Well, here we go folks. The resin shipment came in last Friday.
I've been putting in about 4-6 hours a day on resin, but the weather
has not been kind here in New York. On Friday through Sunday it was
in the high eighties—basically cooking the interior of the tin
roofed resin workshop. We haven't been able to run the air
conditioning unit because of the cost, so we are having to work when
the temperatures are naturally cooler (Early morning – late at
night.). Essentially, the resin we use will boil when mixed at
temperatures above 80 degrees. Things are moving along a bit slower
than we would like in that department. From Wednesday to Friday the
temperatures outside have been too cold. Thursday night the
temperature was right at freezing. Again we can not run the electric
heaters, too expensive when we have no cash flow, so we must wait
until the temperature climbs in the workshop. (The resin will be
gummy and break like poorly baked cookies if the temperatures are
below 69 degrees.) But onto more positive news.
On the production side of things, concerning the mats, August is
nearly finished and we will be starting September soon. I believe
September will be a smaller month as far as orders went. On another
positive note, as listed on the ZUZZY store page, we can now send out
orders in these sizes—2X4FT. and smaller mats within our normally
stated time frame—probably sooner.
We have used half of the latex we received two weeks ago. Normally
we would order more at this time, but cash is tight so we will not be
doing this at this time. We'll see how the can bounces as we kick
that one down the road a bit.
On the shipping end of things. We have experienced a few bumps in
the road. We are trying to resolve those problems. So, June and July
customers, if you haven't received your packages yet, don't panic,
they will be on your doorsteps soon.
Also, at the beginning of this upcoming week we will start paying
back the customers which wanted refunds that fell outside of Paypal's
charge back policy—starting with June. We will be contacting each
of you in email and then be sending a check in the mail. This, also,
will be a slower process than any of us would like.
And, a few of you have asked for pictures. Jim and I are still
discussing this and perhaps in future posts we will put up a few to
go along with the updates.
The battle continues . . .
Best Always,
Kevin and Jim
Miniature Wargame, RPG & Model Building Links and News From ZUZZY Miniatures
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Mid-Week Update
On the production end of things: June is finished for the most
part. All that is left is prep and packaging for a few stragglers.
July was started on Monday, as far as production goes. The mats are also mostly finished. Again, they will be waiting on prep and packaging.
An aside note: Preparation involves cleaning, cutting, and trimming the mats. This process can take some time. We don't use any machinery to do this. In fact the only one that can do this process is Jim. The man has the hands of a surgeon—or perhaps even better. Each mat that you receive has been hand trimmed by him. I have never met anyone else that can do what he does. (It is impossible for me to do, due to an illness from childhood that left me with shaking hands.) After the prep they are packaged and sent to the shipping department, where I box them up.
Back to our update:
Most of July should be ready to go out by the end of the week and the beginning of next. August production will be in full swing by the weekend. As I recall August is a fairly large month. It most likely will not be as quick a turn around as June and July. They had mostly been finished when all hell broke loose back in November. September through December purchases dropped four fold, so production on these months should also be relatively quick. But I will revisit this in the days to come.
To get this far we have used one quarter of the order of latex that arrived last Friday.
I should be giving you another update at the end of the week.
Thanks again for your patience.
Best Always,
Kevin and Jim
July was started on Monday, as far as production goes. The mats are also mostly finished. Again, they will be waiting on prep and packaging.
An aside note: Preparation involves cleaning, cutting, and trimming the mats. This process can take some time. We don't use any machinery to do this. In fact the only one that can do this process is Jim. The man has the hands of a surgeon—or perhaps even better. Each mat that you receive has been hand trimmed by him. I have never met anyone else that can do what he does. (It is impossible for me to do, due to an illness from childhood that left me with shaking hands.) After the prep they are packaged and sent to the shipping department, where I box them up.
