I would separate the boneyard kits from the rest right away. Once or twice a month I would then have a boneyard sale. Another great vid Pat. Keep it up.
I’m very interested to hear “Canadian Gundam: The Origin”. Is it possible to get into the finance required, distributor connection, and other things that you needed to setup? I think that will give a good idea of the challenges one should expect if they want to open a Gundam shop.
For finance it's better to get a loan or even better, know investors who are willing to back you up financially, that's what happened with the people I know in San Francisco. For distribution, Bluefin is the only one that deals with North America and they have their own problems so connections aren't really what it should be and it should be better. I know it looks cool to have a shop and all but in reality it's really not worth it, all the shops I know in Canada and USA so far only one managed to make it even if sales are not meeting the quota which doesn't matter because investors are pouring donations into it for tax purposes.
@@kmoov90 Yes its probably not worth it to have gunpla shop in US or Europe because taxes and minimum wage for employees are usually so high with considerably low demand from customers, its probably easier if you open gunpla shop in Asia with lower minimum wage, taxes, and bigger populations to support the demand
@Ken Yang Yikes. You're sharing some nonsense here: Investors don't make donations, they make investments and get a return on their investment that they then pay tax on...not a tax receipt for a "donation". Businesses do not receive donations and do not issue tax receipts for donations because they aren't registered charities. You are under some wild misconceptions here. If someone is telling you this is what is happening in their business they are either misleading you because they don't want to share particulars or they themselves have some wild notions and generous friends. Someone like that won't be in business long LOL. As far as financing goes a loan can be good whether you have starting capital (i.e. cash) or not. If you don't, you need a loan anyhow but may struggle to get more than a small operating line of credit (in your personal name, not under your business) if you don't have assets or previous financial statements to support your loan repayment (i.e. you either have the money to pay it each month, or you can show revenue generation to service the loan). If you DO have starting capital it can still be advantageous to have an operating line of credit so you don't have to commit all of your cash to inventory. You can pay overhead and other expenses with cash and use your operating line to float inventory purchase costs and pay them back with sales revenue. The advantage here is keeping your cash liquid and only paying interest on inventory purchases while the credit line has a balance...so if you're sales are even mildly decent early on your interest expense is greatly reduced (compared to taking a term loan and paying interest on the entire balance, all the time). The current business model for Canadian Gundam (AFAIK) is "warehouse only" so overhead is low (no retail storefront and related expenses) and staffing costs are likely low too (the owner operator may be able to service all orders and incoming stock, or likely only needs 1-2 employees if their volume is solid). Operating a "warehouse store" and selling online is *significantly* less costly than operating a retail storefront...this is also how Canadian Gundam keeps their prices so competitive: They aren't paying commercials rent, overheard, and full time sales staff 7 days a week for a retail location.
@@nicholashale6620 I'm not sure where you're getting investor or investment from as I didn't mention if that topic can be covered in my original comment. As you're the second person who's explaining how one should run a business or how they think the store is being run I think I should clarify my original comment. In the past, the channel uploaded other videos where he talks about credit card bills or dealing with orders. Even showing numbers on video which is not necessary but It's interesting to see the amount of money going through the shop's cash flow. The comment is response to him asking if he should make a video talking about how the store started. I would like to hear the story about the why and how everything was setup. Since I think it's a common idea of someone who's into a hobby or collectible to open a store for that interest without knowing the challenges specific to getting into and running a shop in that market rather than running a business in general. I appreciate that people want to explain to me how they think a business should be setup and run. The comment is more about asking Canadian Gundam to make a story time video about the store's origin.
Would love to hear about Canadian Gundam: The Origin OVA series. I don't think a lot of people realize just how much goes into running a business, let alone one focused around their hobby. Boneyard kits should definitely be taken out of rotation right away, then pick a date once or twice a month and sell them off. Hopefully it will help not only with organization but also keep a steady rotation of product so you know whats boneyard and whats not.
The only suggestions I have are these: -Get shelves for the MGs and other kits that are on the floor. -Reorganize the website so that kits aren't in the wrong sections/categories. Noticed quite a few simply because they have similar names to others in the category. -Hire another person to help out in organizing the warehouse, especially when new stock comes in or if Amy isn't available. That way you'll have time to do other things to improve the store.
You guys are great! Always my go-to for orders. I remember I idiotically made two separate orders instead of combinging them, and almost had to pay double shipping. But then you guys changed it without me even asking.
Thanks for doing this video and giving us some insight as to what it's like to run a store like this. I'm pretty sure most small business owners would not be comfortable with giving everyone a look behind the curtain so it's awesome that you're taking the time to do this and engage with the community. I'm from Asia where Gundam has a huge fanbase and there are plenty of hobby shops selling model kits around so it's definitely interesting to see things from the perspective of someone trying to run a business in the west where Gundam is more of a niche product
Reserve Boneyard for 'VIP' customers, those that sign up with email. Builds your email list (more customers to buy new stock / sale promo via Email marketing) Also builds more brand loyalty with these perks. Love this honest, uncut behind the scenes take on this niche retail.
