22/07/2024
Hi Folks,
David here from RetroKit. Hope you're having a great week so far!
Apologies for the lack of any activity and updates over the last 6 months. We're still here, and open for business and processing orders worldwide! I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support and custom over the years. If it wasn't for you, we wouldn't have a business and be able to connect with so many people in the community. Thank you.
I wanted to give an update on the recent developments in and around RetroKit as there has been fair few things going on in the background, both personally and professionally.
We're still committed to providing retro computing and gaming products here in Australia and New Zealand, and worldwide. In fact, we're looking to expand what we do into other platforms and offer repair and upgrades services long-term.
RetroKit is not our only business. In fact, we have two others, one in Networks and Cyber Security (Loop Networks), and another exciting opportunity that we took on earlier this year - Perth Arcade Machines (PAM). Both of these business have consumed a lot more of our time, energy and focus than anticipated. Certainly the Arcade business has been all consuming as its fairly new to us, and whilst learning the in's and outs has enjoyable, it's not been easy, and not always kind. There have been many long days, and late nights, but all has been necessary to support the businesses both logistically and financially.
The extra work for PAM and Loop has naturally had a knock on effect on RetroKit. We're aware of some of our shortcomings such as delayed responses to inquiries, delayed shipments, stock discrepancies, and stock availability. We are seeking to improve all of these as soon as possible, but naturally it takes time, money, and effort.
Shipments should be improving, or have improved already, as my wife has taken this task on and is normally very efficient. That said, we are a small business and have a dispatch time of 1-3 days and unfortunately do not have the scale or logistics to dispatch orders as quickly as Amazon or Target, but we do try. If an item is urgently needed, we will always try to accommodate and ship as early as possible if notified in advance. Like any e-commerce business we operate on a strictly First In, First Out shipping method and we are also at the mercy of the shipping companies for shipping times, which are only ever an estimate.
Communication wise - that's mostly all on me as the technical brain, and I apologise for ongoing delays responding to inquiries. I would like to stress that we're working on improving, and will be adding website chat shortly. I often have emails from customers pinned in my Inbox as a reminder to reply, and I'm ashamed that I have some that are 1-2 weeks old (it has been longer sometimes 😢). I promise I'm not ignoring you, I'm just flat out.
Stock availability should improve over the next few months. This also has fallen by the wayside with our focus stolen by PAM and Loop, and financially we've had some other commitments meaning we've had to run on lean stock for a short while. Stock discrepancies should also clear up at the same time.
I hope I've addressed any concerns about us being open for business and our intentions. It's been a long, windy, and enjoyable road of experience running this business and working with all our customers, past and present. We aim to make it continue.
If you any other questions, concerns or frustrations I haven't addressed, I'm more than happy to have a chat. I can be reached at [email protected] or via the RetroKit Facebook messenger or the Contact Us form on the RetroKit website.
Kind Regards
David
