Tariffs, Toads and Zirc Plates
USA Tariffs
Three things here...
#1
If you're from the USA, then you're likely to still be wresting with the new tariffs/duties. Not only the higher cost... but sometimes just the logistical hassle of dealing with paperwork and such.
#2
This is something we have no control over for the most part.
BUT, there are a couple of things we are working on...
Firstly, there are a couple of issues that are definitely our fault. I believe DHL are coding the product (i.e. Is what you ordered being tagged as "Fidget Toy" or "Pen" or "Golf Equipment" ...yes, I think one of our sliders -- the Squashed Toad "Golf Ball" -- was put down as Golf Equipment :-/).
Secondly, I'm trying to figure out a way if we can distribute directly from the USA - but it's not a simple problem to solve. I am aware of 3PL (third party shipping) services ...or "drop shipping" as it's typically called. But I'm not comfortable with that for a bunch of reasons.
#3
I would like to make a point that I really, REALLY appreciate that so many customers from the USA continue to buy from us ...even if the the tariff things is a nightmare. And, honestly, this a big motivation in trying to figure out how to pay it back to you and get USA distribution.
One last thing... (this friendly request is only for a small handful of people)
If you think there is a chance you might refuse to pay the fees to DHL and refuse delivery of a package from us ...I kindly ask you to refrain from ordering.
The reason for this is... it's not a "zero sum" game on our side. I am happy to refund both the product and shipping to you.
BUT, here's the problem (on our side), we only have three options:
a) Have the product destroyed (by DHL)
b) Pay the duties and have it re-directed to somewhere in the USA (we're looking into this ...but so far there is a lot of paperwork, cost, etc.)
c) Have it shipped back to us here in New Zealand (but that costs around about the same price as the pen ...$200).
UPDATE:
Since writing the above -- and making the video -- I think I've come up with a possible solution to this whole tariff/duty thing (not just for USA customers ...but worldwide). I'm going to crunch some numbers on my side this weekend and figure out if it's doable.
I will be in touch about it very soon ...but, for now, I will say it will require compromises from both of us.
But, just to be clear, there is a chance it can't work - but we will see. Watch this space! :-)
Zirconium Plates
I am still struggling to get hold of Zirconium material for sliders.
BUT, there is some coming through. There will be some Zirconium plates coming through this week (so keep an eye on on the website and your emails for these).
There are some Zirconium bodies ...but emphasis for the next week or so is Titanium bodies.
Which leads me to...
Fat Toad "Ultralight"
The original Fat Toad sliders always sold out ridiculously fast.
But a couple of months ago we offered the NEW Fat Toad "Ultralight" ...which sold out just as fast.
Finally, after a couple of months, I'm managed to get hold of some thicker Titanium (it's literally twice as thick as the usual Titanium we buy) to do a second run.
I'm aiming to start this second run today. I don't know when the first ones will be ready - possibly towards the end of this week.
This is the inside of it (hence the "Ultralight" version):
Giveaway Winner (From Last Week)
Last week I offered this slider in a giveaway.
The deal was... you email me a quote (since it was my Birthday and I like quotes :-D) ...and I will pick a random winner.
I totaled up the number of emails we received:
349 emails with quotes - wow!
I generated a random number using random.org:
Randomly generated number was 319.
I won't say who the winner is by name here (because I've not asked them if I can). But their surname begins with "H" and they are from Idaho, USA.
I won't say who the winner is by name here (because I've not asked them if I can). But their surname begins with "H" and they are from Idaho, USA.
Out of interest, the quote in his email was:
"Every living thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness and dies by chance."Jean Paul-Sartre
"Every living thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness and dies by chance."Jean Paul-Sartre
One more thing...
There were so many good quotes I have not managed to collated my best picks yet. But I will do this for next week and put them here on the website. :-)
Sliders, Pens and SlideClicks Available
I have a real mix of products for you today...
That’s the sweeps I’ve been waiting on! And I found this too late 😢
I hope you make more sleek ones without all the colors and stuff. Ti would be awesome also
Loving my new pen.
Matthew- I got a package with 2 sliders and 2 pens from the weekend sale and just paid 272 dollars in Duties. Its no picnic haha.
<—Another buyer for Zirc and Copper pens here. Also thicker/heavier stuff would be cool with me too!
A note on your comment regarding DHL assessment of your products, unfortunately you are absolutely correct. Excited to hear more of your thoughts on solutions.
The blackout is DOPE. Thats a hard choice when ive seen such wonderful colors though. Unbelievable work. How much does the tariff cost for someone from the USA?