What came first: The Hatchimal, or the angry parent who stood in line for hours only to discover they aren’t all they’re cracked up to be?
This is the philosophical question raised by this year’s so-called “hottest Christmas toy,” which has garnered complaints from parents on social media who say that they just aren’t hatching.
If you don’t know what a Hatchimal is, they’re basically creatures in eggs that hatch when kids pay enough attention to them. They then go through three stages of life, and sing the cleverly-named “Hatchy Birthday” as they progress.
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Kids teach them important life skills, like singing and walking. Long story short: They’re like modern Furbys … kind of. And they cost around $50 if you can find one in a store – but $250 if you look on eBay.
All of this sounds great in concept, but in the days since Christmas, parents have complained the sought-after toys are letting their kids down.
@Tesco @SpinMaster Hatimal didnt hatch after 14 Hours and now all lights have gone off. How do i exchange a dud ? My 4 year old is gutted
— Matt (@MattCross__) December 26, 2016
@SpinMaster My daughters Hatcnhimal won't hatch out of it's shell! It won't spin around to peck away at the egg and hatch out. Please advise pic.twitter.com/M9swedO1Ct
— Dustin Shammo (@dustinshammo) December 26, 2016
Not only that, but parents are saying Spin Master Toys UK – the company behind these would-be hatching creatures – is taking an approach to customer service one would often see from the airline industry.
Hatchimal won't hatch and customer service is unreachable! Unacceptable! #Hatchimals #spinmaster #hatchimalfail
— TanglesnTwirls (@TanglesNTwirls) December 26, 2016
Really, @SpinMaster? I call your customer service line and get disconnected because 'all agents are busy'. I have an issue to discuss!!!
— Dustin Shammo (@dustinshammo) December 26, 2016
The company did not comment to CNBC when asked. They did ask customers to call their customer service line … which they say was very busy.
