Tiny wargames

[Sean Clark]

I've seen that Phil Mackie, from Oxford way I think,  has had trouble with Tiny Wargames.

He's been carrying out some due diligence and it appears that the company was registered as defunct around September but some orders were still taken but nothing delivered.

Phil ordered mats which weren't delivered. It appears the owner has been left with some very unhappy customers 

[Sean Clark]

Interesting unsolicited email from the new owner of Tiny Wargames today


"Dear Valued Customers,

We are reaching out to update you on recent changes at Tinywargames and to reaffirm our commitment to delivering the high-quality products and services you have come to expect.

After proudly serving the wargaming community for over 10 years, Tinywargames transitioned to new ownership, Unfortunately, due to operational challenges and management difficulties, the business faced significant setbacks during this three-month tenure.

We want to assure you that Tinywargames is now under new, experienced ownership, and we are fully dedicated to restoring the business to its former excellence. Our primary focus is rebuilding your trust, improving operations, and continuing to provide the exceptional gaming mats and customer service that have been the foundation of our reputation.

We deeply appreciate your patience and continued support during this transitional period. We are excited to move forward and ensure that Tinywargames remains the trusted name in tabletop gaming for years to come.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at this email.

Thank you for being a valued part of the Tinywargames community."

Of course, it doesn't indicate whether they are like the Death Star and fully operational, or still getting things sorted.

[John Watson]

Just tried the website. Nothing new since a review dated 2022. Site says "under maintenance".
John

[martin goddard]

Stand back at a safe distance?

martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

Sean, could it be that the new owner may be none other than the original owner ("new, experienced ownership, and we are fully dedicated to restoring the business to its former excellence")?

And should I be feeling like a less-than-valued customer, as I didn't get their email? 

Simon

[Colonel Kilgore]

I've had a look at the current website [https://tinysites.wixsite.com/update]. While it says it's under maintenance, this time the catalogue has been removed (you have to email for prices, but that implies you already know what you want to buy) and the "under new management" status is stated (albeit with no details of this latest change).

The email address linked to is different from before, with a gmail.com domaine that implies that it's temporary until they get a new corporate one sorted?

I see that there is a US "branch" (in Florida), but the Swanley, Kent address for the UK matches that of the original owner. So either they've only updated part of the provisional website, or the original owner is again the latest owner?

I really hope this time that all works out well, as I do like the product!

Simon

[usagitsuki]

Richard Bailey is still listed as director at Companies House. IF it is under new management, they should probably change the name. I've never had a problem with Tinywargames myself but there's a lot of people across various social media who have.

[Sean Clark]

It's all very murky. As Martin says, probably best to stand back and see what's occurring.

[Panzer21]

First a disclaimer; I never had any of the problems others suffered with Tiny. There again I never had any problems with Hotz either despite many horror stories.

I think the biggest problem is that the "brand" is tainted by the issues that have dogged it.

I've seen all the amateur detectives come up with various conspiracy theories about who owns what.

First, it is possible to transfer a business without transferring the limited company that operated it. That the original director appears on Companies House means nothing. He could in theory still operate that entity, but the brand may be more problematic depending on what was transferred in the sale.

A new address for Tiny appeared. We then had various posts about legal action and that the original owner had been taking orders when they shouldn't have (allegedly).

I suspect the sale ( if indeed there has been one) may have been conducted on less than sound principles with poor attention as to what was being bought.

In any case, with the previous reputation and current uncertainty, I doubt many will order mats or be wise to do so. He may be able to sell at shows. If there has been a new owner, I think I'd rebrand as soon as possible.....

Neil

[Ben Waterhouse]

Bargepole - not touching - for the use of...

[martin goddard]

Geek Villain seem to have a problem keeping mats in stock.
Maybe these mat sellers are using an associated printing company which does not have gaming mats as their main income source?


martin

[Sean Clark]

I was under the impression that Geek Villain have their own printer. I think the issue is keeping it working properly at times.

Mats have become such a mainstay of our hobby its a shame that two of the UK's manufacturers are having issues.

[martin goddard]

I agree Sean.
Mats have changed the nature of what we play on.

martin

[Colonel Kilgore]

It would be impossible to argue with that, Martin 

Simon

[John Watson]

I spy a marketing opportunity Martin!?!
John