24-03-2026 - Newsletter #288

The newsletter has been significantly shortened this time: There are now only links from topics to the newsletter version on the Mini-Kiwiland Shop website. The topics themselves are no longer included in the email newsletter.

One advantage of this is that I can make the newsletter as long as I want this way.
I would appreciate feedback on whether this works for you or not.

A direct reason for this is problems with Hotmail/Outlook (Microsoft) email addresses. Emails from the Mini-Kiwiland Shop web server are currently being blocked by Microsoft.
When I wanted to report this to them, the Microsoft website indicated the following:

"We are aware of an issue that may result in certain IP addresses being temporarily rejected at higher rates. We are actively investigating the issue. Please continue to submit tickets if you are experiencing this problem."

The Mini-Kiwiland Shop can receive Hotmail/Outlook emails, but cannot send to them.

The Mini-Kiwiland Shop follows Google's (gmail) guidelines for sending newsletters. So far, this has not led to any problems. Even for Microsoft.

However, I am not sure about the size of the newsletter and the many images. To prevent problems in the future, I am trying this smaller version of the newsletter.

Robert

To read the entire newsletter click here

15-03-2026 - Newsletter #287

Many products have arrived since the last newsletter. Too many to list here. For an overview of all new arrivals, click here.

Brands that are expected in the coming week are AK Interactive, Faller, Dragon, Hasegawa, Master Box, ICM, Kinetic, Amodel and Eduard.

I am working on a large order of Chinese brands that I haven't done much with until now. Brands like Meng, Border, Kittyhawk, Beemax, Bronco, Magic Factory, Takom, Ryefield, Riich Models and Panda Hobby.
I can not stock everything of course and could use some advice. What do you think are the hits and misses?
And which recommended Trumpeter and HobbyBoss kits are missing on the website?
Feedback is highly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Robert

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04-03-2026 - Newsletter #286

In the previous newsletter, I asked for feedback on online payments. There appears to be confusion about what constitutes the 3% fee for "online payments." Online payments also include debit/Eftpos cards, not just credit cards. Online, no distinction is made between debit and credit cards when it comes to fees for online shops. Using Eftpos/Debit Cards in stores without Paywave incurs no additional costs for the retailer.

An advantage of the current bank transfer setup of the Mini-Kiwiland Shop website is that items can be added to an unpaid order afterwards.
This option is frequently used, primarily to ensure that a (newly) received product isn't sold to someone else prematurely, and people want to add items later to save on shipping costs.
Each time an item is added to an existing order, a new 'total to pay' email is sent.

A frequent occurrence is that customers make partial payments in advance. The system wasn't prepared for this, requiring manual calculations. This has now been resolved. From now on, customers who add items to existing orders and make partial payments will receive an automated left-to-pay email.

Note: When an order is paid in full, it is automatically closed and prepared for shipping.

Also note: For the total order amount to qualify for the "purchase balance" of the "loyalty discount," the entire order must be paid, shipped, or picked up within 7 days.

Robert

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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

To read the entire newsletter click here

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

To read the entire newsletter click here