BehindtheLines Issue 03 - April 2017
News and information about Tight Lines’ brands
LEDLENSER
Their new Outdoor Series confirms that they light the way HOW TO
FIGHT THE PLASTIC PROBLEM
with Klean Kanteen WHAT’S HOT
TATONKA
The flagship Bison pack has had a makeover. NEW PRODUCTS
MUST HAVES
to offer your customers
ESCAPE THE
Winter WITH OUR
top products for travel
Bring your jacket back to life Dirt and soaked in water stops sweat escaping so it stays inside your jacket!
Nikwax Tech Wash
R B O N (PFC
)
SED BA
CA
WATE R
Cleans effectively in a washing machine while maintaining water repellency
ZE
O RO F LU O R
Dry! A clean, waterproofed jacket can breathe so you don’t get damp
Nikwax TX. Direct Adds safe, high performance water repellency in a washing machine to restore breathability
All Nikwax products are 100% water based, non-flammable and do not use solvents. They are the only aftercare supplier never to have used harmful aerosols or fluorocarbon chemicals.
w Fin w d w o .n u ik t m w ax or .co e .n z
Wet?
A NOTE FROM
NIKKI >
Welcome to issue three of Behind the Lines - the magazine we publish for you, our customers. Our aim is to give you more knowledge of the brands that we very proudly represent in New Zealand. As you are no doubt aware, we are currently involved in a project with Leatherman USA, trying to assess the impact of lower retail prices in New Zealand. This price harmonisation project, coupled with an increased focus on our Leatherman marketing, will hopefully lead to an increase in sales for you. Please see page 7 for more information on this trial. We were very excited to have been appointed the exclusive distributor for Nikwax
waterproofing and cleaning products earlier this year. Nikwax is a great brand for you – it is top quality, it’s a consumable, an add-on sale plus environmentally friendly. If you are currently not selling Nikwax, talk to your sales rep or us at the office – we’re happy to provide you with samples so you can see just how good it is. With the introduction of new staff (please see our staff profiles at the back of the magazine) we are currently putting a lot of emphasis on improving our service, systems and marketing. If there is anything you think we can do to improve our service to you, we would love to hear about it.
Nikki
Nikki Goodall, General Manager
Have a great Autumn/Winter season.
CONTENTS
04 06 07 08 10 12 14 18 19 20
HOT NEW PRODUCTS Exciting new products to offer your customers.
TOP 10 PRODUCTS Tatonka's best selling products.
NEWS BITES
Keep up with the latest happenings from our brands.
LEDLENSER OUTDOOR SERIES
The next generation of light.
WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED...
from head to toe this winter!
TATONKA UPGRADES
Exciting changes to their flaship Bison & Yukon packs.
VISITING OUR BRANDS Highlights from Nikki's recent trips.
HOW IT WORKS
DexShell's revolutionary waterproof technology.
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26 28 30 32 33
ANATOMY OF...
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PLASTICS PROBLEM
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a Ledlenser MH10 headlamp.
How reusable products like Klean Kanteen can help.
DID YOU KNOW?
Interesting facts about Leatherman.
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL ITEMS
TIGHT LINES LTD PO Box 304 Napier 4140 New Zealand
The right gear for the perfect trip away.
LEDLENSER WARRANTY
service@tightlines.co.nz
Understanding Ledlenser's 7 year extended warranty.
WEBSITE NEW FROM RAINBIRD
The Go Stow Jacket redefines compact.
OUR BRANDS
www.tightlines.co.nz
PHONE
An overview of the quality brands we represent.
(06) 843 6388
MARKETING UPDATE
FAX FREE
Maximise the benefits from our investment in social media.
0800 329 329
TECH TALK
Get the most out of Ledlenser batteries.
FAQS
Doing business with Tight Lines.
STAFF PROFILE
Meet our 2 new staff members: Leanne McLeod & Dave Rountree.
