improved! People who mock the fact these are sex toys seem to forget that $80 is still $80, some pay even more, some buy multiple toys! That's a lot of money to some! I don't care what they are, that's some decent change to be out of with nothing to show for half a year+. But most of us know these are investments of sorts, so a $10 hike isn't all that scary. I like Zeta too obviously, they have designs that other places don't have, that I find very interesting, which is why I want them and if all the problems were fixed and I had to pay a little more for a premium product that's cool. And I've seen enough horror stories about asking for a refund that I'd probably get the toy at this point before the refund would happen anyways, so you are damned to ride it out either way.

tl:dr: Explaining what the current gripe is about, not what defenders are taking it as. Commenting to set things straight, not to stir a debate, it is what it is and there is nothing we can do about it but vote with our money either way. Not trying to flame, troll, or cause an issue, my intentions are just speaking concerns and playing devil's advocate. My own views and tolerances may differ from the points I make.

[icey_kitsune]

im not directing this at anyone in particular im just saying in general. so dont think of putting the thick pointy stick up your butt over it.

while discussing publicly a problem you have is, to a degree, something that should be seen for every company, there is a point at which the discussing becomes more just complaining that your not being treated as the best customer in the world. i understand some of the folks have been told "yes ill get your toy out soon" or whatever you have to realise, every time someone complains their order is taking too long bear then has to decide if he is going to push someone elses order off (who may have been waiting even longer and more paitently) or tell you he will get to it as soon as he can.

this is a small business, that means you can expect longer wait times and HIGHER quality. there are other places that do the same style products but how often have you heard about failed toys from bear? 3? 4 times? while the other companys either send out the toy as is (even if it has had a major defect, i have seen them, i had one) or they have a dedicated section on their website listing products with issues.

there is also the fact that if bear decides to push your order forward and make it right away when you complain, there could be a problem with the order update.

for example, someone complains they want their oskar right away for whatever reason. brownbear says he will get it out right away so he goes and pours the toy. he goes and looks through all the orders and has 10+ infront of you. he clicks on what he thought was your order (remember your not the only one contacting and wanting your toy, he might have had 5 or more emails within that week saying they want their oskar shipped out because they are tired of waiting) and puts down that its poured and will be ready to ship once it has set. now this pushes every other oskar toy that was ordered back an additional amount of time (maybe even yours) which causes him to recieve even more complaints about delays.

now he could try and hire more workers to help him make the casts, but how is that going to help any when he will have to purchase more molds before he can cast more? whos to say he doesnt have almost every mold in use each day?

now with all the sudden spike in folks complaining publicly about how their order is taking so long it doesnt supprise me that bear doesnt come on and post anymore. along with his mates medical problems, his truck breaking down, the fire in the workshop, the nasty weather this year, he is now getting more stress trying to keep up with getting delayed toys out to satisfy customers who dont want to wait their turn.

from what i have learned about brownbear he doesnt take vacations, he does this because he enjoys it. i wouldnt be supprised if he is working 7 days a week at this point to try and get caught up. and im certain if you were in his situation (running your own business, mate with sudden medical problems, only mode of transportation gone for several weeks, trying to catch up with orders backed up from january) you would try everything you could to keep your customers happy so that you can continue your work. but remember each time he gives one customer preference so they can have their toy done (even if the toy he makes doesnt get sent to the actual person but another person with the same order and doing the same complaining) it pushes EVERYONE else back.

now sure, bear could dump every last dime he has (which he also has to plan for his mates medical right now) toward expanding his shop, hiring more workers, buying more molds, and overall making himself into what other companies already are but in doing so the prices will go up and he will have to take time from filling orders to train the new workers and you will also see the quality drop. now i wont say that hiring 1 or 2 more helpers (or volunteers, both that come with a whole mess of paperwork) isnt a bad idea, but if he hires too many workers, each toy that is made can have multiple variances in density, quality of color, firmness (ive heard other companies that have a range for each firmness because they cant control the quality as well) all of which can cost him.

