- Singapore perfume startup I’vre shut down amid customer complaints about unfulfilled subscriptions.
- The company quickly amassed thousands of subscribers but struggled with logistics and cash flow.
- I’vre faced criticism for unauthorized charges, poor service, and unpaid salaries before its strange sudden “acquisition.”
Fast Early Traction
I’vre, pronounced “Eve,” offered subscribers designer fragrances delivered to their doorstep for a monthly fee of $14.90.
Launched in October 2022, the company quickly amassed over 2,000 customers and hit “seven figures” in revenue, according to CEO Christian Kwok.
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Problems Begin to Emerge
However, the company has recently faced criticism regarding unfulfilled orders, unauthorized credit card charges, and poor customer service.
Over a dozen negative reviews on Google and Trustpilot claim I’vre charged customers multiple times without consent and failed to deliver promised products.
While Kwok contends “no customer was charged without their knowledge,” he admits the firm struggled to fulfill most orders for two weeks in August due to delayed atomizer shipments.
Multiple employees also reportedly have unpaid October and November salaries.
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Financial Difficulties Surface
Investor relations have similarly soured. An early-stage investor who loaned I’vre $22,000 in July claims the company owes them $12,700 in missed repayments.
The investor withheld an additional $15,000 investment, though Kwok alleges a breach of their agreement. Separately, an angel investor says I’vre never returned a $50,000 June loan.
Kwok maintains that I’vre is addressing all outstanding customer refunds and salaries.
Odd Claims About Acquisition
On December 5, the company alerted subscribers it had been “acquired” by an unnamed buyer and would launch a closing-down sale.
However, I’vre shareholders were reportedly unaware of any acquisition offer or deal.
While logistical hurdles stymied the perfume subscription model, sources believe Kwok lacked critical financial and operational experience. “If anything, this has proved market demand,” one former business associate said.
The company continues working to fulfill existing customer orders.