The production of Behind the Lines has been done in-house by Tight Lines Ltd. While considerable care has been taken preparing this content, please be aware that there may be proofing errors and that manufacturers specifications of some products may change.
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BEHIND THE LINES MAGAZINE
Hot NEW
products
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COGHLAN'S UTILITY ANCHOR Another great Coghlan's product Coghlan’s is recognised as the world leader in camping and outdoor accessories, producing a vast range of products designed to make any camping holiday or trip into the outdoors a success. The Coghlan’s Utility Anchor is the latest addition to this range. The Utility Anchor is made of 8mm thick chrome plated steel, and screws deep into many types of ground for an extra strong hold. This means that instead of just anchoring tents, the Utility Anchor is also excellent for anchoring dog leads or mooring small boats like kayaks. It is also suitable for use in trail marking, gardening, anchoring sun shades and tarps. The Utility Anchor is designed to be easy to use, with the metal loop rotating 360° which reduces rope and cord tangles. >
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ISSUE 03 - APRIL 2017
TATONKA NORIX 44 litre women's and 48 litre men's packs The Norix is a reliable, durable backpack just released by Tatonka. It features the adjustable V Comfort Vario
LEDLENSER OUTDOOR SERIES TORCHES The best just got better Ledlenser have really taken a step upwards with their new range of
carrying system which offers a clever
outdoor torches. Unbelievably bright
combination of efficient load transfer,
for their weight, these torches are the
lightness and flexibility.
most outstanding Ledlenser have ever
Tatonka’s German designers made sure
produced.
the Norix is comfortable and easy to use with a number of well thought-out
The flagship torch in this range is the
features such as having access from
MT18, which produces a mammoth
both the front and top, mesh sleeves
3000 lumens of light – similar to the
for side storage and removable internal divider between the main and bottom
output of an X21R.2 despite being 1/3
compartments.
of the size.
It is available in a 48 litre men's version
Covered by Ledlenser’s 7 year
(black & olive) and in a 44 litre women's
extended warranty. See page 8 for
version (titan grey). Covered by Tatonka’s 2 year warranty.
more information on Ledlenser’s new Outdoor Series.
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TATONKA UPGRADES FLAGSHIP BISON PACKS
TOP BRAND Ledlenser continues to lead the way in personal lighting with their NEW Outdoor Series.
NOW LIGHTWEIGHT WITH UPGRADED FEATURES
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EXCITING NEW PRODUCTS TO OFFER YOUR CUSTOMERS
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LEDLENSER MH10 Best brightness to weight ratio ever!
UPGRADED TATONKA BISON & YUKON PACKS New features for these popular models
RAINBIRD GO STOW JACKET
The MH10 is the flagship headlamp
Tatonka have released new-look
Incredibly compact jacket
in Ledlenser’s new outdoor series.
Bison and Yukon packs with a number
Rainbird’s NEW Go Stow jacket
With 600 lumens and a 150m beam
of upgraded features including a new
redefines the meaning of compact.
range yet weighing only 158 grams,
large 3D front pocket, larger grab
This jacket packs up to a miniscule
handles, new laser cut slots for gear
size (about ¼ of the size of a
loops and new zipper pulls.
Stowaway) and weighs next to
it offers the best brightness to weight ratio of all of the Ledlenser headlamps ever produced. Not only is it lightweight and
The NEW Bison is also considerably
bright, it is jammed full of features
lighter than the previous version with
including Ledlenser's patented
the change in fabric from Cordura 700
Advanced Focus System, Smart
to Cordura 500.
Light Technology with 3 light functions, transport lock and rear red safety light. Covered by Ledlenser’s 7 year extended warranty. See page 8 for more information on Ledlenser’s
Women’s versions for both packs are now available. All packs are covered by Tatonka’s 2 year warranty. See
nothing. It is so easy to stash away into a handbag or backpack so your customer is always prepared for those unexpected downpours. Covered by Rainbird’s 3 year warranty. See page 29 for more information on the NEW Go Stow jacket.
page 12 for more information on the NEW Bison and Yukon packs.
new Outdoor Series.
