[Official] Nanoblock Thread

[StealthEagle]

Actually our SG market is too small, else if by normal they would have their contracts terminated.

If probably Shengtai or whom ever that is pretty strong takes over things will be better. IMO

Market is still small due to poor marketing and some people may think Nanonlock is just following instructions and build. Unless someone demonstrates the umlimited possibilities and then there is a huge hype, it is quite hard to get distributors to improve their imports.

Actually Simon has talked with Kawada in Japan and they are aware about the growing popularity of nanoblocks in SG. But then the market is still too small for them to do anything.

It's also to my knowledge Lancashire also shares supplies for Malaysia too. Maybe not directly. But that means they can take full advantage of EOS

Don't forget the dominant brick giant is Lego. Even we want Kawada to open a Nanoblock shop here is like near impossible. Even the Nanoblock section is placed far away from Lego.

There is actually a potential to gain popularity here with the pop icon nanblocks, it is just that Lancashire Marketing is...'lazy'.

 

[sky00sky]

Market is still small due to poor marketing and some people may think Nanonlock is just following instructions and build. Unless someone demonstrates the umlimited possibilities and then there is a huge hype, it is quite hard to get distributors to improve their imports.



Don't forget the dominant brick giant is Lego. Even we want Kawada to open a Nanoblock shop here is like near impossible. Even the Nanoblock section is placed far away from Lego.

There is actually a potential to gain popularity here with the pop icon nanblocks, it is just that Lancashire Marketing is...'lazy'.

Yup with the lots of tie ups am sure they can do much better then this now

 

[nothenorm]

Just a quick update:-

Exchanged done with Metro and build the new set perfectly. Case closed & a happy customer.

Wow... didn't know there is some much discussion about distribution here... am new to nanoblocks, but loving it!

I too agree that the marketing of the distributor is not perfect... a website would at least be helpful and in this era (or did I google wrongly?)

But I believe in giving some time for companies to build up their reputation. Afterall, we are getting nanoblocks products available in departmental stores afterall.

Though I was frustrated initially, honestly.

Cheers and thanks again for all the help.

 

[justmeasures]

Just a quick update:-

Exchanged done with Metro and build the new set perfectly. Case closed & a happy customer.

Wow... didn't know there is some much discussion about distribution here... am new to nanoblocks, but loving it!

I too agree that the marketing of the distributor is not perfect... a website would at least be helpful and in this era (or did I google wrongly?)

But I believe in giving some time for companies to build up their reputation. Afterall, we are getting nanoblocks products available in departmental stores afterall.

Though I was frustrated initially, honestly.

Cheers and thanks again for all the help.

haha...they have been given alot of time to build a reputation. (since 2010)
and their reputation isn't very good.

The stuff you get in departmental stores...are really very common stuff that you can find all over Japan and around the world (known to sell nanoblocks) easily.

There are really alot more nanoblocks that you prob haven't seen yet. and then you'd be wondering why they aren't found in SG. especially when new releases are out.

 

[StealthEagle]

I too agree that the marketing of the distributor is not perfect... a website would at least be helpful and in this era (or did I google wrongly?)

But I believe in giving some time for companies to build up their reputation. Afterall, we are getting nanoblocks products available in departmental stores afterall.

The ones in department stores are like initial releases eons ago. If you look at the online catalogue on the Nanoblock's website, we are still stuck in the 'stone age'.

?????????????nanoblock

What's worse is the prices increases recently... which will make this an expensive hobby sooner or later.

haha...they have been given alot of time to build a reputation. (since 2010)
and their reputation isn't very good.

The stuff you get in departmental stores...are really very common stuff that you can find all over Japan and around the world (known to sell nanoblocks) easily.

There are really alot more nanoblocks that you prob haven't seen yet. and then you'd be wondering why they aren't found in SG. especially when new releases are out.

justmeasures, are you a businessman or a marketer? You seen to know a lot about distribution stuff.

Anyway, if Nanoblock isn't Lancashire Marketing's niche, then is it possible for Kawada to cease contract distribution with the company?

Has anyone tried emailing asking why the people don't bother about improving the product range?

 

[justmeasures]

The ones in department stores are like initial releases eons ago. If you look at the online catalogue on the Nanoblock's website, we are still stuck in the 'stone age'.

