Founder under fire for ‘wild’ social media response to critics of his ‘expensive floaty’ – but does he have a point?

A young entrepreneur who claims to have designed the “ultimate water hammock” has been criticized for his “ridiculous” prices and defensive presence on social media.

Sunchill has received a slew of criticism for its US$699 ($1,073 AUD) float that inflates in 90 seconds and can be used to relax on the beach or pool in style.

However, thousands of people on TikTok have branded the product “unaffordable”, prompting an avalanche of angry, but understandably defensive, responses from the founder.

Owner Hans Burri, from Florida, told FEMAIL that he finds it “strange” that so many would have the nerve to comment on an item they probably know nothing about or have no intention of purchasing.

Consequently, several of the brand’s TikTok videos have gone viral, with one exceeding 7.9 million views.

There is a question that is asked repeatedly in the comments of the videos: How is the price justified?

To each one, Hans responds with a brutal or obviously sarcastic response.

‘This is a business. We are working hard to earn money. I’m sure why all these people commenting on TikTok can’t understand that. I mean, it’s nice that they made the post go viral, but come on guys. he wrote.

‘Bro $700, are you completely hallucinating?’ one person commented on TikTok, another said, “I’ll be waiting for Anko’s dupe.”

“Kmart pools work better,” said another.

“Cute but worth $100-$150 max,” someone else wrote.

‘That price in this economy? “I mean, if you boo, I’m too broke… waiting for Kmart dupes or dupes in general,” added one more.

Many also pointed out their own answers.

‘Insanely expensive prices and even crazier interactions with customers – Ouch!!! Best of luck to you and your business,” said one.

“Sunchill has no chills,” noted another.

Not only were people angry about the price, but many also questioned the safety of the product.

‘I’m really concerned about safety with these things. “It just takes a moment,” said one.

“What a great way to get lost at sea,” another wrote, and a third said: “A couple drinks and before they know it they’ll be hundreds of miles from shore.”

Burri launched the business from his garage in 2020 during the Covid pandemic and following rapid success, the products are now manufactured in a huge workshop in Florida.

Burri addressed the comments and his strategy in responding to criticism.

“TikTok commenters have really been vocal about the price of my product,” he said.

“I find it strange that many people (over 2000 comments) have the desire to weigh in on a product that they most likely are not really interested in purchasing and, at the very least, do not understand the quality, features and benefits of. ‘

According to the website, the float has “no weight limit” and is safe for dogs, children, and even pets.

It’s made from a high-tech Poly-Pro fabric net that flexes slightly to create a comfortable experience.

The most expensive product called ‘Megachill’ is priced at $2,099 USD ($3,224 AUD) and there is also a $124 USD ($190 AUD) float for your drinks cooler.

He added that the brand’s target demographic is men and women over 40, as they are more likely to have children they want to entertain or own a pool or boat to invest in the product.

While he stated that those commenting on the TikTok video are from a younger generation, not the target demographic. And thus have a different mentality with your money.

He stated that 85 percent of commenters are women 34 years old or younger.

“That has led to these less than positive comments about the TikTok video and, in turn, my somewhat defensive stance,” he said.

‘I’ve been working non-stop on this design for almost four years and it’s actually selling very well here in the US and even in Australia during the spring and summer.

“The misinformed comments from the younger age group watching this video have certainly piqued my interest in defending my hard work.”

However, those who have purchased the product say that it is worth the investment.

‘I love my Sunchill!’ one wrote.

Another said: “We love ours.”

The product also received several five-star reviews on Sunchill’s website.