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Tatonka Barrel Bags
Tatonka Stausacks (dry bags)
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Tatonka Gaiters 420 HD
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Tatonka Fresh Backpacks
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Tatonka Tool Pockets
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Tatonka Travel Waist Belt
TATONKA
TOP
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10
Tatonka Rain Flaps
BEST SELLING PRODUCTS Make sure you are stocking these hot selling items from Tatonka. To see the full range of products available, visit our website.
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Tatonka Bison Packs
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Tatonka Yukon Pack
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Tatonka Lastenkraxe
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news bites NZ Hunter Adventures Season 3 sponsored by Ledlenser, Tatonka, Leatherman, Domex and Powertraveller. showcased lots of our products on their show, including Ledlenser headlamps, Tatonka packs, Leatherman multi-tools, Powertraveller portable chargers and Domex sleeping bags.
We’re proud to be one of the sponsors of NZ Hunter Adventures for Season 3 which has recently aired on Choice TV. Greg Duley along with his son Willie and the rest of the team have
Greg, Willie and the team use Tatonka packs for all their expeditions. As Greg says “Since starting the show two years ago, we’ve given our Tatonka packs one hell of a workout and they’re still going strong. We’ve been impressed with their size, well thought out pockets, and very comfortable fit. We have come to rely on them for carting all of our gear around NZ’s mountains.” If you missed the screening of Season 3 of NZ Hunter Adventures, check it out on Choice on demand.
Tight Lines is the exclusive distributor of Nikwax products We’re really excited to announce that we are now the exclusive distributor of Nikwax products in New Zealand. Nikwax is the global leader in safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning for outdoor gear. We love the fact that Nikwax products are not only extremely easy to use and effective compared to their competitors, they are also water-based products which makes them safe for the environment too. Nikwax is a great fit with Tight Lines’ philosophy of offering quality products to help people with their outdoor adventures. Check out our website to see the full range of Nikwax products available.
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LEATHERMAN PRICE HARMONISATION TRIAL A pilot programme run in New Zealand means a reduction in the price of Leatherman for 2017. Since Tim Leatherman invented the Leatherman multi-tool and started the company in 1983, he has ensured that the quality of the tools have remained high by manufacturing them in Portland, Oregon. However a common problem with American-made brands is the price is lower in America than it is in the rest of the world, which is amplified by the fact USA retailers take much smaller margins than most other countries. Over the last 2 years Leatherman have made a major effort to reduce parallel importing by getting rid of their USA 2-step distribution and stopping sales to all customers who were exporting (including Amazon). We have seen a noticeable reduction in the number of tools coming into the country because of this.
Leatherman Tool Group is now looking to address the price differential between America and the rest of the world with a long-term Price Harmonisation project. New Zealand is lucky enough to be one of two countries chosen to participate in the trial of this project.
While Leatherman tools are still going to be more expensive for the consumer here than the USA, this will narrow the gap and provide Leatherman with some real-life data of what could happen should they adopt this pricing policy throughout the world in the long term.
The project involves giving Tight Lines a slightly lower buy price and then us taking a smaller margin. The result is that our Leatherman wholesale prices dropped February 1st by approximately 20% (on average).
Please be aware that should the project not show the desired outcome (to succeed both Leatherman and Tight Lines need to increase our volumes significantly to make up for our lost margin) then there is a chance that the pricing will revert for 2018. But we will be doing all we can to try and make this project a success and we would appreciate your support with this.
In addition to the 20% price reduction, we have also set up a discount plan – if you order 2 Leatherman tools at the same time, you will receive a 5% discount, and if you order 3 or more tools at a time you will receive a 10% discount. The tools do not need to be the same model for the discount to apply.
