Maketoys Manga Mech Series Set Get!!!

To be honest, I don’t really want to get it but because I have extra Cyclonus from the Classic/Universe three pack 2010 sitting in a plastic bag with the same left arms many years. I feel that he deserved a second chance for some upgrade since I got another one for free complete replacement. But due to the high US dollar exchange rate and the terrible global oil price, you got to think twice on your spending. Needless to say, 3^rd party Transformers toys are freaking expensive these days.

My original plan was supposed to go for MM-02 Rear End alone and mixed with others. Since Robotkingdom no longer (two years?) carry both FansProject and Maketoys, you have to looked somewhere else. I only have two websites in mind previously, either Robotoy Base (formerly known as Chimungmung Toy Shop) or Upgrade Commander. The total price and shipping are definitely don’t come cheap. Yes, I know. Both countries shipping fee have increases. However, it doesn’t mean you got to suck it up. I am patience guy and it doesn’t matter to me losing any exclusive or limited toys in the collection. As long the price is right, I will pay.

After spending time looking deeper through the web in Asia, to my surprises discovering Maketoys happen to sell discounted Manga Mech series set for US$99.90 bundle at their own exclusive shop. I thought they only offer limited version at their exclusive shop. I didn’t imagine they would include other as well. Nonetheless, now it’s time for price comparison against the others.

*Price Comparison Chart (Last checked on 26.11.2016):

Website#	Maketoys Exclusive	Robotoy Base	Upgrade Commander
MM-01	-	-	7,999 YEN
MM-01 w/M.F.B	-	US$84.90	-
MM-02	-	US$54.90	8,999 YEN
M.F.B	-	-	1,299 YEN
MM-01/02 (Set)	US$99.90 ($132.90)	-	-
Shipping Fee	US$16.95	US$37.70	2,400 YEN
Total	US$116.85	US$177.50	18,297 YEN
Convert to BND (XE.com)	$166.809	$253.390	$230.826

Interesting isn’t it? I can’t believe myself saving so much from it! The offer has been ongoing for quite a while when I made my purchase first week of this month. You can see a ‘Half Decade Deal’ button below at their official website. So if you plan to get it, better hurry before the offer over.

I Got An Idea Starting Company But Kinda Tricky...

Over the years of dreaming, I really wanted to start my own product and company. I see myself falling behind in the IT path and still seeking ways to switch. Back to study is no go, I truly don’t have the motivation focusing unless I am working projects and testing several systems. It just I can’t think of anything other than selling toys and computers these days in Brunei. People always told me if you are good at these, go for it.

The answer in my mind says ‘nope’. Many locals are already doing the same thing I am good at so why bother wasting time? This is the reason I need to seek something new and different. My mind is looking at creating and rectifies an existing product to be more useful in any environment. Things are not looking exactly simple.

Producing the Prototype

Making a prototype is not an issue anymore since there is one local company pops up in the newspaper headline last year offering 3D printing service. How well their 3D printer can do is later because I haven’t start designing and even sketching the idea yet. Even if I did prepare the designs, the probably most important thing must do is register intellectual property first to prevent getting stolen or copies. I have to remember we are now in digital era.

Are There Any Green Manufacturers in Brunei?

Finding the right manufactures to produce my idea prototype are tricky because I want it to be made with green technology and able to use recyclable material to reproduce again. Most importantly to be able to made in Brunei. Overseeing the progress, QC and made changes directly are much easier if you plan to cut the costs flying around.

I’m not really sure if there are any well-known local companies have this kind of manufacturing green technology machine available. My search shows up empty in the yellow book and web search. I may have to start searching from oversea…

Dealing with Intellectual Property (IP)

I don’t have any experience with the IP when it comes to registering. What we need to know Brunei is the member of ‘World Intellectual Property Organization’ (WIPO). But my main concern remain is how much do you really need to pay for to get protected? Some countries (like Australia, USA etc) IP law only stated cover at their own not including overseas. Does this mean we need to register the IP separately as well? This is where I am kind of stuck and needed to go through the information bit by bit more at BruIPO. Headache…