Post Kickstarter Update 39: Weekly fulfilment update.
7 months ago
– Fri, Oct 13, 2023 at 03:04:30 PM
Good Evening, afternoon and morning backers.
Apologies for the late update this week. James has been encountering some difficulty logging into Kickstarter today.
More fulfilment information for each hub:
UK Fulfilment:
UK fulfilment is ongoing. We took a bit of a hit this week to progress as Max came down with Covid. Fulfilment will resume next week including the Full Moon Jackets that we have been unable to ship this week.
Regarding the UK shortage of Senjutsu, James has returned from Essen where he had a meeting with the manufacturer and has successfully agreed a priority reprint to get the extra stock Production will be starting very early next week. Freight-dependent, we are hoping to get these reprint copies out at the start of December (Earlier if they arrive faster than expected and January at the latest, however this will depend on shipping times, we will keep you updated if anything changes).
European Fulfilment:
The European hub is starting the fulfilment of Senjutsu early next week. It has taken longer than expected to count and prep everything ready for the European orders to start leaving their warehouse (approx. 4000 of them).
The European fulfilment hub is handling fulfilment only. Please direct any questions about orders or address changes to [email protected] and he will be able to assist as they cannot.
The T-shirts and 54mm prints to the EU have been held up, however they will be air-shipped to their hub early next week. This won’t impact the final delivery of Senjutsu pledges in the EU / Europe.
North America / Canada:
Bridge should be starting fulfilment today. Oathsworn has taken longer than anticipated but the Bridge team are keen to start on Senjutsu.
Backers should expect to see emails confirming delivery soon and this process will be ongoing for a few weeks.
RoW Shipping:
We are still expecting a 21st October start.
Aus/NZ:
We are still working with the last information provided to us that the Aus/NZ is being sent across in October, but have not been provided a date.
Dan (and team SSG)
Post Kickstarter Update 38: Weekly fulfilment update.
7 months ago
– Thu, Oct 05, 2023 at 03:58:44 AM
Good Morning, Afternoon and Evening Backers!
Another week another update
James is in Essen this week so you get me instead.
If you do happen to be at Spiel in Essen this week then you can find him on the Lucky Duck stand (Hall 3 - 3S124). He’ll be happy to meet people and talk about all things Senjutsu.
Emails to SSG
In order to make sure that your email is responded to with minimal delays please send your queries into the team as follows:
For any rules queries, missing or hard to interpret parts of the rulebook or game related questions etc: [email protected]
I am compiling all of the questions I get into an FAQ / Errata that we can put out. However I cannot answer any questions about none game things as I’m not generally involved in that process for that you need…
Fulfilment, delivery, missing components and general customer service: [email protected]
Max is running the UK fulfilment and is also going to be responsible for resolving any issues that arise from delivery such as missing or damaged games, missing components etc.
Missing or Damaged Components:
If you are missing anything from the box or have received something that is damaged you may not get an immediate response. DON’T PANIC. As we are working at the warehouse most days Max may not be able to answer your query straight away. Also, with the shortages we have in the UK we will be fulfilling as many orders as possible before working on replacement components. It is important to us to make sure as many people as possible get at least something before we start removing copies from the warehouse to open for spare parts. If you have a missing or damaged component Max will resolve this for you but it may be towards the end of October.
SENJUTSU SOUNDTRACK:
You can now get the soundtrack via direct download here: CLICK ME https://www.dropbox.com/sh/98kow66brlp6wrw/AACp7ulr_ArT3VvYhafAvfcta?dl=0
I know in the past some backers have struggled with a direct link to a dropbox folder if that happens you can copy and paste the address into a browser and you should get access to the folder.
FULFILMENT:
UK:
We are still making our way through the UK orders. A quick overview of the process for UK backers:
When your label is printed you get an email from DPD saying "we're expecting your parcel". This does not mean that it is on the way just that we have prepped your label before we pack the boxes. We are doing this in batches so not all labels have been printed yet (please don't worry if you have not had one of these emails it just means we haven't printed the batch of labels that includes yours yet).
We are then packing and sending as many orders as we can as often as we can. With this week being Essen there will only be 2 or 3 of us able to pack boxes which will mean it's a bit slower to get them out. (we can get about 50-150 boxes packed depending on pledge and how many of us are doing it. Just a core is easier to pack than a pledge with a variety of addons for example).
DPD do a pick up most days at about 3pm. When they do that, if your order is picked up you get a second email from them telling you it is on the way. At this point it's usually the next day for the game to arrive.
The UK has about 2000 orders we need to fulfil so as you can imagine this is going to take some time but we’re packing and sending as fast as we can. I can however confirm we are over halfway through as of this morning.