If you have any ideas on how we can support you selling more Leatherman multi-tools at the new reduced price, please let us know.
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LEDLENSER'S NEW OUTDOOR SERIES the next generation of light
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Ledlenser’s research and development team in Germany spend lots of time looking at ways to pump more light out of torches and headlamps, and the NEW Outdoor Series is a testament to how good they are at their job.
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If you were going to sum up these new products, lightweight and bright would have to feature heavily. Ledlenser have increased the lighting performance of their new torches and headlamps while keeping the weight to a minimum and have still included all the patented technological advancements that have made Ledlenser famous.
THE BRIGHTEST HEADLAMP FOR ITS WEIGHT EVER! The MH10 is the flagship headlamp in the Outdoor Series. With 600 lumens of brightness and a 150 metre beam range yet weighing only 158 grams, it offers the best brightness to weight ratio of all of the Ledlenser headlamps ever produced. Not only is it lightweight and bright, it is jammed full of features including Ledlenser's patented Advanced Focus >
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System, Smart Light Technology with 3 light functions and a rear red safety light. The MH10 comes with a colour filter set so your headlamp can be adapted for a variety of uses. Ledlenser's Advanced Focus System still works with the filters, allowing a seamless transition from floodlight to long-distance spotlight in any colour.
Being rechargeable, this headlamp not only saves your customer money in the long-run, but it is also good for the environment. And its USB 3.0 charging system means you can recharge your headlamp super-quick.
A TORCH FOR EVERYONE Within the Outdoor Series there is a torch for everyone. The MT6 is a great all-round torch, producing an impressive 600 lumens (3 x the brightness of the popular P7.2) on 3 x AA batteries. The MT10 is tiny in size (only 133mm) yet pumps out an unbelievable 1000 lumens, while the larger MT14 has a 1000 lumen output over 320 metres with a burn time of up to 192 hours. The MT18 is a showcase of German engineering, producing a mammoth 3000 lumens of light despite its compact size.
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KEY FEATURES
HEADLAMP COMPARISON THE EVER READY SOLUTION
MH2 100 lumens, 105g, 100m
New battery life indicator in switch
THE LIGHTWEIGHT SOLUTION
Speed charging with built-in USB 3.0 ports
MH6 200 lumens, 93g, 120m Rechargeable
THE LUMEN SOLUTION
MH10 600 lumens, 158g, 150m Rechargeable
An additional 2 years to Ledlenser's standard 5 year warranty is offered to people who register their product online.
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Please note: due to Ledlenser channel segmentation rules the Outdoor Series is not available to all retail customers.
THE EVER READY SOLUTION
MT6 600 lm, 250 g, 260 m
THE IDEAL SOLUTION
THE RUN TIME SOLUTION
MT10 1000 lm, 156 g, 180 m Rechargeable
MT14 1000 lm, 253 g, 320 m Rechargeable
THE LUMEN SOLUTION
MT18 3000 lm, 620 g, 540 m Rechargeable
All NEW Outdoor Series torches include Ledlenser’s patented Advanced Focus System and Smart Light Technology, and are covered by Ledlenser’s 7 year extended warranty.
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We've got you covered... From head to toe, we have your customers covered this winter with our range of quality waterproof products. And if your customers have some old products where the waterproofing is failing, there is always Nikwax to clean, condition and rewaterproof their gear.
STOWAWAY OVERPANTS Because no one likes wet pants… Rainbird Stowaway Overpants will keep you dry in wet conditions. They fold down into a small, take anywhere package that can be stowed away in the back pocket.
DEXSHELL BEANIES These beanies keep your head warm and dry even in the most hostile conditions. No matter what snow, rain, freezing conditions or hair loss you may encounter – DexShell has you covered.
RAINBIRD STOWAWAY
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DEXSHELL WINTER GLOVES
For the unpredictable New Zealand weather, the Stowaway jacket is perfect. Fully lined yet small and light, you don’t have to risk Murphy’s Law – just take it everywhere!
