In the case of my Noriyuki it looks like it was just badly packed. Too much wiggle room, and the chonmage was the weakest point. Other statues that were better secured arrived fine. Ino just looks like it was poorly produced.
I don't think Australian customs or the postal service are at fault at all. My outer box was unopened and not in any worse shape than should be expected.
New Usagi Maquette (statues)
Moderators: Mayhem, Steve Hubbell, Moderators
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TigerRider
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 230
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 0:43 -0700
- Location: Germany (Trier)
Got my set today:
Amazing set! Incredible craftsmanship, thanks to anyone involved!^^
Though the big box had some serious bruises at two corners (the corresponding corners of the individual boxes, also) I have to say: Over all, very well packed, again.
Hole set was unopened, had to open 1 at customs.
*
Returned home, I opened the others:
Kitsunes left hand was broken off. Superglue did it.
The hole in Jei's victims head was to wide. Superglue did it.^^
*
I am very sorry for you Fanfan, that you had such a bad luck with the french customs.
btw: I had to pay 83,13 Eur taxes, was it the same for the other international customers?
Greetings,
Jens
Amazing set! Incredible craftsmanship, thanks to anyone involved!^^
Though the big box had some serious bruises at two corners (the corresponding corners of the individual boxes, also) I have to say: Over all, very well packed, again.
Hole set was unopened, had to open 1 at customs.
*
Returned home, I opened the others:
Kitsunes left hand was broken off. Superglue did it.
The hole in Jei's victims head was to wide. Superglue did it.^^
I agree, he was not fixed at all, and was able to move inside. Lucky, he wasn't harmed.In the case of my Noriyuki it looks like it was just badly packed.
*
I am very sorry for you Fanfan, that you had such a bad luck with the french customs.
btw: I had to pay 83,13 Eur taxes, was it the same for the other international customers?
Greetings,
Jens
I wasn't required to pay any duties or taxes in Australia... but have never been required to, and I've bought a lot of stuff online over the years. The only time I have had to pay anything was while I was living in the UK and had ordered a Star Wars figure from a US online retailer I'd used heaps before, and continue to use today.
Even if the breath between us smells of alcohol,
Call it confusion in the best way possible.
Call it confusion in the best way possible.
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coolray85
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 800
- Joined: Tue Feb 17, 2009 15:49 -0700
- Location: munich
btw: I had to pay 83,13 Eur taxes, was it the same for the other international customers?
they're charging so much, man....I don't see the whole picture yet.when do you have to pay customs?I have had stuff flown in from all over the world, mostly I didn't have to pick it up at customs and pay the fees, the only time actually I had to pay it was with the usagi marquettes.does anyone know for sure what factor it is that decides you have to pay customs?
they're charging so much, man....I don't see the whole picture yet.when do you have to pay customs?I have had stuff flown in from all over the world, mostly I didn't have to pick it up at customs and pay the fees, the only time actually I had to pay it was with the usagi marquettes.does anyone know for sure what factor it is that decides you have to pay customs?
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Mayhem
- Daimyo <High-Ranking Lord>
- Posts: 2955
- Joined: Wed Sep 18, 2002 3:54 -0700
- Location: London, England
I get the impression that international handling and Customs "interference" might have been factors this time. The first edition statues all arrived here perfectly. The second edition ones did too, apart from Jei, but given how the statue is secured and the projected nature of his ear, then a sufficient impact on that part of the shipping box could dislodge it. Which it did, and superglue to the rescue. Mine certainly arrived in better condition than most other's in Europe so far. My shipping box had a small indent in one corner that impacted a little on one outer statue box, but that was it. All the statue boxes themselves had the sellotape cut, but all the sellotape around the styrofoam holding the statues themselves was intact.
And no Customs for me either, Rokutoys graciously marked the entire box down to $5 value hah hah.
And no Customs for me either, Rokutoys graciously marked the entire box down to $5 value hah hah.
With a breeze comes a storm, but then you'll all be washed away...
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roel
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 334
- Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 23:39 -0700
- Location: San Francisco, CA
Hi guys,
First off, apologies to all the damages.
I want to assure you though that great care is taken in sending the products out. I personally look at each one and give special attention to the international orders since I know how much of a downer it would be to get a damaged figure. You actually wouldn't believe at how anal I am and how much I scrutinize on what to send out.
I need to agree with both Otter and Steve. I agree with Otter in that the interior packaging could have been better and it was supposed to be better until my factory changed it last minute. The interior foam packaging should have been similar to Series One and at the last minute it was changed. I was very disappointed but could not do anything about it since it would have caused another month delay which I did not want to do again. Trust me when I say I have been in serious talks with my factory and they know my disappointment and this will not happen again. In saying that, all the packages went through a series of "crash tests" and they all passed. One thing I am trying to get changed is the skull and cloud. I'm not sure if the factory will do this but I want it to be sturdier like the sample I was given and not the final product that was produced. If this change happens I will update you on the progress.