STOCK SHORTAGE: We have narrowed down the first group of backers that are affected by the shortages. This first group will be backers with the following pledge:
ALL-IN DELUXE BOX WITH INK - WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL ADDONS
If you are one of these backers you do not need to do anything. You will receive an email from Max tomorrow (FRI 6th October) to confirm if you are affected. We will be shipping you a copy of Full Moon Jacket and Senso next week as mentioned in the last update.
Since James is in Essen this week we as yet do not have the timeline from China for the replacement stock but should have it for next week’s update.
North America:
Bridge fulfilment should begin imminently. We have not had any new dates from them since last week so the first Senjutsus should start heading out in the next couple of days.
Europe:
EU STOCK HAS CLEARED CUSTOMS! and has arrived (slightly earlier than expected) at Broadsword. We have checked with them today and they are excited to begin fulfilling on Mon/Tues next week (9th/10th October).
Asia/RoW:
No change since last week. The date of fulfilment beginning from Surfin’ Meeple is still Oct 21st(or sooner)
Brazilian Backers:
Surfin Meeple have asked us for help with Brazilian orders.
Please email [email protected] with your name and CPF number in BR region. Surfin Meeple have recently faced a lot of difficulty clearing customs in South American regions. This will ensure the smooth delivery of all orders.
Australia / New Zealand:
We are still trying to get the information we need for this region. As always, when we get it we will make sure it goes out in an update.
Dan (and Team SSG)
Post Kickstarter Update #37 FAQ, Errata, Fulfilment Update (All territories)
7 months ago
– Fri, Sep 29, 2023 at 09:38:47 AM
Good Morning, Afternoon and Evening Backers!
FAQ, Errata + Playthrough Videos:
We are currently taking FAQ questions for submission into the first post-fulfilment Senjutsu FAQ. Please send these questions to [email protected] , where we will answer them and add the question and answer to the FAQ.
The Errata will follow this FAQ shortly and amend any mistakes in the rulebook that have slipped through- or further explain any concepts we feel could do with an update.
Playthrough videos have been produced by Lucky Duck Games and will be broadcast shortly, available on YouTube, Facebook, the Stone Sword Games website and through the Lucky Duck Games Website.
Senjutsu Soundtrack:
The Senjutsu Soundtrack is a digital item and available here (click me).
Senjutsu Battle Challenges:
The first Battle Challenge will be released on the 1st November. This Battle Challenge will feature in an update, on our website and social media channels and Board Game Geek.
Challenges will then release monthly following this first challenge via the same channels.
Linen Finish:
We apologise if this wasn’t communicated to backers in an Update, but we decided against Linen finish on the cards after receiving English samples late last year.
For context, Linen Finish is a texture added to cards to alter their feel in the hand. Our received samples showed us that this texture negatively effected the crispness of the final artwork on the cards, disguising some of the finer details and Raben’s texture work and so we decided not to move ahead without it.
Deluxe Slipcase:
The Deluxe slipcase mentions double-sided Neoprene Mats, this is a mistake.
Instead, we moved forwards with the more expensive option of having two separate stitched mats. The reason for this is that with a double-sided mat the ‘less-popular’ side of the mat will pick up any dirt and debris on your playing surface and discolour much faster than if there were two separate mats.
Two separate mats also allows for a larger connected playing area by using the bridge board.
Note: The Daimyo’s Castle board is also not included in the Core Deluxe set, it will fit the box however!
North America:
Both Containers have docked, passed through customs and are with Bridge for fulfilment.
Bridge are currently working through the massive Oathsworn campaign but Senjutsu is next in the queue. Expect to see the very first Senjutsu orders begin fulfilling late next week! (Week of 2nd October).
There are 6000+ orders to fulfil, so Senjutsu may take time to get to you and fulfilment will likely run for several weeks.
Europe:
The European Containers have docked, unloaded and are currently clearing Irish customs.
Post-customs, we are expecting delivery of the containers to the fulfilment hub around the 6th to 9th October.
Fulfilment will begin shortly after and will take several weeks (3500+ orders).
Regarding the strange vessel tracking:
We finally received an answer from the freight forwarders regarding the position of the vessel and the status of the containers.
An account manager was ill and no one was covering for them. This was a mistake hidden from customers, so that when the container was unloaded, we didn’t receive any alerts. The joys of international freight! Customs is completely paid so we expect no further issues for the region.
ASIA/ROW:
Surfin Meeple have updated us. All parcels will have left their fulfilment hub by the end of October. Fulfilment is due to start on the 21st October, if not sooner.
Brazilian Backers:
Surfin Meeple have asked us for help with Brazilian orders.
Please email [email protected] with your name and CPF number in BR region. Surfin Meeple have recently faced a lot of difficulty clearing customs in South American regions. This will ensure the smooth delivery of all orders.