Back to our update:
Most of July should be ready to go out by the end of the week and the beginning of next. August production will be in full swing by the weekend. As I recall August is a fairly large month. It most likely will not be as quick a turn around as June and July. They had mostly been finished when all hell broke loose back in November. September through December purchases dropped four fold, so production on these months should also be relatively quick. But I will revisit this in the days to come.
To get this far we have used one quarter of the order of latex that arrived last Friday.
I should be giving you another update at the end of the week.
Thanks again for your patience.
Best Always,
Kevin and Jim
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Update For This Weekend
We received a full order of latex Wednesday afternoon. Two days sooner than the supplier promised!
You should also know that late winter was very harsh on us this year, and all of our resin stocks were destroyed. The replacement for the resin will be on order this Friday.
This weekend ZUZZY will be focusing on finishing up the month of June, 2014. There isn't much left to that month and those of you that have been stuck out in the ten month zone will finally have your issues addressed. If there are any that still have refund requests in that month or before we will contact you very soon.
In the fall of last year, we had been sending out June, July, and a few August orders. July of course will be next. For expediency sake the smaller orders will be going out first, while we weave the larger ones into the docket.
Again, although we are filling the mat orders as quickly as possible, we are waiting on our resin replacement. This can not be ordered until Friday. It will take a few days before it arrives.
Best Always,
Jim and Kevin
This weekend ZUZZY will be focusing on finishing up the month of June, 2014. There isn't much left to that month and those of you that have been stuck out in the ten month zone will finally have your issues addressed. If there are any that still have refund requests in that month or before we will contact you very soon.
In the fall of last year, we had been sending out June, July, and a few August orders. July of course will be next. For expediency sake the smaller orders will be going out first, while we weave the larger ones into the docket.
Again, although we are filling the mat orders as quickly as possible, we are waiting on our resin replacement. This can not be ordered until Friday. It will take a few days before it arrives.
Best Always,
Jim and Kevin
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
ZUZZY comes clean . . . an open letter to the community
Greetings ZUZZY customers, gamers, crafters, general hobbyists.
Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your hobby
experience. It isn't often that we get a chance to communicate so
directly, but today, we have been given a moment in time to address
the community with truth and directness.
Please allow us a moment of your time to apologize for a few
things.
1. For our failure to meet your expectations . . . expectations we
generated by a promise to deliver our product in a timely manner.
2. For our failure to communicate adequately.
3. For waiting so long to do so. The reasons are many and convoluted, fraught with twists and turns, and unexpected pitfalls. The results have been unbearable for you the consumers, and also for Jim and myself as the producers. We promised the product within a four to twelve week period depending on location and items ordered. We have failed for many of you, and we are sorry for your inconvenience. That failure at this time has translated to a ten month wait for some of you. Many of you have decided that is too long. Over the past seven months you expressed your concerns. Early on we regularly corresponded in emails. We made promises and predictions which we truly believed were accurate. Throughout 2014 unexpected events took place, causing us to stumble. They were personal events that had injurious effects on ZUZZY's production. The word went out that we were ignoring you. And our silence generated distrust. Many demanded their money back, and rightly so. Payments came in, payments were withdrawn. Jim and I tried to pay back as many as we could, promising delivery to those willing to wait. Unfortunately our word was undermined by unforeseen events in our lives. It appeared to the community that we were scoundrels. This has brought us to this juncture. Now, we willfully place ourselves in a light that most are not willing to stand beneath. The judgment of the community. You are the reason that we can exist at all. This we are quite aware of. We do this work because we are one of you. We are gamers—not unscrupulous individuals planning our next heist. We are just two guys, artists, that had a vision. We implemented that vision and then faced