?????????????nanoblock

What's worse is the prices increases recently... which will make this an expensive hobby sooner or later.



justmeasures, are you a businessman or a marketer? You seen to know a lot about distribution stuff.

Anyway, if Nanoblock isn't Lancashire Marketing's niche, then is it possible for Kawada to cease contract distribution with the company?

Has anyone tried emailing asking why the people don't bother about improving the product range?

I am not a businessman/marketer. I simply majored in marketing in my field of studies lol.

And also simply being a crazy fan of nanoblocks.

I don't think it's possible for kawada to simply cease their distribution rights. Besides, they ARE still bringing in stuff. Just too slowly. I'd suppose unless someone else wants to be the main distributor and can guarantee more sales than them, I doubt kawada has grounds to take away their rights.

 

[StealthEagle]

I am not a businessman/marketer. I simply majored in marketing in my field of studies lol.

And also simply being a crazy fan of nanoblocks.

I don't think it's possible for kawada to simply cease their distribution rights. Besides, they ARE still bringing in stuff. Just too slowly. I'd suppose unless someone else wants to be the main distributor and can guarantee more sales than them, I doubt kawada has grounds to take away their rights.

Would emailing the distributor push them a bit on the release? Or they are waiting for some Nanoblock certified professionals to convince the management?

 

[sky00sky]

Actually not sure if they have other products in their portfolio or not.

Example like Sheng Tai, Tai Sing they have quite a few things and so the distribution network already set. Just need to visit buyer talk talk abit give proposal and stuff amongst the slew of other products.

With only one line, getting a gondola space need cost (even more for good placing) and doing merchandising, distribution all have layers of cost.
Before the profit margins the major retailers ask for also.

Which might be the cause of the increase (but with inflation and high business running cost) but i dun really want to point the full blame on them.

 

[sky00sky]

I am not a businessman/marketer. I simply majored in marketing in my field of studies lol.

And also simply being a crazy fan of nanoblocks.

I don't think it's possible for kawada to simply cease their distribution rights. Besides, they ARE still bringing in stuff. Just too slowly. I'd suppose unless someone else wants to be the main distributor and can guarantee more sales than them, I doubt kawada has grounds to take away their rights.

Actually, Kawada can do something one with sales target by dangling A & P kitty and other things but end of day they need both hands to clap.
Sadly SG market is pretty small to probably affect Kawada in any big way on their overall sales to step up pressure then look for another distributor to do distribution and trf of the dealership and everything YET.

 

[orangeman]

I am not a businessman/marketer. I simply majored in marketing in my field of studies lol.

And also simply being a crazy fan of nanoblocks.

I don't think it's possible for kawada to simply cease their distribution rights. Besides, they ARE still bringing in stuff. Just too slowly. I'd suppose unless someone else wants to be the main distributor and can guarantee more sales than them, I doubt kawada has grounds to take away their rights.

Hi justmeasures... Can om the location of the hk log on stores? I am going end Jan heh

 

[lilrex21]

all distributorship is based on contract with the brand, and the distributor here. definitely there's a term of distributorship, some have to renew the contract every year. each party can terminate the contract with notice time as stated in the contract.

but that means they would need to have someone else willing to bring in the nanoblocks as distributor in singapore.

anyway the way things are going, hardly any new stuff, price increase, etc.. they will probably lose a certain share of the market already since some of us would definitely find it much easier to import online.

in this time and age, more and more people are going for online shopping. the brick & mortar stores have to keep up with the times..

i feel the nanoblock market in singapore still can grow. but there's hardly any marketing done to reach out.. so it'll stagnate or grow smaller. on the other hand the online retailers will probably reap the benefits instead.. lol..

 

[takeshi_lum]

Finally my Yamato came already, tore open the box and happily built it.

i find that it is up to 80% accurate to the real ship. it would be better if Nanoblock can include the detail of the plane catapult at the rear of the ship.

and now, here it goes!

the rear of Yamato as shown in the Yamato Museum and ship plan

if only i have the moolah, i would grab a set of Akagi too..

 

[StealthEagle]

Actually not sure if they have other products in their portfolio or not.