I just wanted to say that you guys are doing great work!!! I'm a fellow builder and streamer and its nice to see things from this point of view. There are some in the community who bash certain stores for mistakes that happen with orders and it's good to see things from a business owner's perspective. A true eye opener and learning opportunity! One day I'll have to order from you guys and make the cut in one of these videos haha.
It's really not worth it considering the really low profit margins. Keep in mind that the number in sales is different profit once you considered the costs of everything such as item costs, paying the bills, and loans, etc.
I would love to hear about why you started Canadian Gundam and all the information you can provide, plus the reason you wouldn't continue. I am always curious to find out why people do what they do.
As much as I love the shop and channel I d o think you should shutdown for a little bit just to organize everything and get those stands and stuff on shelves so you don’t have to root around for them
So from the sound of it, you need to hire someone just for the data stuff, emails and the website. It would then give you time to turn around into clearing up and organization of the rest of the warehouse. Hopefully helping you find the missing kits from a few videos ago. As for Boneyard, while doing them all at one time could be a nice little event, remembering to move all Boneyard kits off to the side so they don't get mixed in with main stock could be an issue.
@@kmoov90 It's not "bad for small business" at all, it is a cost of doing business...if a business cannot afford to hire staff at the same minimum wage as other small business they aren't operating a business well. You can't underpay people (illegally) to try and boost your bottom line. No well run business that can sustain itself, and grow, operates like that. All businesses of all sizes need employees and minimum wage is mandated by law. We do not let any business (in Canada) pay "slave wages" LOL. From reading some of your replies to people here it is clear you don't own or operate a business or even have much sense of how one is ran, or why. You shouldn't be offering advice in this area because most of the "advice" you are sharing is demonstrably incorrect or flat out silly.
@@nicholashale6620 It is bad for small business what the hell are talking about? "Aren't operating a business well?" Hmmn..... maybe it's the laws that supports the corporations instead of small business Mr. Genius did you think about that? Seems to me you don't know what you are talking about. Anyways I guarantee I'm doing way better than you, maybe that's why your comments are so sour LOL.
I think I would like it if you hosted a boneyard day/event where it all gets released onto the website like once or twice a month (bi weekly). Atleast by doing it that way I know there are set days that I should check your site for boneyard kits. Also I would love to learn your business from bottom to top. learn your process and how to open/ start a gunpla business. Thanks Pat and Amy! I have left a message before about you guys inspiring me to start my business and I really want that dream to become a reality.
I'd love to hear the origin story of Canadian Gundam :D I've always been curious about how all the local shops started up. I was also wondering if you may consider getting a Go Pro for recording? If you had that you can then use both your hands :) Whenever I watch your videos I notice you always need to carry the camera in one hand and do other stuff with the other. When you climb onto ol' Rickety and lift a stack of gunpla I start getting mini heart attacks lol!
when you did the limited event i picked up quite a few of them, and the pricing on them was great, I am looking forward to the next one, the nice thing about the limited event is there's so much to choose from, so everyone gets a chance to at least get something. so yeah, I say save some of those really cool limited items just for that event
The last boneyard event was good, but because it was such a frenzy, I missed out on a kit by a fraction of a second even though my order still went through. I was able to contact you guys and I was given a generous offer on another kit of my choice due to the mistake. I really appreciated it, however, I could foresee it happening again next time and it's a bit of a hassle for both parties. Hopefully it's fixed, otherwise maybe putting a kit or two out there at random may be the way to go.
And you're right it's not very easy to have a business you gotta put everything you got into it I admire that keep on rocking. Unfortunately you need a bigger place I don't know what the rent is like but you need one.
Love the intro!!! I would vote for "Boneyard Friday" starting at 9 am US Pacific time if you want to do it weekly or do a particular day and fixed time once a month so that it is a planned event that everyone of your loyal customers and get a chance at these kits. My 2 cents :)
For the boneyard things I say sell them s they come simpler for your tracking system. As for doing events like the pbandai one do keep it up. Also do you have a timeliness to opening the shop to walk ins.
Hey! Im interested in starting something like this myself, can you please please make a video on the story on how you started, and why you started, it would honestly make my day Patrick. Thank you
Release it all at one time, like put the boneyard sale up for a weekend then take it all down on Monday. Do it once a month or if the boneyard stock gets to big do a second weekend
Just an idea, why not get a pushcart with partitions on it so that you can collect multiple orders in a single run? You can also put a iPad mount/camera mount to make it easier for you.