some very awful personal tragedies that we will not discuss here. These hazards are the reason we put forth our apology. Today we will discuss the crazy uncle, chained in the attic, that no one really likes to talk about. Everyone metaphorically has someone or something in their lives that brings this shame. It can come in many guises and try as we might, hiding it away only creates larger and larger problems for the individual. So, today, since we have time, this will be the second point of our entry. ZUZZY Miniatures is struggling. Yes, there it is. The truth and our shame—Kevin and Jim are exhausted. Your responses may be as follows: Who cares! I ordered my stuff 10 months ago and I still don't have it. You took my money 10 months ago and I still have nothing! My son's birthday is tomorrow—I ordered this two weeks ago and I expect this on my son”s birthday table! My store ordered seventy mats from you two weeks ago and my customers want their mats! I am spamming your email every two minutes until you answer why my mat is not sitting on my front door! I ordered a month ago it's not here and I expect your answer immediately! All of these complaints are valid. Your demand for this product has outstripped our ability to produce it on a timely basis. The logical response to this is: Well, you should be so lucky! Who bemoans or complains about such a boon? So, before I continue, let me say this: In our seven year history, we have never taken someone's money and willfully not supplied them with the product they purchased. Our crime is that the customer had to wait until we could produce it for them. Yes, let me be clear. The customer had to wait until we could produce the product for them. In the early days, we had a surplus of every item. But as time went on, our surplus was depleted. And today, there is no vast warehouse where our mats and resin pieces reside, waiting to be hand-picked off the shelves for our faithful customers. Like many small businesses, we have become a product on demand operation. This is due to four factors: demand, space, time, and human labor. And this has been our crime—our inability to immediately meet demand. (And today, being unable to answer all of your inquiries.) In our wildest dreams we never knew how much of an impact our product would have on the gaming community. Up until now it's been a powerful, wonderful experience, and we love you all for it. But today everything must change. Our gaming family needs to understand what we require from you as a customer, so no more injury can be incurred by either party. You or us. Success can be a tenuous thing, but success laced with practicality makes for a stable foundation. We need your help in order for us both to thrive. What we require is simple. We truly know what you require from us—a wonderful product delivered to your door when you need it. In the latter we have failed and this is where we need your help. We require your patience and understanding, and most of all your forgiveness. We truly do want you to have the best experience from ordering our product, after all, it's what benefits us both. And here is where we come clean: At this juncture, if you order our product, you must understand that we can not provide it within a few days. This has become an impossibility. Our policy is 4 to 12 weeks. This already translates to as long as three months wait time. We've always been straight forward about this. And in the past we've been able to meet that proviso with a few bumps along the way. But today, right now, things have become more difficult for us, and as many of you know, to our chagrin, you are having to wait longer. We are sorry for this, and as always trying to work on this problem and solve it forever. But like anything worth waiting for this too will take time. Our promise to you: We will fill your order. At this time, you will have to wait longer—perhaps a few days over the proviso, perhaps a few weeks, perhaps a few months. If you can not wait please do not order. When a time arrives when we can fill your orders faster, we will let you know this, by expressing this on our media outlets. Until that time, understand that you will have to wait. We have no choice in this matter. For those that can not wait and have moved on, you require your money back. We also promise that we will return it to you. We want you to be happy. But because of our current situation, this will also take some time. If you feel you must bring legal action against us, that is your choice. You have every right to that action. We want you to be happy. You are the community that made us. Now again what we ask of you: Patience, and understanding, for this condition we find ourselves in. Please do not order and then pull your money back out. You can not imagine how much damage this causes. Only order if you love the product and can wait for it. Please. Again, what we can promise at this time:
Kevin and Jim
2. For our failure to communicate adequately.
3. For waiting so long to do so. The reasons are many and convoluted, fraught with twists and turns, and unexpected pitfalls. The results have been unbearable for you the consumers, and also for Jim and myself as the producers. We promised the product within a four to twelve week period depending on location and items ordered. We have failed for many of you, and we are sorry for your inconvenience. That failure at this time has translated to a ten month wait for some of you. Many of you have decided that is too long. Over the past seven months you expressed your concerns. Early on we regularly corresponded in emails. We made promises and predictions which we truly believed were accurate. Throughout 2014 unexpected events took place, causing us to stumble. They were personal events that had injurious effects on ZUZZY's production. The word went out that we were ignoring you. And our silence generated distrust. Many demanded their money back, and rightly so. Payments came in, payments were withdrawn. Jim and I tried to pay back as many as we could, promising delivery to those willing to wait. Unfortunately our word was undermined by unforeseen events in our lives. It appeared to the community that we were scoundrels. This has brought us to this juncture. Now, we willfully place ourselves in a light that most are not willing to stand beneath. The judgment of the community. You are the reason that we can exist at all. This we are quite aware of. We do this work because we are one of you. We are gamers—not unscrupulous individuals planning our next heist. We are just two guys, artists, that had a vision. We implemented that vision and then faced some very awful personal tragedies that we will not discuss here. These hazards are the reason we put forth our apology. Today we will discuss the crazy uncle, chained in the attic, that no one really likes to talk about. Everyone metaphorically has someone or something in their lives that brings this shame. It can come in many guises and try as we might, hiding it away only creates larger and larger problems for the individual. So, today, since we have time, this will be the second point of our entry. ZUZZY Miniatures is struggling. Yes, there it is. The truth and our shame—Kevin and Jim are exhausted. Your responses may be as follows: Who cares! I ordered my stuff 10 months ago and I still don't have it. You took my money 10 months ago and I still have nothing! My son's birthday is tomorrow—I ordered this two weeks ago and I expect this on my son”s birthday table! My store ordered seventy mats from you two weeks ago and my customers want their mats! I am spamming your email every two minutes until you answer why my mat is not sitting on my front door! I ordered a month ago it's not here and I expect your answer immediately! All of these complaints are valid. Your demand for this product has outstripped our ability to produce it on a timely basis. The logical response to this is: Well, you should be so lucky! Who bemoans or complains about such a boon? So, before I continue, let me say this: In our seven year history, we have never taken someone's money and willfully not supplied them with the product they purchased. Our crime is that the customer had to wait until we could produce it for them. Yes, let me be clear. The customer had to wait until we could produce the product for them. In the early days, we had a surplus of every item. But as time went on, our surplus was depleted. And today, there is no vast warehouse where our mats and resin pieces reside, waiting to be hand-picked off the shelves for our faithful customers. Like many small businesses, we have become a product on demand operation. This is due to four factors: demand, space, time, and human labor. And this has been our crime—our inability to immediately meet demand. (And today, being unable to answer all of your inquiries.) In our wildest dreams we never knew how much of an impact our product would have on the gaming community. Up until now it's been a powerful, wonderful experience, and we love you all for it. But today everything must change. Our gaming family needs to understand what we require from you as a customer, so no more injury can be incurred by either party. You or us. Success can be a tenuous thing, but success laced with practicality makes for a stable foundation. We need your help in order for us both to thrive. What we require is simple. We truly know what you require from us—a wonderful product delivered to your door when you need it. In the latter we have failed and this is where we need your help. We require your patience and understanding, and most of all your forgiveness. We truly do want you to have the best experience from ordering our product, after all, it's what benefits us both. And here is where we come clean: At this juncture, if you order our product, you must understand that we can not provide it within a few days. This has become an impossibility. Our policy is 4 to 12 weeks. This already translates to as long as three months wait time. We've always been straight forward about this. And in the past we've been able to meet that proviso with a few bumps along the way. But today, right now, things have become more difficult for us, and as many of you know, to our chagrin, you are having to wait longer. We are sorry for this, and as always trying to work on this problem and solve it forever. But like anything worth waiting for this too will take time. Our promise to you: We will fill your order. At this time, you will have to wait longer—perhaps a few days over the proviso, perhaps a few weeks, perhaps a few months. If you can not wait please do not order. When a time arrives when we can fill your orders faster, we will let you know this, by expressing this on our media outlets. Until that time, understand that you will have to wait. We have no choice in this matter. For those that can not wait and have moved on, you require your money back. We also promise that we will return it to you. We want you to be happy. But because of our current situation, this will also take some time. If you feel you must bring legal action against us, that is your choice. You have every right to that action. We want you to be happy. You are the community that made us. Now again what we ask of you: Patience, and understanding, for this condition we find ourselves in. Please do not order and then pull your money back out. You can not imagine how much damage this causes. Only order if you love the product and can wait for it. Please. Again, what we can promise at this time:
- To continue producing ZUZZY mats and accessories.