Example like Sheng Tai, Tai Sing they have quite a few things and so the distribution network already set. Just need to visit buyer talk talk abit give proposal and stuff amongst the slew of other products.

With only one line, getting a gondola space need cost (even more for good placing) and doing merchandising, distribution all have layers of cost.
Before the profit margins the major retailers ask for also.

Which might be the cause of the increase (but with inflation and high business running cost) but i dun really want to point the full blame on them.

A bit strange when Sheng Tai didn't have the contract since its business is in toys.

Anyway, I'm sure when Nanoblock gains more popularity, perhaps Kawada can set up a branch office like Lego Singapore.

Actually, Kawada can do something one with sales target by dangling A & P kitty and other things but end of day they need both hands to clap.
Sadly SG market is pretty small to probably affect Kawada in any big way on their overall sales to step up pressure then look for another distributor to do distribution and trf of the dealership and everything YET.

Fanbase wise, it might be small but it is very easy to gain fans fast as we are living on an 'island, and we have an affiliation with Japanese stuff. Kawada can save advertising cost as loyal fans will 'help' them advertise Nanoblock.

all distributorship is based on contract with the brand, and the distributor here. definitely there's a term of distributorship, some have to renew the contract every year. each party can terminate the contract with notice time as stated in the contract.

but that means they would need to have someone else willing to bring in the nanoblocks as distributor in singapore.

anyway the way things are going, hardly any new stuff, price increase, etc.. they will probably lose a certain share of the market already since some of us would definitely find it much easier to import online.

in this time and age, more and more people are going for online shopping. the brick & mortar stores have to keep up with the times..

i feel the nanoblock market in singapore still can grow. but there's hardly any marketing done to reach out.. so it'll stagnate or grow smaller. on the other hand the online retailers will probably reap the benefits instead.. lol..

Brick and mortar stores are still important for those unable to shop online or haven't know any new products on the scene. Looking at pictures on the web and seeing the real product in stores give a different experience.

If I haven't seen a Nanoblock section in a store and get curious about it, I wouldn't have known about this product.

 

[sky00sky]

Brick and mortar stores are still important for those unable to shop online or haven't know any new products on the scene. Looking at pictures on the web and seeing the real product in stores give a different experience.

If I haven't seen a Nanoblock section in a store and get curious about it, I wouldn't have known about this product.

Same..i also just happen to walk by Toys r Rus a few times..then started on a clown fish "nemo" which my boy wanted.

 

[justmeasures]

Hi justmeasures... Can om the location of the hk log on stores? I am going end Jan heh

There are a few. The ones I went to were in Langham place (mongkok MTR), Times Square - city super (Central MTR), i-square at tsim sha tsui (exit D or C can't recall)

 

[justmeasures]

Same..i also just happen to walk by Toys r Rus a few times..then started on a clown fish "nemo" which my boy wanted.

Haha. This is interesting. For us to share how we started.
For me, I was out celebrating my birthday with some friends in April 2011. Entered an action city at orchard central. Bought the meerkats.

I still recall the shop attendant asking me:
A: why never buy the piano?
Me: why leh?
A: because it's nice what

Hahaha. The rest is history.

 

[lilrex21]

Brick and mortar stores are still important for those unable to shop online or haven't know any new products on the scene. Looking at pictures on the web and seeing the real product in stores give a different experience.

If I haven't seen a Nanoblock section in a store and get curious about it, I wouldn't have known about this product.

hehe what i meant is, for those people who are already involved with nanoblock, brick & mortar store in a way loses some importance cos we have faster online stores with wider range of products.

stores just help in the initial touch with consumers.

there's quite a big log-on store at harbourcity too. that's where i first saw nanoblocks.

 

[StealthEagle]

Don't forget the storewide discounts.

Online buying is a gamble sometimes, the jacked up prices or shipping fee can be a killer.

If stores can stock the standard blocks sets and offering discounts, Im glad to get to stock up my resources.

 

[sky00sky]

for me a couple $ more is not a big deal.
sometimes credit card tie ups loyalty cards will balance it out slightly.

haha...and maybe cos i visit Toys R rus for my boys to run around weekly so the convenience factor is tops for me.

 

[lilrex21]

i think the biggest issue now is that they're not bringing in all the kits. or even when they do bring in, it's so many months later..