Founder under fire for ‘wild’ social media response to critics of his ‘expensive floaty’ – but does he have a point?
A young business owner who claims to have designed the ‘ultimate water hammock’ is being criticized for ‘ridiculous’ high prices – and his defensive social media presence.
Sunchill has received a lot of criticism for its $699 USD ($1073 AUD) floaty that inflates in 90 seconds and can be used to relax in style at the beach or pool.
However, thousands on TikTok have called the product “priceless,” prompting a flood of angry, but understandably defensive, responses from the founder.
Owner Hans Burri, from Florida, told FEMAIL he finds it “bizarre” that many have the audacity to comment on an item they probably know nothing about or have no intention of buying.
As a result, several of the brand’s TikTok videos have gone viral, one of which has been viewed more than 7.9 million times.
The American vague brand Sunchill has received nasty criticism on social media about the pricing of its products. The cheapest water hammock costs $699 USD ($1073 AUD)
Thousands have taken to the comments on the brand’s TikTok and Instagram pages to share what they really think about the high price – with many describing it as ‘way too expensive’ and ‘ridiculous’
To respond to the comments, owner Hans Burri hit back in a rather defensive manner
There is one question that is repeatedly asked in the comments of the videos: how is the price justified?
Hans hits back at each of them with a cheeky response or a response that is clearly sarcastic.
‘This is a company. We work hard to make money. I’m sure why all these TikTok comments people can’t understand that. I mean, it’s nice that they made the post viral, but come on guys.” He wrote.
“Bro $700, are you totally tripping??” one person commented on TikTok, another said: ‘I’m waiting for the Anko dupe.’
“Kmart pools work better,” said another.
“Nice, but it’s only worth $100 to $150 at most,” someone else wrote.
The founder said at one point that he had “reached his limit” in responding to comments that day
‘That price in this economy? I mean you too, I’m just too broke… I’m waiting for dupes from Kmart or dupes in general,” another person added.
Many also pointed out the reactions themselves.
‘Crazy expensive prices and even more crazy customer interactions – yes!!! good luck to you and your business,” said one.
“Sunchill isn’t cold,” another commented.
Not only were people up in arms about the price, many also questioned the safety of the product.
“I’m really concerned about safety with these things. It will only take a moment,” one person said.
“What a great way to get lost at sea,” wrote another, while a third said: “A couple have a few drinks and before you know it you’re hundreds of miles offshore.”
Not only were people up in arms about the price, many also questioned the safety of the product. “I’m really concerned about safety with these things. It will only take a moment,” one person said
Mr Burri launched the company from his garage in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and after rapid success, the products are now built in a huge workshop in Florida
Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to responding to criticism. He added that the brand’s target demographic is men and women over 40, while claiming that those commenting on the TikTok video are from a younger generation and thus have a different mentality with their money.
Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to responding to criticism
“The commenters on TikTok are very excited about the price of my product,” he said
Mr Burri launched the company from his garage in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and after rapid success, the products are now built in a huge workshop in Florida.
Mr Burri addressed the comments and his strategy when it comes to responding to criticism.
“The commenters on TikTok are very excited about the price of my product,” he said.
‘I find it bizarre that many people (over 2,000 comments) have the desire to comment on a product that they most likely have no real interest in purchasing – and at the very least don’t understand the quality, features and benefits of .’
According to the website, the floaty has “no weight limit” and is safe for dogs, children and even pets.
It is made of high-tech poly-pro fabric mesh that flexes slightly for a comfortable experience.
The most expensive product called the ‘Megachill’ costs $2,099 USD ($3,224 AUD) and there is also a $124 USD ($190 AUD) floaty for your drinks cooler.
“The misinformed comments from the younger age group watching this video have certainly piqued my interest in defending my hard work,” he said
According to the website, the floaty has “no weight limit” and is safe for dogs, children and even pets. It is made of high-tech poly-pro fabric mesh that flexes slightly for a comfortable experience
And the comments continue
He added that the brand’s target audience is men and women over 40. Since they are more likely to have children, they want to be entertained or own a pool or boat to invest in the product.
While he claimed that those who commented on the TikTok video belong to a younger generation and are not part of the target group. And therefore have a different mindset with their money.
He claimed that 85 percent of commentators are women aged 34 and under.
“That has led to these less than positive reactions to the TikTok video and in turn to my somewhat defensive attitude,” he said.
‘I’ve been working on this design non-stop for almost four years now and it’s selling really well here in the US and even in Australia in the spring and summer.
“The misinformed comments from the younger age group viewing this video have certainly piqued my interest in defending my hard work.”
However, those who have purchased the product say it is worth the investment.
‘I love my Sunchill!’ wrote one.
Another said: ‘We absolutely love ours.’
The product has also received several five-star reviews on the Sunchill website.