- To solve our production problems as quickly as possible.
- To notify you weekly on our media outlets where we are in our
production schedule. (This will include regular updates on Facebook
and our other websites.)
- To do our utmost to get those who have already made purchases
their product. And resolve any outstanding charge backs by
disgruntled customers.
- To usher in a new era for ZUZZY and its valued customers.
Kevin and Jim
Saturday, June 14, 2014
DM Kaydon's Castle
DM Kaydon over on YouTube, as well as being a close friend of ours, is an avid roleplaying game terrain builder. And he now has his own YouTube channel. be sure to check out his videos. Link and one of his videos below.
DM Kaydon's Castle
DM Kaydon's Castle
Monday, December 16, 2013
Broken Blacktop Painting Tutorial at Studio Hobby Thumbs
Ross Oancea (AKA CubanNecktie) over at Studio Hobby Thumbs has just let me know about a tutorial he's put up on his blog on painting up a ZUZZY Broken Blacktop gaming mat.
http://hobbythumbs.blogspot.ca/2013/12/photo-tutorial-broken-blacktop-by-zuzzy.html
Great tutorial, with lots of photos. Well done.
It's a new blog, but it already has quite a few posts. Lots of conversions. Currently all Warhammer 40k stuff. Definitely worth checking out.
We've also added a link to it on our tutorials page, http://www.zuzzy.com/2013/09/tutorials.html where you can find links to more tutorials as well.
http://hobbythumbs.blogspot.ca/2013/12/photo-tutorial-broken-blacktop-by-zuzzy.html
Great tutorial, with lots of photos. Well done.
It's a new blog, but it already has quite a few posts. Lots of conversions. Currently all Warhammer 40k stuff. Definitely worth checking out.
We've also added a link to it on our tutorials page, http://www.zuzzy.com/2013/09/tutorials.html where you can find links to more tutorials as well.
Monday, September 16, 2013
ZUZZY Store is Back Up
The ZUZZY Store at zuzzy.com is now back up and running. We had experienced about a day of down time after the site was hacked. Fortunately we had been planning a server transfer and had already begun building the new site. So we just did the move a little early. Everything is now running fine and we are very happy with the new site.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Popular Posts
-
We have just launched the all new ZUZZY forum (edit: 9/21/10 Edited this link to point to our new forum, now located on our Facebook page)....
-
Here's a sneak peek at the upcoming Broken Blacktop Terra-Flex mat. The sculpt for it is complete and we will be able to start productio...
-
Greetings ZUZZY customers, gamers, crafters, general hobbyists. Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your hobby experience. It ...
-
We have been reminded by a few of you that we are a little late on our update. The month of May has passed and we are now far into June. The...
-
Here's a sneak peek at our newest battlemat that we're working on. It's the Feldston Paven mat. It's a rough fieldstone pave...
-
Facebook has announced that it is shutting down all of the fan page discussion forums on October 31st. They want people to focus on wall pos...
-
We have held off on making any price changes for years. And though the Post Office has raised their rates several times, they were moderate ...
-
Our Terra-Flex battlemats are now available in two new sizes, 2x3 ft. (61 x 92 cm) and 3x4ft. (92 x 122 cm). These new sizes are aimed at ...
-
Here are a few shout-outs to some blogs that are featuring ZUZZY battlemats. First blog post I've found featuring our new Broken Black...
-
DM Kaydon over on YouTube, as well as being a close friend of ours, is an avid roleplaying game terrain builder. And he now has his own YouT...