24-02-2026 - Newsletter #285

The three-week break from the showroom is over for me. Please note that the opening hours have changed. The showroom will open an hour earlier during the week and close an hour earlier. Options have been added to the website for picking up online orders on Sundays and late afternoons during the week.

Hiring Staff

An important reason for the break was preparing the Mini-Kiwiland Shop for the next level: hiring staff.
This requires updating the computer system. I programmed it specifically for me, but now it needs to be accessible to staff as well.
That's quite a job, and it needs further work.
I'm primarily interested in staff who can help me with website maintenance, newsletters and social media.

Online Payments

Something I also wanted to look into is offering online payments on the website. I've been working on this, but I need to explore it further. In this case, I'd like to know if you're willing to pay an additional 3% for online payments as an extra option, or if you'd prefer to transfer money via bank transfer without any additional fees.
The 3% costs for such a service has to come from somewhere. Another option is to raise prices or, for example, offer lower discounts to loyalty discount members. I'd love to hear your opinion on this.

Next Break

Because there's still much room for improvement, another break from the showroom is needed. This is currently scheduled for July.

Robert

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12-02-2026 - Newsletter #284

Starting next week, orders can be picked up outside of normal opening hours:

* Tuesday: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
* Wednesday: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
* Thursday: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
* Friday: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
* Sunday: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

On the website, you will have the following options when placing an order:

* Pick Up in Paraparaumu (Public Hours)
* Pick Up in Paraparaumu (Appointment Hours)

It pretty much works as it did at the previous location.
This will serve as a test. These times will be extended/changed if feasible.

Robert

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05-02-2026 - Newsletter #283

Good news for kit set enthusiasts of Japanese brands. It looks like I've found a new supplier who can offer a wider range at lower prices.
I'm talking about brands like Tamiya, Hasegawa and Aoshima.
A small test order is already underway. If this goes well, large pallet shipments will arrive by sea.
I'll continue to look for a cheaper supplier for Chinese brands like Trumpeter, HobbyBoss, Meng, Border, etc.

Please be aware that the showroom is currently closed and will re-open on the 24th of February. Mail orders will be processed as usual.

Robert

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25-01-2026 - Newsletter #282

I expect to receive thousands of items during my break from the showroom in February.

To name a few brands: Airfix, AMMO by Mig Jimenez, Dragon, Eduard, Faller, ICM, Italeri, Master Box, MiniArt, Mr. Hobby, Noch, Special Hobby, and Zvezda.

Several AMMO and MiniArt items will go on sale immediately.

Those with items on their watchlists will be notified not only when an item arrives, but also when it goes on sale.

The temporary closure of the showroom is ideal for such large shipments. Pallets up to 2.2 meters high!
Normally, couriers leave pallets outside, and I have to close the showroom to unpack them and bring them upstairs. This, of course, frustrates many visitors. I also don't have space upstairs in the showroom to enter all the products into the system during opening hours. I have to wait till after closing time. Having so many products (in cardboard boxes) in the showroom that can't be looked into and sold is also frustrating for visitors.
Relocating to another location is still a high priority for this year.

I will continue sending newsletters during the break, so please keep an eye on any progress.

Only one week left!

Robert

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16-01-2026 - Newsletter #281

It's becoming increasingly difficult for me to combine showroom sales with increasing online sales. Restricting the showroom's opening hours a year ago helped, but unfortunately, it's no longer enough.
I currently have no intention of further restricting the showroom's opening hours, but they will change somewhat. After the February break, weekday opening hours will be 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM instead of 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This will give me more time for mail orders in the afternoon.
I will offer the opportunity to visit the showroom outside these opening hours, but that will be by appointment only, much like it was at the previous location.

The showroom will be closed from the 3rd of February till the 22nd of February. During this time I will work on improvements. Online sales will continue as usual; please be aware of any delays during this period. Warnings regarding this will be posted on the website.

MiniArt Price Reductions

Many MiniArt kit sets have been reduced in price by up to 20%. Stock will increase this year. The first shipment is expected in February. All new releases in 2026 will be stocked. Nothing will be shipped by air anymore, however. From now on, all MiniArt shipments will be made by sea to keep prices as low as possible. All out-of-stock kits can be ordered in for Loyalty Discount Members at the price listed on the website, minus their discount. No deposit required.

Our MiniArt Page

Robert

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07-01-2026 - Newsletter #280

Happy New Year!
Let's hope the economy finally improves in 2026 :-/

The Mini-Kiwiland Shop had a record sales month in December in its nearly 10-year history.
Sales in 2025 increased by 18% compared to the previous year.

That's not bad considering the economy, but costs have risen sharply, and more needs to be done to take the shop to the next level.

There's still much room for improvement. In November, I asked for feedback in November. Many responded with suggestions for the website. I'll be working on this in February, when the shop will be closed for a few weeks.

I'll also be preparing to hire staff. This will require updating the computer system and creating workspace. The current location is too small, so that will be a challenge, I'm afraid.

The renewed lease is now annual, so I'll continue to look for a new location. This most likely won't be in a shopping street, but back to an industrial area.

I'll also take a close look at the product range in February as well. I haven't had much time for that in the last six months. I am still after more brands and better deals. My wish remains to organize sea shipments from Asia, which proved difficult in 2025. Importing large shipments from America only seems possible when the economy picks up.

I added more special offers to the SALES PAGE. Too many to list in this newsletter.

Robert

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