now i have yet to buy a silicone toy from zeta or other similar companies (some because of the price and/or the fact i have to pay extra for features i believe should be standard) but i still feel that brownbear has had more quality than any toy company i have purchased from (and i have bought from other small businesses and large ones aswell) and i support that he is running his own business, i know how hard it can be (i have worked in one) and that makes each of my purchases (current and future) worth more.

now i will disappear for a while

[TheFlameCrow]

I hate the wait time since my mate is borrowing a toy I like while we wait for his to be made... I'd be happier if I could use my $5 credit on this old order to get said $5 back. But it seems even that is going onto a never ending "Talk to Bear, talk to Tal, talk to Bear" mess.... *sigh* I thought it seemed reasonable to do since I don't normally buy toys like this and probably won't get any new ones before the credit expires...

[Miss_fortune]

I can see every one's point of view. It is true that Bear handles everything on his own (I mean the actual making of the toys) and that there has been a lot of problems lately (fire, his mate, etc) and I do understand this would slow down the company. Yet I feel that I shouldn't be afraid to ask a question. I get how annoying it is to read another "where is my order?" or "how long will my order be?" yet people have a right to ask. I personally asked about my order since it popped up here saying "being made" then I had heard nothing of it since. I just asked for a update, I wouldn't mind if it was a "oh I'm sorry I lost track of it" or a "it's nearly finished" but I thought I would feel better asking and getting a answer rather then ignoring my concerns and feeling possibly more reluctant to order again for fear of something going wrong and having to complain. I guess I could of asked Bear himself but I noticed someone else that had the same thing happen and being fairly newish thought it may or may not be common and that the more experienced forum members may of told me what happened with them so I knew what to expect.  I have seen how well Bear treats his costumers and wouldn't think of saying anything that wasn't true.
Please note I'm not saying anyone has said anything against me nor am I saying anything against anyone.

[lucmccloud]

since I already got a bad rep bout this sort of thing I'm staying out of this to one exception;

Take this to another topic. This topic is for updates, not arguments.

[blo-383]

Where is order 2287 in the list i have been waiting patiently almost 9 weeks i think, i can
hardly wait to get it out of the box and use it but i have a feeling after i use it i will want something
bigger and thicker i currently atm have a 10 inch long jelly blue human dildo which is very thick made by basix toys.

Oh how i love looking at myself in the mirror as i insert it, it turns me on.

 

[Lenoh]

Where is order 2287 in the list i have been waiting patiently almost 9 weeks i think, i can
hardly wait to get it out of the box and use it but i have a feeling after i use it i will want something
bigger and thicker i currently atm have a 10 inch long jelly blue human dildo which is very thick made by basix toys.

Oh how i love looking at myself in the mirror as i insert it, it turns me on.

 

Really did not need to know that last part.  

I have personally been waiting since the beginning of June, so, what, 3 months? I've playfully gone "aw, it's not on the list" but now that I've seen that Bear's getting his orders done and dispelling some of that backup that he had that people were complaining about, I'm a lot more confident in my order.

And you're lucky. A lot of people here don't even have a backup toy like you do. So if you could be that little bit more patient, it'd do all of us some good.

-Lenoh
#2001

EDIT: I seem to have herped so hard that I derped. I'm not 2101.

[TheFlameCrow]

And you're lucky. A lot of people here don't even have a backup toy like you do. So if you could be that little bit more patient, it'd do all of us some good.

You kinda do have a backup. o.o So I'm stuck waiting to get my toy back... I'm waiting with you.

[drkirre]

I wonder if the gel hyena is in heavy demand or something. Hopefully not too heavy. 5 months and counting.

[Skunky]

Just wanting a general time frame  when order #2382 might be in. It's a Knight Rider ordered on the eighth of August.

[Zukazan]

Hey ya'll stop asking on this thread or send a ticket in. And if you ordered in August then just wait. Some people have been waiting for 9 months. (me) So hold your horses. lol