Dang I must have been working when that 4 hour window was open lol. Next time Gadget! I would say if it's starting to coming to inventory issues just release boneyard as it comes. It's nice to have a batch at once but I say business comes first.
I would do a big sale right now on bone yard, then list them bone yard as they come going forward. Those who watch your videos will be rewarded as we will see shipments that are damaged before they hit the boneyard.
PERSONALLY, I would like to have a Boneyard Event. Mostly so I can plan around it, but that's my thoughts. :) GREAT video as always, can't wait to place my next order.
I'd hold onto them for a lump sale only if you have the storage and only if. If it were me, I'd sell them as I got the stock in. The longer they sit, the more they cost.
i really interested on your story man... like maybe so of us are thinking to have a gundam shop so maybe you can give some advice or your thought man... really gonna appreciate your story sharing man.
I would love more stories! I keep thinking of starting a small you business out of my house and would like to know pros and cons, hickups, etc...from someone who has been through it. I have a 3 car garage that is empty and could be used as a warehouse but obviously need more than that. Any advice you can give via story or video would be greatly appreciated!
My opinion about boneyarding kits is to do whatever is less complicated for the business. I don't know how you keep track of kits to be boneyard but I think you would like to keep confusion low.
Have a Boneyard Event every other week would be a dope idea/ would keep boneyard stock low and can be a made into a part of the community looking forward to that event. I hope you dont catch too much flack from people about why stuff theyve seen in vids is up on the site/ i totally get why you hold them back i really liked the Boxing day event last year, you made the right call. And i think a Q&A video would be a great idea how you started etc... maybe hookup with GUNPLANETWORK and you guys can make a collaborative vid out of it/ or you could have GwilowX interview you on stream right in the shop that would be dope too and then that stream can be cut for a youtube video as well. Keep up the awesome work !!!!
Honestly, I'd just throw them up as they come in. Gunpla are a pretty medium sized item to stock and having them take up space in a warehouse sounds like it's more of a burden than a boon to sales. If you throw them up on a specific day of the week people will show up for them and probably grab whatever came out on the new release day. Could be a second day of increased traffic during the week.
A few things: First, I hope I haven't been too annoying about pestering you about the Beskar, I didnt even consider that you saved stuff up throughout the year for a big holiday event! Though dont think I'm not still considering placing an order and driving over a thousand miles to pick it up in person, hahah! Also regarding boneyard stuff, I would think maybe once a month placing everything that has built up from it on the site, or after each video where you show what was found. Or heck with each newsletter having a announcement saying there is stuff going up that day. I also am super curious about the deeper financial aspects of the shop, and why you wouldn't do it again. Thanks guys!
Hi all, can I ask for intel on which Gundams are exclusive and hard to come by whether sold out or high shipping costs? I am gathering market research for my reselling business so any information would be appreciated, thank you
My vote for boneyard stuff: in store only. That way you can physically move your boneyard boxes to the front of the store and have people drive in and pick it up. It keeps it out of your other inventory and makes it kind of like a treasure hu t and opportunity for additional impulse purchases when were picking up our other orders. And saves you money on your canada post bill. Everyone wins.
How do you start off doing gundam business like you do? I love gundams I been wanting to do a business like yours. Love your RUclips channel. Keep up the good work. From Scott chance
@@CanadianGundam I don't really know anything about Gundam, but still watches your video, would be cool if you talk about most valuable , most hype or most rarest Gundam. kinda like a Gundam toy history, that will be cool
That is smart. Sure a business is about the money, but sometimes taking a small profit loss and instead making customers happy might be more profitable in the long term since you'd be more likely to get return customers. So it makes sense to not release everything at once as soon as you have it.
