Your complete guide to ordering a custom silicone mermaid tail — from your first application to unboxing your dream tail.*
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Buying a silicone mermaid tail is one of the biggest investments a mermaid can make. A professional, custom-fit silicone tail transforms the way you look and feel in the water — but the process of actually ordering one can feel overwhelming if you've never done it before.
At Merbella Studios, we've been handcrafting one-of-a-kind silicone mermaid tails since 2011. Every tail we make is a completely original design, custom-measured and hand-painted for a single client. No two Merbella tails are ever the same.
Here's exactly how the process works — and how our app makes it easier than ever.
## What Makes a Silicone Mermaid Tail Different?
Unlike fabric tails, a full silicone mermaid tail is made from platinum-grade silicone (the same material used in Hollywood special effects). The result is a tail that looks and moves realistically in the water, with hand-sculpted scales, custom color-shifting pigments, and a built-in professional monofin.
Silicone tails are:
- **Swimmable** in salt water, chlorinated pools, and fresh water
- **Custom-fit** to your exact body measurements
- **Hand-painted** with pearlescent, metallic, and color-shifting pigments
- **Durable** enough for professional performers and aquarium use
- **Weighted** at 20–30 lbs on land but weightless in water
Custom silicone tails at Merbella Studios start at $4,200 and go up depending on complexity, fins, and add-ons.
## Step 1: Download the Merbella App
Everything starts in the Merbella App — it's where you apply for a custom tail, track production, and communicate directly with our team.
The app is free to download on iOS and Android:
- **Apple App Store**: Search "Merbella App"
- **Google Play**: Search "Merbella App"
Once you create an account, you'll have access to the News Feed, Mermaid Cave, Marketplace, and more. A $1.99/month subscription unlocks full access including custom order applications and the peer-to-peer marketplace.
## Step 2: Submit a Custom Order Application
Merbella Studios opens custom order applications periodically throughout the year. When applications are open, you'll see a notification in the app.
Here's what you'll need for your application:
- **Category**: Full Custom Set, Silicone Tail, Top, or Accessories
- **Body measurements**: The app has a built-in measurement guide to help you get accurate sizing
- **Monofin selection**: Choose your monofin type and shoe size
- **Design description**: Tell us about your dream tail — colors, patterns, fluke style, fin layout
- **Reference images**: Upload up to 5 inspiration photos (screenshots from Instagram, Pinterest, or previous Merbella tails you love)
- **Fluke type**: Choose from styles like Angler, She-Creature, Atlas, and more
- **Fin layout**: Options include dorsal fins, calf fins, hip fins, and combinations
- **Metal tone**: Pick from Bright Silver, Antique Silver, Bright Gold, Antique Gold, Bright Copper, or Aged Copper for any metal accents
Once you submit, our team reviews every application personally.
## Step 3: Acceptance and the Client Portal
If your application is accepted, your order moves into the Client Portal — your personal dashboard for tracking every stage of production.
From the Client Portal you can:
- **Track your order status** in real time (Pending, In Progress, Design, Production, Shipping, Completed)
- **Message our team directly** with questions or updates
- **Approve designs** before we move to final production
- **View invoices** and manage payments
- **Build an inspiration board** with visual references for your piece
— full transparency into where your tail is in the production process, right from your phone.
## Step 4: Production
Every Merbella tail is handcrafted by Mermaid Raven and our team. The process includes:
1. Custom sizing based on your measurements
2. Silicone casting and layering
3. built by hand
4. Custom painting with pearlescent and metallic pigments
5. Monofin integration and fitting
6. Quality testing
Current wait times for custom tails are approximately 2+ years — this reflects the level of detail and care that goes into every piece. You'll receive production updates throughout via the Client Portal.
## Can't Wait 2 Years? Shop the Mermaid Cave
If you want a Merbella tail sooner, the **Mermaid Cave** inside the app is where we list exclusive, ready-to-ship pieces. These are one-of-a-kind silicone tails, crowns, tops, and accessories created by Merbella Studios.
The Mermaid Cave features:
- **Fixed-price items** you can buy instantly
- **Timed offers** where the highest offer wins
- **Limited-edition pieces** you won't find anywhere else
Past Mermaid Cave listings have included full silicone tails, sculpted crowns, and matching top-and-accessory sets.
## Buy Pre-Loved Merbella Gear on the Marketplace
The Merbella Marketplace is the only peer-to-peer marketplace dedicated to buying and selling pre-loved Merbella gear. If another mermaid is selling their tail, top, or crown, this is where you'll find it.
**As a buyer, you can:**
- Browse listings for silicone tails, fabric tails, tops, headdresses, and accessories
- Filter by condition (New, Like New, Good, Fair)
- Make offers or buy at fixed prices
- Post a "Want to Buy" listing if you're looking for something specific
**Every MarketPlace transaction is protected:**
- Stripe-powered payments with escrow (funds held until delivery is confirmed)
- Seller ratings and reviews
- Built-in dispute resolution
- Shipping to the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Spain
## Why Use the App Instead of the Website?
The Merbella App isn't just a mobile version of our website — it's a completely different experience built specifically for our community:
| Feature | Website | App |
|---------|---------|-----|
| Browse products | Yes | Yes |
| Custom order applications | No | Yes |
| Real-time order tracking | No | Yes |
| Direct messaging with our team | No | Yes |
| Peer-to-peer marketplace | No | Yes |
| Live bidding in the Mermaid Cave | No | Yes |
| Giveaway entries | No | Yes |
| Push notifications for drops | No | Yes |
| Behind-the-scenes content | No | Yes |
## Ready to Start?
Download the Merbella App and start your journey toward your dream silicone mermaid tail. Whether you're applying for a fully custom build, shopping the Mermaid Cave for a ready-to-ship piece, or browsing the Marketplace for pre-loved gear — everything a mermaid needs is in one place.
**Download the Merbella App:**
- Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/merbella-app/id6757802626
- Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.merbellaapp
*Merbella Studios has been handcrafting custom silicone mermaid tails since 2011. We are the only mermaid tail maker with a dedicated mobile app for custom orders, shopping, and a community marketplace.*