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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21-12-2025 - Newsletter #279

Since the last newsletter, many items have arrived. Too many to list in this newsletter. For an overview, click here.
Among the new arrivals are brands such as Eduard, ICM, Academy, Italeri, Noch, AMMO by Mig Jimenez, Vallejo, AK Interactive, the Army Painter, Warhammer, etc.

OPENING HOURS

The Mini-Kiwiland Showroom will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and January 1st.
I will be taking a break in February for a few weeks. More about this in a future newsletter.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

Robert

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09-12-2025 - Newsletter #278

Sales of Fujimi Japanese car kits have increased significantly in recent months. This means that stock levels may also increase. Quite a few Fujimi kits have already arrived, and more are expected in the coming weeks.

The stock of Warhammer sets has also increased. The Mini-Kiwiland Shop has even managed to acquire quite a few limited editions (such as Battleforce sets). While supplies last!

The entire Cobra Motor paints range from AMMO by Mig Jimenez will be stocked. Some have already arrived. The rest are expected in February (sea freight).

Robert

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04-12-2025 - Newsletter #277

A few weeks ago, I announced that I plan to accept pre-orders and orders for sold-out items. This is already the case for loyalty discount members on select products.

Just to be clear:
- No deposit is required.
- You pay the price for which the product was ordered, including the loyalty discount.

I am gradually expanding the range of products available for 'special orders'. During the February break, I will explore further options.

Robert

To read the entire newsletter click here

26-11-2025 - Newsletter #276

Many new products have arrived. For a complete list, click here.
As usual, when so many items arrive, there's no time to price everything in the showroom. My apologies for that.

Among the new arrivals are Revell kit sets and Noch special offers. A few Hornby items are also on sale.

I've received many responses after I requested feedback about the Mini-Kiwiland Shop. Most of them were concerned with improvements to the website.

I now have a list of over 20 improvements for the website only. One problem is that I created the website myself and I haven't yet found a company willing to handle it without me losing control.
That means I have to deal with the improvements myself. This is very time-consuming. You can't just do it when there are no customers in the showroom for a while.

My intention now is to close the shop for a few weeks in February so I can fully concentrate on improvements.
Not just for the website.

Website improvements include:

- Online payments
- Improved delivery time indications for out-of-stock products, including 'in stock with supplier'.
- Improved direct shipping cost calculations.
- A page for products for beginners
- A page for NZ-related products (RNZAF, Rally New Zealand, etc.)
- Optional Public Watchlists (for Christmas/Birthday presents for instance)
- More out-of-stock/pre-order options
- And many more...

Hiring Staff

A crucial next step to advancing to a new level is hiring staff. Part-timers only to start with. I can't avoid that.
The website needs to be updated for this. The admin options are currently only suitable for me. I will also be working on that in February.

Open days during the holidays

The Mini-Kiwiland Shop will be open for business between Boxing Day and New Year's Eve. The showroom will also be open as usual in January.

Robert

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18-11-2025 - Newsletter #275

A new high for the Mini-Kiwiland Shop!
In 2025, sales have already exceeded those of any year in its nearly 10-year history.
And the year isn't over yet!
This sounds like good news, but the target appears unlikely to be met. 2025 was supposed to bring economic recovery, but the opposite has happened. Costs have risen sharply, and the value of the NZ dollar has fallen further this year. This has put significant pressure on profit margins.
Further sales growth is necessary to keep the Mini-Kiwiland Shop profitable.
Therefore, I'd like to hear your thoughts on what could be improved at the Mini-Kiwiland Shop, so I can work on a plan for next year.
This could be anything, as far as I'm concerned: the showroom, location, newsletter, product range, website, etc.

Many thanks!

Robert

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