@xxnike629xx How about you share your story of your scalping in eBay? 😜 Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! 😂😂😂 PS And also, don't forget to share your thoughts too about my HGUC kit being *NOT* a P-Bandai huehuehue
To all those asking "Why did you open Canadian Gundam, and how?" I will attempt to answer despite not being the owner. I am a consultant and own a small business in the hobby space (not Gundam). First and foremost: Whether he was a fan or not, the owner identified a gap in the market for Gundam kits in Canada: Many online retailers had some (inc. Amazon) but few had stock consistently, or updated regularly, or even got access to P-bandai kits, or even kept up with newer kits. The owner realized if he could get the capital (or a loan) to order and store large quantities of kits he could likely unify Canadian online sales under his site (since he has a lot of kits and a lot of stock) and also turn those buyers into repeat customers: No more hoping some of the online board game or CCG stores in Canada had some kits, let alone one you wanted, and no more having to order from US shops in USD and possibly duty and customs, not to mention expensive shipping from the US. The owner saw very clear signs the opportunity to consolidate online sales in Canada was there, and they were right. So the owner found their warehouse space, registered as a business and got an HST#, opened an account with the North American Gunpla distributor (or a sub for Canada) and then ordered kits to establish their inventory. It is an online warehouse store so no employees needed, no storefront needed, and low overhead (heat and lights in the warehouse, insurance, web costs, etc). So once he had stock and once he had the site up...get the name out there and get business up. Once you start selling you start re-ordering. As you sell more, you make larger orders and add more kits/lines. This in turn attracts more buyers. Now you have a specialized online store that caters to a very specific audience, and you only have to pick, pack, and ship. Americans also shop the store now because of stock and variety. You're now shipping throughout North America and your volume entitles you to shipping discounts through the various shippers, allowing the owner to offer a flat rate (given how light kits are relative to size) in Canada which is HUGE for online sales in Canada (the only thing better is free) and it's likely the only kits they get hurt on there are the largest...but this offset by the higher margin on those kits. You likely make a lot more profit on a newer PG than a 15 year old HG selling for $14 CAD lol. Of course they had to track inventory, track expenses, calculate prices based on costs, prepare statements (to see how profitable they actually are after accounting for ALL expenses) and other work required to properly run, track, and grow a business. This is where people get in trouble, tbh: You can have a great idea and the money to fund it, but you also need to know what you're doing business wise to actually succeed and grow. No one wants to put that kind of effort in to break even, or only make $10,000/year. As an owner operator you are either doing it as a full time job or in between your full time job...so it better be worth it. It is NOT easy and demands a ton of your time and attention, even when you are not on site. The more your business grows the more this demand increases. And that's really all there is to it (IMO). They saw a need, had the skills and knowledge, and had access to the resources needed to get started. They probably started part time, in their house, and didn't get a separate location until they ran out of space or knew they were going to and sales were stable and growing. So while I can't speak to the owners personal motivations or some of the specifics, this is kind of the "how" many small businesses get started: You see a need and think you can fill it...you crunch some numbers and if it looks worth your time and effort, you do it. Be warned: Most people will estimate a lot of things wrong, both in terms of the market and their personal capabilities. If you have zero business knowledge, skills, or education it is a tall order to start a business and have it succeed long term. Most close within 24-36 months of opening, and that is after draining the owner of time and money while it goes downhill. Opening a business because you're "passionate" about something is a terrible idea if you can't back that up with some actual knowledge or skill, or the resources to hire someone who has those things.
![How to Get into Gunpla: Essential Tools to Start Building [Tutorial]](/img/1.gif)
I would separate the boneyard kits from the rest right away. Once or twice a month I would then have a boneyard sale. Another great vid Pat. Keep it up.
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I’m very interested to hear “Canadian Gundam: The Origin”. Is it possible to get into the finance required, distributor connection, and other things that you needed to setup? I think that will give a good idea of the challenges one should expect if they want to open a Gundam shop.
For finance it's better to get a loan or even better, know investors who are willing to back you up financially, that's what happened with the people I know in San Francisco. For distribution, Bluefin is the only one that deals with North America and they have their own problems so connections aren't really what it should be and it should be better. I know it looks cool to have a shop and all but in reality it's really not worth it, all the shops I know in Canada and USA so far only one managed to make it even if sales are not meeting the quota which doesn't matter because investors are pouring donations into it for tax purposes.
@@kmoov90 Yes its probably not worth it to have gunpla shop in US or Europe because taxes and minimum wage for employees are usually so high with considerably low demand from customers, its probably easier if you open gunpla shop in Asia with lower minimum wage, taxes, and bigger populations to support the demand
@Ken Yang Yikes. You're sharing some nonsense here: Investors don't make donations, they make investments and get a return on their investment that they then pay tax on...not a tax receipt for a "donation". Businesses do not receive donations and do not issue tax receipts for donations because they aren't registered charities. You are under some wild misconceptions here. If someone is telling you this is what is happening in their business they are either misleading you because they don't want to share particulars or they themselves have some wild notions and generous friends. Someone like that won't be in business long LOL.
As far as financing goes a loan can be good whether you have starting capital (i.e. cash) or not. If you don't, you need a loan anyhow but may struggle to get more than a small operating line of credit (in your personal name, not under your business) if you don't have assets or previous financial statements to support your loan repayment (i.e. you either have the money to pay it each month, or you can show revenue generation to service the loan). If you DO have starting capital it can still be advantageous to have an operating line of credit so you don't have to commit all of your cash to inventory. You can pay overhead and other expenses with cash and use your operating line to float inventory purchase costs and pay them back with sales revenue. The advantage here is keeping your cash liquid and only paying interest on inventory purchases while the credit line has a balance...so if you're sales are even mildly decent early on your interest expense is greatly reduced (compared to taking a term loan and paying interest on the entire balance, all the time).
