An Open letter to:
The Owners or Managers of
Scale Hobby Shops in NZ
Free and Mutually Beneficial Promotion
in conjunction with
Miniature Marvels
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am reaching out to you with an exciting no-cost opportunity that promises mutual benefit...
I am a passionate scale modeller who feels a deep sense of gratitude towards this hobby for the numerous ways it has enhanced my life. Unfortunately, Parkinson's Disease (PD) is gradually curtailing my model-making days. In an effort to give back to the hobby, I have built a gallery displaying 450 scale models that is open to the public free of charge, along with a website called Miniature Marvels designed to support the gallery's activities and serve as a comprehensive resource for scale modelling enthusiasts.
This includes a promotional section highlighting your business, complete with a link to your website or Facebook page.
Your listing, which features your logo, is complimentary and can be updated or removed upon request.
Why your business?
I believe that brick-and-mortar hobby shops play an essential role in nurturing the scale modelling community, offering social interaction for what can often be a solitary pursuit, as well as providing valuable advice and, of course, a wide range of products. Your shop is pivotal in attracting both young newcomers and seasoned returnees to the hobby, and I am more than willing to promote your business to visitors of my gallery.
My credibility…
With nearly 900 published kit reviews and build articles in both online and print magazines, I possess extensive knowledge of the hobby. I have collaborated with several kit manufacturers from Australia, China, the Czech Republic, and France by assisting with their research materials, and some promotional tasks.
Since 1997, I have owned over 4,500 kits, though I have sold 3,500 of them during this period, mainly through Trade Me, with a 100% positive feedback rating. As of now, I have completed 450 builds and possess experience in assembling both long and short-run injected kits, in addition to cast and 3D printed resin kits, vac-forms, photo etch details, and scenic bases. My modelling expertise spans several genres.
Personal commitment…
Being personally affected by PD, and my mother living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), led me over the past six months to work approximately 1,500 hours and spend $15,000 establishing my gallery to raise funds for the Neurological Foundation. It is New Zealand's leading non-government funder of neurological research. With 1 in 3 people affected by a neurological condition, their work is essential. They invest more than $5 million yearly, helping scientists and clinicians seek better treatments and cures for 700+ neurological conditions.
I have a few requests for your consideration:
- Please take a moment to explore my website, especially these sections:
Miniature Marvels Donations, and
Scale Model Retailers & Clubs.
- I would be delighted if you and your team can visit Miniature Marvels at a time that suits you.
- I would appreciate it if you could display the Miniature Marvels’ QR code, linked to my website, and encourage your customers to scan it. I can also provide small promotional flyers for those who may prefer that option.
- Please encourage your customers to explore my website and visit my gallery.
- Lastly, I kindly ask you to consider making a charitable donation of $5 or more, from which you can reclaim 33.3% from the IRD.
Together, let’s promote scale modelling and your business,
whilst helping the Neurological Foundation
create a pathway to hope for 1 in 3 Kiwis…
Kind regards,
Mark
Founder & Curator
Miniature Marvels
Howick
Auckland
