Valkyrae's Response to Merch Store Criticism Sparks Controversy

YouTube sensation Rachell ‘Valkyrae’ Hofstetter recently found herself in the hot seat after a fan accused her of indifference towards customers who felt let down by their purchases from her merch store.

Valkyrae offers a variety of merchandise on her website, valkyrae.com, ranging from trendy t-shirts to cozy sweatpants and stylish hoodies, priced between $25 and $73. To manage her store, she collaborates with Shopify and a merch company named ‘Ceremony of Roses’.

During a live stream on December 24, a viewer confronted Valkyrae in the chat, expressing frustration over not receiving the hoodie they had ordered and insinuating that the streamer was unconcerned about the situation.

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“Guess Rae doesn’t care about her merch store messing up my hoodie order,” the viewer vented.

Responding to the accusation, Valkyrae advised, “Honey, reach out to customer support on the website. This falls under Ceremony of Roses' jurisdiction. It's possible there was an error with your address or the shipment destination.

“I do care. But consider that there might be others facing similar issues.

“Do you genuinely believe I don’t care?!” she concluded.

This isn’t the first instance where Valkyrae has addressed concerns regarding her merchandise. In September, she issued an apology following backlash over the pricing of a merch drop, with many fans deeming it too costly. For instance, a previous drop featured a hoodie priced at $120.

“The costs could have been lower if I had stuck to one design,” Valkyrae explained. “However, after multiple changes, I settled on a design that incurred significant production expenses. So, yes, the responsibility lies with me.”

“Criticism arises because fans are invested,” she continued. “Their disappointment stems from their desire to own the merchandise. I encourage everyone to voice their opinions freely.”

Valkyrae advised fans who found the pricing unaffordable to refrain from purchasing that particular drop and instead wait for upcoming releases.

It’s evident that Valkyrae values her fans’ feedback and takes their concerns seriously, striving to address issues promptly and transparently. As controversies arise, she remains open to constructive criticism and uses it as a tool for improvement and growth.

Ultimately, Valkyrae’s dedication to her community shines through, emphasizing the importance of communication and accountability in maintaining a strong bond with her supporters.