The current business model for Canadian Gundam (AFAIK) is "warehouse only" so overhead is low (no retail storefront and related expenses) and staffing costs are likely low too (the owner operator may be able to service all orders and incoming stock, or likely only needs 1-2 employees if their volume is solid). Operating a "warehouse store" and selling online is *significantly* less costly than operating a retail storefront...this is also how Canadian Gundam keeps their prices so competitive: They aren't paying commercials rent, overheard, and full time sales staff 7 days a week for a retail location.
@@nicholashale6620 I'm not sure where you're getting investor or investment from as I didn't mention if that topic can be covered in my original comment.
As you're the second person who's explaining how one should run a business or how they think the store is being run I think I should clarify my original comment.
In the past, the channel uploaded other videos where he talks about credit card bills or dealing with orders. Even showing numbers on video which is not necessary but It's interesting to see the amount of money going through the shop's cash flow. The comment is response to him asking if he should make a video talking about how the store started. I would like to hear the story about the why and how everything was setup. Since I think it's a common idea of someone who's into a hobby or collectible to open a store for that interest without knowing the challenges specific to getting into and running a shop in that market rather than running a business in general.
I appreciate that people want to explain to me how they think a business should be setup and run. The comment is more about asking Canadian Gundam to make a story time video about the store's origin.
@@kandabear4087 Yo! Very sorry, my reply was meant to be nested under KenYang's reply to your comment, not your actual comment. Apologies!
Would love to hear about Canadian Gundam: The Origin OVA series. I don't think a lot of people realize just how much goes into running a business, let alone one focused around their hobby. Boneyard kits should definitely be taken out of rotation right away, then pick a date once or twice a month and sell them off. Hopefully it will help not only with organization but also keep a steady rotation of product so you know whats boneyard and whats not.
The only suggestions I have are these:
-Get shelves for the MGs and other kits that are on the floor.
-Reorganize the website so that kits aren't in the wrong sections/categories. Noticed quite a few simply because they have similar names to others in the category.
-Hire another person to help out in organizing the warehouse, especially when new stock comes in or if Amy isn't available. That way you'll have time to do other things to improve the store.
You guys are great! Always my go-to for orders. I remember I idiotically made two separate orders instead of combinging them, and almost had to pay double shipping. But then you guys changed it without me even asking.
Release your boneyard kits as they come in and you find them. Keeps people checking your site frequently for things, good for web traffic.
Thanks for doing this video and giving us some insight as to what it's like to run a store like this. I'm pretty sure most small business owners would not be comfortable with giving everyone a look behind the curtain so it's awesome that you're taking the time to do this and engage with the community.
I'm from Asia where Gundam has a huge fanbase and there are plenty of hobby shops selling model kits around so it's definitely interesting to see things from the perspective of someone trying to run a business in the west where Gundam is more of a niche product
Reserve Boneyard for 'VIP' customers, those that sign up with email.
Builds your email list (more customers to buy new stock / sale promo via Email marketing)
Also builds more brand loyalty with these perks.
Love this honest, uncut behind the scenes take on this niche retail.
I just wanted to say that you guys are doing great work!!! I'm a fellow builder and streamer and its nice to see things from this point of view. There are some in the community who bash certain stores for mistakes that happen with orders and it's good to see things from a business owner's perspective. A true eye opener and learning opportunity! One day I'll have to order from you guys and make the cut in one of these videos haha.
Release them later like the last week of the month do a boneyard week
Hmmm 🤔 might be a good idea!
Zup bro, like your videos, was surprised to hear you say “ No, I would not start, again, another Gundam store”…let’s hear more about it, shalom
It's really not worth it considering the really low profit margins. Keep in mind that the number in sales is different profit once you considered the costs of everything such as item costs, paying the bills, and loans, etc.
I agree that you must sell a lot. Every time I go shopping on your site, everything I need is sold out😂.
Thanks for all the things you do! I was very happy to get a limited kit for a good price during that event:) really appreciate it.
I dont care about the box too... Back then I usually throw away the boxes... But now I kinda collect them 😂
I would love to hear about why you started Canadian Gundam and all the information you can provide, plus the reason you wouldn't continue. I am always curious to find out why people do what they do.
As much as I love the shop and channel I d o think you should shutdown for a little bit just to organize everything and get those stands and stuff on shelves so you don’t have to root around for them
So from the sound of it, you need to hire someone just for the data stuff, emails and the website. It would then give you time to turn around into clearing up and organization of the rest of the warehouse. Hopefully helping you find the missing kits from a few videos ago. As for Boneyard, while doing them all at one time could be a nice little event, remembering to move all Boneyard kits off to the side so they don't get mixed in with main stock could be an issue.
You need money in order to hire people and if you live in a progressive area then they will demand at least minimum wage
@@kmoov90 Yes, damn those progressives for wanting a liveable wage.
