IMPORTANT! About $22+ Merch Tiers... Again (Patreon)

EDIT: I meant to say it's only a $1 increase. Sorry for the typo!

I didn't really expect to have to do this again, especially so soon. But month after month after doing shipping costs and merch production I once again have come to the conclusion that it is currently unsustainable at the current rate. I always want to be as transparent with possible with you guys, so here it is:

It used to be that I could ship out to all $20+ patrons at about $4 on average for postage. In march which was the last time I had to raise prices, it cost on average $4.50 to $7. But now it costs on average $6-9 (the higher end is for ppl who live in more rural areas or with limited service, if you're curious). And that price continues to climb each month especially now that we're about to enter the holiday season. This is probably due to the current senseless war with Iran, which has caused fuel prices to explode and so the mail carrier is passing that cost onto the consumers. And there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. That means I really am once again operating at a loss.

The solution once again for me is to raise the current Yokai (domestic) tier from $22 to $23 (a $1) increase. As you know I don't make this decision lightly. I WANT you guys to get the perks you pay for for as low a cost as possible and I know many enjoy getting a cute surprise in the mail each month. But as you know, I am currently a full time self employed artist and it just isn't financially feasible for me.

I am hoping that these price increases will be temporary and if things change I can lower the merch tiers back down closer to what they originally were. Fingers crossed I can lower them by February of next year since that is when USPS claims that's how long their price hikes will last, but you never know with this administration.

I will not implement these changes until Oct. 30, 2026 so this will give plenty of time for those who are currently subscribed in the Yokai (domestic) tier to unsubscribe, downgrade, or stay if they wish.

All other current pricing for the other tiers remain the same. This price increase also does not apply to international Yokai patrons as there is only a handful of you. However, for Yokai International I am no longer shipping to Europe for the time being due to their updated PPWR policies, which have literally made it impossible for small businesses to ship there without it costing literally hundreds if not thousands. Any European $30+ patrons will be/have been refunded and are welcome to subscribe to non merch tiers.

Again, I deeply apologize for any inconvenience this will cause any of you. I want more than anything to not have to do this.

Of course, I also welcome your thoughts and any suggestions that you think will help with the situation. Your input means a lot!

And this is a reminder to GO OUT AND VOTE! Midterm elections are coming up and if you vote by mail, make sure to get your ballot in early! (I just sent in mine!) This is proof that politics does not happen in vacuum.