Australia / New Zealand:
We have repeatedly asked for and are currently waiting on an update on this shipment. It is our current understanding that the stock will be loaded on to the October boat to their final fulfilment hub.
As soon as we have new dates for Australia/NZ fulfilment we will post an update.
UK:
Container has docked, passed through customs and landed with Stone Sword HQ.
On inspection, we have confirmed that the container was short-stocked.
Loose sleeve-packs are missing, alongside some sets of Ghost In The Night (Ink + No Ink), All-In Deluxe (Ink) sets and a small number of duel packs. (Note All-Ins come with their Sleeve Packs in the box).
We believe currently around 9%of UK backers will be affected by this stock shortage (~190). I apologise if you are one of the 190 affected backers, I can assure you that the studio is working hard to solve this problem as fast as possible and make sure there is a concession to backers (see below).
The shortage has been caused China-side by packing the incorrect stock into the wrong containers.
Solution:
We will solve the shortage in three ways;
First, we will pull overage (using fast air-freight) from all non-UK locations to fulfil your order.
Second, we may fulfil your order where a single duel pack is missing by substituting the missing duel pack with its Ink Drop / non-Ink Drop version where stocks allows. This ensures you receive the exact same gaming content and same selection of duel packs as you would have done without the shortage.
Then we will note your pledge and re-send the correct Ink Drop / no Ink Drop duel pack as soon as possible after this first delivery, effectively meaning you’ll receive a free duel pack first and then the exact variation of duel packs from your order as they were originally loaded in.
Under the first and second solution above, you may not even experience a delay to your order arriving as fulfilment will be taking place through October (with a slow down for Spiel next week).
Thirdly, for emergency backers where we cannot – because of any damage to overage- find you stock to send we will produce more copies in China starting immediately. We are hoping to get these copies sent via air-freight where possible to the UK and used to fulfil your order. The next update will contain a timeline for these copies.
If your order ends up falling into this third category and you’ve got anything less than the All-In, we will upgrade your pledge for free into either a Deluxe All-In Ink Drop, or a Deluxe All-In No Ink Drop depending on your original pledge.
If your order ends up falling into this third category and you’ve got an All-In, we will be sending you out your pledge as and when we can and adding free copies of Senso + a free copy of Full Moon Jacket + a free copy of the upcoming special edition Senjutsu miniature that will be available with Daimyo.
All upgrades and air freight are at cost to SSG, no cost will be incurred by backers.
Orders being sent out now are being sent out in no particular order and with no preference to backers, except that SSG staff are not receiving their copies until backers have got theirs.
UK Pick-Up Orders:
If you requested to pick-up your order, you will be receiving an email today with the pick-up plan.
If you do not receive an email but requested pick-up, please re-forward your request to [email protected].
We are not taking new pick-up requests at this time.
Until next time, stay safe and well.
James
Stone Sword Games
Post Kickstarter Update #35: Fulfilment and Shipping updates.
8 months ago
– Fri, Sep 15, 2023 at 06:54:33 AM
Good morning, afternoon and evening backers.
Firstly, back to numbering updates to make them easier to reference.
Following on from last week we have new and updated information for project fulfilment below:
UK:
Boat: EVERGENTLE
IMO: 9820922
Track it: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9820922
CURRENTLY LOCATED: North of Spain
EXPECTED DOCKING DATE: 20th September (updated from 18th September)
North America:
Both ships have docked and have been unloaded and the stock has been sent to Bridge. Bridge have confirmed receipt of both shipments and are preparing to fulfil. We have joined their fulfilment queue as they are still fulfilling the massive Oathsworn and Destinies campaigns. Our current estimate from Bridge has put us at an expected start date between 25th Sept to 1st Oct.
Europe:
Boat: COSCO Pisces
IMO: 9789647
Track it: https://www.vesselfinder.com/?imo=9789647
CURRENTLY LOCATED: Baltic Sea
EXPECTED DOCKING DATE: 22nd September (updated from 15th September)
We contacted Broadsword this morning to check in with their timetable as their stock was due to land today. They advised that stock has unfortunately not arrived as expected. They have been in contact with the shipping company this afternoon and have been given an updated docking date of 22nd September.
ASIA/ROW:
The additional stock that was required by Surfin’ Meeple has been air shipped as planned and they have confirmed receipt. As of today we are still waiting for an update from them as to where in their fulfilment queue we now sit given the delay. As soon as we have a date we will post an update.
Australia / New Zealand:
Stock has arrived at the Singapore Surfin’ Meeple hub to be sent to Aus/NZ. This stock will be sent on to their fulfilment agent in Aus/NZ to then be posted to backers. They use a pre scheduled service that only leaves once a month and we cannot book a date. The next scheduled departure is October. We are currently working on getting the exact date.
As always I shall be about this evening (Fri 15th Sept) to answer any questions in the comments
Dan and Team SSG