@@-u-waa It's bad for small business numbnuts
@@kmoov90 It's not "bad for small business" at all, it is a cost of doing business...if a business cannot afford to hire staff at the same minimum wage as other small business they aren't operating a business well. You can't underpay people (illegally) to try and boost your bottom line. No well run business that can sustain itself, and grow, operates like that. All businesses of all sizes need employees and minimum wage is mandated by law. We do not let any business (in Canada) pay "slave wages" LOL.
From reading some of your replies to people here it is clear you don't own or operate a business or even have much sense of how one is ran, or why. You shouldn't be offering advice in this area because most of the "advice" you are sharing is demonstrably incorrect or flat out silly.
@@nicholashale6620 It is bad for small business what the hell are talking about? "Aren't operating a business well?" Hmmn..... maybe it's the laws that supports the corporations instead of small business Mr. Genius did you think about that? Seems to me you don't know what you are talking about. Anyways I guarantee I'm doing way better than you, maybe that's why your comments are so sour LOL.
I think I would like it if you hosted a boneyard day/event where it all gets released onto the website like once or twice a month (bi weekly). Atleast by doing it that way I know there are set days that I should check your site for boneyard kits.
Also I would love to learn your business from bottom to top. learn your process and how to open/ start a gunpla business. Thanks Pat and Amy! I have left a message before about you guys inspiring me to start my business and I really want that dream to become a reality.
I'd love to hear the origin story of Canadian Gundam :D
I've always been curious about how all the local shops started up. I was also wondering if you may consider getting a Go Pro for recording?
If you had that you can then use both your hands :)
Whenever I watch your videos I notice you always need to carry the camera in one hand and do other stuff with the other. When
you climb onto ol' Rickety and lift a stack of gunpla I start getting mini heart attacks lol!
when you did the limited event i picked up quite a few of them, and the pricing on them was great, I am looking forward to the next one, the nice thing about the limited event is there's so much to choose from, so everyone gets a chance to at least get something. so yeah, I say save some of those really cool limited items just for that event
Hold and release quarterly. Make it an event to bring additional attention to the company. Keep up the great content.
The last boneyard event was good, but because it was such a frenzy, I missed out on a kit by a fraction of a second even though my order still went through. I was able to contact you guys and I was given a generous offer on another kit of my choice due to the mistake. I really appreciated it, however, I could foresee it happening again next time and it's a bit of a hassle for both parties. Hopefully it's fixed, otherwise maybe putting a kit or two out there at random may be the way to go.
Personally I'm a fan of stock piling inventory of boneyard and making a event of it.
If you're able to, I would keep a max purchase of bone yard items per address! Maybe like 2 kits, so one person doesn't just scoop everything up
And you're right it's not very easy to have a business you gotta put everything you got into it I admire that keep on rocking. Unfortunately you need a bigger place I don't know what the rent is like but you need one.
Love the intro!!! I would vote for "Boneyard Friday" starting at 9 am US Pacific time if you want to do it weekly or do a particular day and fixed time once a month so that it is a planned event that everyone of your loyal customers and get a chance at these kits. My 2 cents :)
Great video !! And yes please do share your story on why you opened a gundam shop and why you would not do it again :)
might be a pain but if it build up and gets confusing it may just be worth trying to keep on top and put bits on boneyard as they arive or as you can.
I say have a boneyard day. One day where you put up all the boneyard items at one time or maybe throughout the day. Whichever is easier for you.
For the boneyard things I say sell them s they come simpler for your tracking system. As for doing events like the pbandai one do keep it up. Also do you have a timeliness to opening the shop to walk ins.
Hey! Im interested in starting something like this myself, can you please please make a video on the story on how you started, and why you started, it would honestly make my day Patrick.
Thank you
Release it all at one time, like put the boneyard sale up for a weekend then take it all down on Monday. Do it once a month or if the boneyard stock gets to big do a second weekend
Just an idea, why not get a pushcart with partitions on it so that you can collect multiple orders in a single run? You can also put a iPad mount/camera mount to make it easier for you.
I like your personality, u are honest seller, hope u get success with ur business
GF is looking really good .
I say pick a day at the end of the month to put the boneyard stuff all at once to make it super easy for you.
An origins video would definitely be awesome
Love you channel! I woyld love yo hear your startup story and what its like communicating with bandai!
Dang I must have been working when that 4 hour window was open lol. Next time Gadget! I would say if it's starting to coming to inventory issues just release boneyard as it comes. It's nice to have a batch at once but I say business comes first.
I would do a big sale right now on bone yard, then list them bone yard as they come going forward.
Those who watch your videos will be rewarded as we will see shipments that are damaged before they hit the boneyard.
PERSONALLY, I would like to have a Boneyard Event. Mostly so I can plan around it, but that's my thoughts. :)
GREAT video as always, can't wait to place my next order.