For Noriyuki, I am 99.99% that there is a foam block holding him in place. Sometimes when you lift the top of the box it gets lodged in the top of the box pulling it away from Noriyuki. Please take a look if that was the case. As I said before, we double and triple check all orders that go out and I personally look at each one and make sure that everything is in order.
Steve, I also speculate that some "customs departments" are giving my boxes an extra drop or kick since this time the products were sent out as "gifts". I don't think customs believe it and this is there way to possibly make Rokutoys spend more money or time in rectifying the problems. I see now why a lot of companies do not ship Internationally. I am also considering not shipping internationally in the future but this is just a thought and not set in stone.
I want to ship out a good product and this has been pretty draining since I want people to get the best product possible. I think going ahead in the future I will need to claim a value on the products for the international orders so that customs will treat them a little better.
It seems that every country has been treating them as "gifts" and not charging duties and taxes except Germany. Germany seems to be the one country that will charge you no matter if it is a gift or has a declared value.
Anyways, I hope I've answered some questions for you. Please keep giving me feedback either negative or positive but preferably positive. heehee. Has anyone noticed that Kitsune has a small coin purse in the back of her left "bun". On the right is a black stick which is supposed to be a hidden tanto knife. Do you like Ino's wanted posters? Anyways, I would love to hear more of what you have to say about the products. Does anyone like the Series Two "white" packaging? Have you noticed the leaves on the side? I wanted the first box designs to be black and white to give it a "yin yang" feel.
Thanks again for all your support and patience
First off, apologies to all the damages.
I want to assure you though that great care is taken in sending the products out. I personally look at each one and give special attention to the international orders since I know how much of a downer it would be to get a damaged figure. You actually wouldn't believe at how anal I am and how much I scrutinize on what to send out.
I need to agree with both Otter and Steve. I agree with Otter in that the interior packaging could have been better and it was supposed to be better until my factory changed it last minute. The interior foam packaging should have been similar to Series One and at the last minute it was changed. I was very disappointed but could not do anything about it since it would have caused another month delay which I did not want to do again. Trust me when I say I have been in serious talks with my factory and they know my disappointment and this will not happen again. In saying that, all the packages went through a series of "crash tests" and they all passed. One thing I am trying to get changed is the skull and cloud. I'm not sure if the factory will do this but I want it to be sturdier like the sample I was given and not the final product that was produced. If this change happens I will update you on the progress.
For Noriyuki, I am 99.99% that there is a foam block holding him in place. Sometimes when you lift the top of the box it gets lodged in the top of the box pulling it away from Noriyuki. Please take a look if that was the case. As I said before, we double and triple check all orders that go out and I personally look at each one and make sure that everything is in order.
Steve, I also speculate that some "customs departments" are giving my boxes an extra drop or kick since this time the products were sent out as "gifts". I don't think customs believe it and this is there way to possibly make Rokutoys spend more money or time in rectifying the problems. I see now why a lot of companies do not ship Internationally. I am also considering not shipping internationally in the future but this is just a thought and not set in stone.
I want to ship out a good product and this has been pretty draining since I want people to get the best product possible. I think going ahead in the future I will need to claim a value on the products for the international orders so that customs will treat them a little better.
It seems that every country has been treating them as "gifts" and not charging duties and taxes except Germany. Germany seems to be the one country that will charge you no matter if it is a gift or has a declared value.
Anyways, I hope I've answered some questions for you. Please keep giving me feedback either negative or positive but preferably positive. heehee. Has anyone noticed that Kitsune has a small coin purse in the back of her left "bun". On the right is a black stick which is supposed to be a hidden tanto knife. Do you like Ino's wanted posters? Anyways, I would love to hear more of what you have to say about the products. Does anyone like the Series Two "white" packaging? Have you noticed the leaves on the side? I wanted the first box designs to be black and white to give it a "yin yang" feel.
Thanks again for all your support and patience
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Steve Hubbell
- Taisho
- Posts: 6050
- Joined: Thu Sep 19, 2002 15:25 -0700
- Location: Kalamazoo, MI
I guess I need to dig out the box Zato Ino came in to find the "wanted" posters that I must have missed.
There was a block of styrofoam holding Noriyuki in place in my set, and most of the statues had additional plastic packing around the more delicate or fragile portions.
Loved the new boxes, but have not really compared them to the previous ones since they are packed away.
OK, I found the reward posters and have given them to Gen since he just lost the money from the last bounty he collected to some sly pickpocket.
Two questions for Roel:
1. Now that the Diamond Preview catalog orders have been placed, how are sales for Series Two looking? Good enough to justify a Series Three?
2. Can you give any hints as to the what and when of a possible Series Three?
There was a block of styrofoam holding Noriyuki in place in my set, and most of the statues had additional plastic packing around the more delicate or fragile portions.
Loved the new boxes, but have not really compared them to the previous ones since they are packed away.
