Thread: Frustrations!

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This is the first year I've really gotten into halloween decorating and I'm noticing something very frustrating:

I've had to return or ask for partial credit on several props. I have a skeleton that raises out of a coffin and turns its head. Well it doesn't turn its head the motor was out. So I asked for a partial refund which was honored.

I've gotten a few of those flickering light bulbs and only half of them work.

I've had to return a fog machine and a witch that didn't function.

AND NOW: I got the talking busts from sams club and the male's mouth barely moves.

What is the problem? Is it because china makes all this stuff like crap?!

Obstacles! I feel ya. Its like opening a gift on Christmas morning as a kid, and your parents forgot to buy the batteries!

After hearing so many stories here about store-bought props that malfunction after 2 days, I'm almost afraid to buy any. Plus they seem to cost big $$$ yet they barely work once outta the box. It sounds so hit or miss.

YES Build your own, I pretty much don't buy store made props because they never look as good as what I can do and they are normally cheaply made. The only reason I buy any of them are for parts for better props.

I have nothing against the people that don't have the skills to build their own as I respect the spirit to dec out the house. If you have even a slight ability to make your own props I highly encourage it...don't be intimidated with complex props, start small and work your way up.

That's what I plan on doing, though I totally get the allure of store-bought. It's fast & easy & they can have a pretty big impact if they work properly.

But lately that seems to be a pretty big IF.

Start small, get big!!!

I'm with ya...anymore, I only buy store props to take apart and use in homemade props.

I agree with build your own props.
But I do buy props to and there are some company's that have some great customer service.When they do no harm done but when the cs sucks that is where it can get ugly.

To me the props you make give you the best results and the most satisfaction knowing that you made that. You get a since of pride! Start out small like tomb stones or static dummies made from PVC pipe. then work your way to a Flying Crank Ghost then tackle pneumatics. You will be surprised how much you learn. instead of buying store props, use that money to buy tools to make your props with! you will be surprised how many things are at your local hardware store that you can use for a haunt!

Im sooo frustrated. Today was day 2 of trying to build a toe pincher. I just cant seem to get the right measurements. Ive looked at so many links it seems like. Im just tape measure challenged i guess. *sigh* day 3 tomorrow