This channel makes me more addicted to gunpla
Thank you for sharing your story man, very inspiring
I'd hold onto them for a lump sale only if you have the storage and only if. If it were me, I'd sell them as I got the stock in. The longer they sit, the more they cost.
i really interested on your story man... like maybe so of us are thinking to have a gundam shop so maybe you can give some advice or your thought man... really gonna appreciate your story sharing man.
I would love more stories! I keep thinking of starting a small you business out of my house and would like to know pros and cons, hickups, etc...from someone who has been through it. I have a 3 car garage that is empty and could be used as a warehouse but obviously need more than that. Any advice you can give via story or video would be greatly appreciated!
I would also like to hear the story of how number 1 favorite Gundam shop came to be also how did you and Amy meet?
My opinion about boneyarding kits is to do whatever is less complicated for the business. I don't know how you keep track of kits to be boneyard but I think you would like to keep confusion low.
would love to hear the origin story of canadian gundam and all that.
real question is how much do you spend on iced tea a week
Have a Boneyard Event every other week would be a dope idea/ would keep boneyard stock low and can be a made into a part of the community looking forward to that event. I hope you dont catch too much flack from people about why stuff theyve seen in vids is up on the site/ i totally get why you hold them back i really liked the Boxing day event last year, you made the right call. And i think a Q&A video would be a great idea how you started etc... maybe hookup with GUNPLANETWORK and you guys can make a collaborative vid out of it/ or you could have GwilowX interview you on stream right in the shop that would be dope too and then that stream can be cut for a youtube video as well. Keep up the awesome work !!!!
You do need a one day shop close just to clean that one room tbh
If i heard it correctly earlier
Some different shops allowed customers in ?
I think is better to make them a summer sale or winter sale all together
nice talk sir. do you regret starting your business? do you enjoy with your business?
Would love to help clean up the warehouse, i only have 1 issue. I live in the Netherlands :(
i am actually thinking about starting my own gundam store where i live, because i have seen your videos and i like to open my own store.
Its not easy i told you
Release boneyard as they come in to clear them out of the warehouse.
Honestly, I'd just throw them up as they come in. Gunpla are a pretty medium sized item to stock and having them take up space in a warehouse sounds like it's more of a burden than a boon to sales. If you throw them up on a specific day of the week people will show up for them and probably grab whatever came out on the new release day. Could be a second day of increased traffic during the week.
Omg I love the intro for this video 😂
I would release the boneyard as it happens less chance of accidents.
i brush my teeth beside my barbatos usually.
The intro, you made my laugh 😀
it would be nice to know how you started sellin gunpla, I for 1 , i dreamt of it , coz i love gunla...
A few things: First, I hope I haven't been too annoying about pestering you about the Beskar, I didnt even consider that you saved stuff up throughout the year for a big holiday event! Though dont think I'm not still considering placing an order and driving over a thousand miles to pick it up in person, hahah! Also regarding boneyard stuff, I would think maybe once a month placing everything that has built up from it on the site, or after each video where you show what was found. Or heck with each newsletter having a announcement saying there is stuff going up that day. I also am super curious about the deeper financial aspects of the shop, and why you wouldn't do it again. Thanks guys!
are you going to release those p bandai kits?
Hi all, can I ask for intel on which Gundams are exclusive and hard to come by whether sold out or high shipping costs? I am gathering market research for my reselling business so any information would be appreciated, thank you
My vote for boneyard stuff: in store only. That way you can physically move your boneyard boxes to the front of the store and have people drive in and pick it up. It keeps it out of your other inventory and makes it kind of like a treasure hu t and opportunity for additional impulse purchases when were picking up our other orders. And saves you money on your canada post bill. Everyone wins.
Do you ship to the us? And if so is it expensive?
Hey there, just recently discovered tour shop. I just happen to live really close. Wondering if I can go into the shop and make a purchase.
Yes, kinda :)
@@CanadianGundam is there any restrictions or anything like that?
@@tjwc930311 with all the covid stuff beleive you have to order online and select curbside pickup
How do you start off doing gundam business like you do? I love gundams I been wanting to do a business like yours. Love your RUclips channel. Keep up the good work. From Scott chance
Where do we get the hoodies?
Will there be more hcm pro gundam dynames.
The yellow gundams kinda chought my atceion
Id love to hear the story of how the store started
this is my dream..but dont know how to get suppliers 😢
Is there a altron and wing sd gen 0 gundam kit
I wish I could work with them
I was emailing you about your website not working for me but it turns out it was my browser and not on your end.
cool vid, more story pls
Thanks for watching!
