Looking back, one of the most controversial startup stories of 2017 is the one by pet startup Poopy Cat. The company launched a Kickstarter campaign earlier on the 18th of April, 2016, which initially turned out to be a success. The project was backed by 787 pledgers, raising a total amount of €49.397. However, when it came down to actually shipping the product to the backers, the project hit a wall. The overseas shipping costs allegedly turned out to be 2.5 times more than anticipated, making overseas shipment impossible. Now, with a new owner, backers are aiming to take legal action. “I feel like I was duped.”
Feeling duped
Rondi Costello is one of those unlucky pledgers that feels like she has been duped by Poopy Cat. Costello is the owner of three cats, Kassy, Willow and Jaspurr, and two rabbits, Mango and Finn. She decided to support Poopy Cat’s campaign, as she wanted to provide variety to the environment of her pets. Subsequently, Costello pledged €99,- for three landmarks at the “Triple deal” level, resulting in a total cost of €119,- including shipping to her home in Toronto. The estimated date of delivery was July 2016. Costello patiently awaited and followed Poopy Cat’s updates. To this date, she still has not received her reward promise.