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

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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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09-11-2025 - Newsletter #274

A lot of stock arrived last week. For a complete list, click here.
Many items have already been sold to watchers, but even many watchers missed out on items, because others ordered first.
To prevent this, I will expand the option for ordering sold-out items and pre-orders on the website.

This was already possible for a limited number of brands that can be delivered quickly, but it will now also be possible for certain products shipped by sea. Please be aware that it does take months for those items to arrive.

Products that can now be ordered even if there is no stock can be identified by the 'special order' button below the 'add to shopping cart' link.

After placing a 'special order,' you will receive a confirmation email. Items in backorder can be found on your 'my account' page.

Until now, placing 'special orders' was only possible for regular customers who requested it. From now on, all customers who receive a loyalty discount can automatically place 'special orders'.

This service is under development. When things change, I will mention this in newsletters. Feedback is as always more than welcome.

Robert

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04-11-2025 - Newsletter #273

A lot of stock is expected to arrive this week, so keep an eye on the new arrivals page. To name a few brands: Revell, Academy, AMMO by Mig, MiniArt, Italeri, Fujimi and Airfix.

The monthly Noch shipment has already arrived. It includes 10 brand new sets with accessories for HO scale dioramas/model railway layouts.

A small Faller HO scale shipment has arrived as well. A big shipment with lots of new 2025 Faller releases is expected in January. Those need to come by sea to keep the prices low.

Among the items on sale are diecast models from the Batman Automobilia Collection, rolling stock from Hornby and a 1:8 scale kit of the King Chopper II by Atlantis.

Robert

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