@@CanadianGundam I don't really know anything about Gundam, but still watches your video, would be cool if you talk about most valuable , most hype or most rarest Gundam. kinda like a Gundam toy history, that will be cool
Do you sell to the US
Ik leef in België in Europa leveren jullie daar ook aan
Do you got overseas delivery
I would like it better for the boneyard stuff to be released all at once maybe twice a year if not every other month to keep the website from crashing
Ive been wanting to get the re rising Gundam gold version it's just so expensive
nothing wrong with a smart car, gets u from a to b and cheap to run and maintain
How about a Local Boneyard Garage Sale when the Covid restrictions get lifted?
Any chance you can ship to India 🇮🇳?
Do you have unicorn phenex?
They have the MG Phenex in stock at the moment! www.canadiangundam.com/all-master-grade/393-mg-unicorn-gundam-unit-3-phenex.html
What a Gundam?Well it's
Generation
Unsubdued
Nuclear
Drive
Assault
Module
"That the answer you should reply to the email"
Awesome 🤣
Ah yes, the old Smart memes
Tell us!?!?!
this guy rn s t o n k
That is smart.
Sure a business is about the money, but sometimes taking a small profit loss and instead making customers happy might be more profitable in the long term since you'd be more likely to get return customers.
So it makes sense to not release everything at once as soon as you have it.
@xxnike629xx How about you share your story of your scalping in eBay? 😜
Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! Do it! 😂😂😂
PS And also, don't forget to share your thoughts too about my HGUC kit being *NOT* a P-Bandai huehuehue
Its “BES”kar not “BAS”kar
the build divers kits are jsut meh
What's a Gundam?
Jk Jk 😆
First
Love it!
To all those asking "Why did you open Canadian Gundam, and how?" I will attempt to answer despite not being the owner. I am a consultant and own a small business in the hobby space (not Gundam).
First and foremost: Whether he was a fan or not, the owner identified a gap in the market for Gundam kits in Canada: Many online retailers had some (inc. Amazon) but few had stock consistently, or updated regularly, or even got access to P-bandai kits, or even kept up with newer kits.
The owner realized if he could get the capital (or a loan) to order and store large quantities of kits he could likely unify Canadian online sales under his site (since he has a lot of kits and a lot of stock) and also turn those buyers into repeat customers: No more hoping some of the online board game or CCG stores in Canada had some kits, let alone one you wanted, and no more having to order from US shops in USD and possibly duty and customs, not to mention expensive shipping from the US. The owner saw very clear signs the opportunity to consolidate online sales in Canada was there, and they were right.
So the owner found their warehouse space, registered as a business and got an HST#, opened an account with the North American Gunpla distributor (or a sub for Canada) and then ordered kits to establish their inventory. It is an online warehouse store so no employees needed, no storefront needed, and low overhead (heat and lights in the warehouse, insurance, web costs, etc).
So once he had stock and once he had the site up...get the name out there and get business up. Once you start selling you start re-ordering. As you sell more, you make larger orders and add more kits/lines. This in turn attracts more buyers. Now you have a specialized online store that caters to a very specific audience, and you only have to pick, pack, and ship. Americans also shop the store now because of stock and variety. You're now shipping throughout North America and your volume entitles you to shipping discounts through the various shippers, allowing the owner to offer a flat rate (given how light kits are relative to size) in Canada which is HUGE for online sales in Canada (the only thing better is free) and it's likely the only kits they get hurt on there are the largest...but this offset by the higher margin on those kits. You likely make a lot more profit on a newer PG than a 15 year old HG selling for $14 CAD lol.
Of course they had to track inventory, track expenses, calculate prices based on costs, prepare statements (to see how profitable they actually are after accounting for ALL expenses) and other work required to properly run, track, and grow a business. This is where people get in trouble, tbh: You can have a great idea and the money to fund it, but you also need to know what you're doing business wise to actually succeed and grow. No one wants to put that kind of effort in to break even, or only make $10,000/year. As an owner operator you are either doing it as a full time job or in between your full time job...so it better be worth it. It is NOT easy and demands a ton of your time and attention, even when you are not on site. The more your business grows the more this demand increases.
And that's really all there is to it (IMO). They saw a need, had the skills and knowledge, and had access to the resources needed to get started. They probably started part time, in their house, and didn't get a separate location until they ran out of space or knew they were going to and sales were stable and growing.
So while I can't speak to the owners personal motivations or some of the specifics, this is kind of the "how" many small businesses get started: You see a need and think you can fill it...you crunch some numbers and if it looks worth your time and effort, you do it. Be warned: Most people will estimate a lot of things wrong, both in terms of the market and their personal capabilities. If you have zero business knowledge, skills, or education it is a tall order to start a business and have it succeed long term. Most close within 24-36 months of opening, and that is after draining the owner of time and money while it goes downhill. Opening a business because you're "passionate" about something is a terrible idea if you can't back that up with some actual knowledge or skill, or the resources to hire someone who has those things.
What's a Gundam? really? that would like saying 'What's a Dog'.