OK, I found the reward posters and have given them to Gen since he just lost the money from the last bounty he collected to some sly pickpocket.
Two questions for Roel:
1. Now that the Diamond Preview catalog orders have been placed, how are sales for Series Two looking? Good enough to justify a Series Three?
2. Can you give any hints as to the what and when of a possible Series Three?
My Noriyuki also came with a Styrofoam block, but it was not large enough to hold the figure in place. I know this is easy to say in hindsight, but I would not have minded waiting another month, but I also appreciate you wanting to get these awesome statues into the hands of fans quickly.
I feel bad that I haven't posted more specific positive feedback, but commit to doing so, once my new display cabinet arrives and I have been able to get all of my figures out to display. Even Series One is still in its packaging.
I can say however that I love the boxes for Series Two. I did notice the leaves, and also the Year of the Rabbit flourishes which I thought were a great touch. I also really appreciated th sticker indicating which of the pictured figures was actually inside... a perfect improvement to the generic box option, which I think is very cool.
But what I am most impressed with is Roel, and Rokutoys as a company. Their love of the characters shines through their work, and the customer service I have received in dealing with my complaints has been second to none.
I wish you enormous success going forward and can't wait to see what Series Three is going to look like (Neko Ninja...?).
I feel bad that I haven't posted more specific positive feedback, but commit to doing so, once my new display cabinet arrives and I have been able to get all of my figures out to display. Even Series One is still in its packaging.
I can say however that I love the boxes for Series Two. I did notice the leaves, and also the Year of the Rabbit flourishes which I thought were a great touch. I also really appreciated th sticker indicating which of the pictured figures was actually inside... a perfect improvement to the generic box option, which I think is very cool.
But what I am most impressed with is Roel, and Rokutoys as a company. Their love of the characters shines through their work, and the customer service I have received in dealing with my complaints has been second to none.
I wish you enormous success going forward and can't wait to see what Series Three is going to look like (Neko Ninja...?).
Even if the breath between us smells of alcohol,
Call it confusion in the best way possible.
Call it confusion in the best way possible.
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TigerRider
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 230
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 0:43 -0700
- Location: Germany (Trier)
@Noriyuki/ Styrofoam
I see, but when I took out the Nriyuki-box out of the big box, you could already hear the statue "rolling" inside, so maybe the Styrofoam block was too small.
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@Roel
I really do apreciate the enthusiastic handling of the "Usagi Statues" thing. You show me, that you really do it for "us" the fans, as one of "us", a fan.
Thanks.
*
I love the wanted-posters. When I found them, my first impression was: "Wooow, how cool is that!" Along with the heavy weight, the fine detailed Ino, and last not least the colours! Great.
Greetings,
Jens
I see, but when I took out the Nriyuki-box out of the big box, you could already hear the statue "rolling" inside, so maybe the Styrofoam block was too small.
*
@Roel
I really do apreciate the enthusiastic handling of the "Usagi Statues" thing. You show me, that you really do it for "us" the fans, as one of "us", a fan.
Thanks.
*
I love the wanted-posters. When I found them, my first impression was: "Wooow, how cool is that!" Along with the heavy weight, the fine detailed Ino, and last not least the colours! Great.
Greetings,
Jens
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chickrockguitar
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 350
- Joined: Sun Mar 06, 2005 4:09 -0700
- Location: UK
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TigerRider
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 230
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2009 0:43 -0700
- Location: Germany (Trier)
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Usagisher
- Shugyosha<Student Warrior>
- Posts: 52
- Joined: Mon Jun 23, 2003 6:30 -0700
- Location: Georgia, USA
I picked up another Detolf cabinet at Ikea last weekend so that I could finally get all of the Roku Toys statues displayed together.
As several people stated already, the craftsmanship of these statues is incredible, and my opinion is that these are some of the better paint applications of any product line. If anyone is still on the fence about getting a single statue, or a full set, you will not regret it.
Now, here's the part where the dojo members come in. As I was pulling the statues, I was grouping them in threes on the cabinet shelves, trying to mantain some relevance within each group. From top to bottom I have:
Gennosuke - armored Usagi - Zato Ino
Usagi - Young Usagi - Katsuichi
Lord Noriyuki - Jotaro - Tomoe Ame
Kitsune - Kiyoko - Jei
Thoughts and comments on different arrangements are always welcome!
As several people stated already, the craftsmanship of these statues is incredible, and my opinion is that these are some of the better paint applications of any product line. If anyone is still on the fence about getting a single statue, or a full set, you will not regret it.
Now, here's the part where the dojo members come in. As I was pulling the statues, I was grouping them in threes on the cabinet shelves, trying to mantain some relevance within each group. From top to bottom I have:
Gennosuke - armored Usagi - Zato Ino
Usagi - Young Usagi - Katsuichi
Lord Noriyuki - Jotaro - Tomoe Ame
Kitsune - Kiyoko - Jei
Thoughts and comments on different arrangements are always welcome!