Your hands are no good to you in your pockets! Upgrade to DexShell Winter waterproof gloves, ideal for a wide range of outdoor activities where you need to keep your hands dry and warm.
DEXSHELL SOCKS
NIKWAX Nikwax prolongs life and enhances performance. Unfortunately, it is only suitable for your clothing, footwear and equipment! As the global leader in safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning for outdoor gear, Nikwax has a range of products to help your customers stay dry this winter.
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Designed to repel the elements instead of your mates, DexShell’s revolutionary technology means that being 100% waterproof doesn’t result in compromised breathability.
. . . from head to toe
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THE BOTTOM LINE: with all the electrical devices we bring into the hills these days, a solar panel is an essential piece of kit for any extended trip and this is an excellent, simple and robust portable device. I am very pleased with it. Graham Johnson, The Climber Magazine
SOLARMONKEY ADVENTURER A slimline solar charger with an internal battery, so your device and the solarmonkey adventurer can recharge simultaneously. Charges iPads, iPhones, smartphones, mobile phones, GPS, e-readers and more.
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Upgraded Bison & Yukon Tatonka make some exciting changes to their flagship packs
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When Tight Lines introduced Tatonka to Kiwis in December 2010 it was a bit of a gamble – the pack market was saturated, and lots of quality overseas brands had failed to gain a foothold in New Zealand. Yet with Tatonka we thought we were on to something special. Tatonka design packs for the German military, so they know a thing or two about designing durable, functional packs that do the job and do the job well. We figured that if their harnesses
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could withstand the use and abuse of German soldiers, they could probably handle what the average kiwi outdoorsman would throw at them. Fast-forward seven years and the success of Tatonka has more than exceeded our expectations. In
particular, their flagship models the Bison and Yukon have been embraced by New Zealanders as tough, canalways-be-counted-on packs that make journeys more comfortable. Not content to rest on their laurels, Tatonka’s R&D team is constantly looking at ways to improve their products and their new 2017 range is yet another example of German engineering at its best.
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Bison – a bombproof pack The new look Bison (available in both 90+10 L and 75+10 L) Already considered a lightweight pack for its size, one of the biggest changes in the new look Bison is the reduction in weight by 600 grams. Tatonka have achieved this by changing the fabric from Cordura 700 to Cordura 500, but only after extensive testing assured them this wouldn’t result in any noticeable change to the toughness or durability of the pack. They’ve also tweaked other features in their continual quest for improvement, with the new Bisons featuring a new large 3D front pocket, larger grab handles, new laser cut slots for gear loops and new zipper pulls. Bison 90+10 Black & Olive Green
Bison 75+10 Titan Grey & Olive Green Bison 60+10 Women Red/Brown
Along with the 90+10 L and 75+10 L sizes, they’ve also released a 60 + 10 L women’s version with the harness designed specifically for the female form (but it is also suitable for slim teenage boys).
The Bison 90+10 and 75+10 are both also available in Olive Green (not pictured)
Yukon – lightweight and affordable
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A lighter weight and more affordable alternative to the Bison, the Yukon features Tatonka’s V2 Carrying System that can still handle heavy loads on occasion, but is optimised for medium loads. The revised Yukon packs have the same tweaked features as the Bison, showcasing the new large 3D front pocket, larger grab handles, new laser cut slots for gear loops and new zipper pulls. The Yukon is available in a men’s version of 70+10 L and 60+10 L, plus now a women’s version in two sizes (60+10 L, 50+10 L) where the harness has been tweaked to provide the optimal weight distribution for females. Like always, Tatonka back up all their products with a 2 year worldwide warranty.
Yukon 60+10 Black & Navy
Yukon 50+10 Women Navy
Yukon 60+10 Women Titan Grey
Yukon 70+10 Black & Olive WWW.TIGHTLINES.CO.NZ
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VISITING OUR BRANDS AS PART OF HER JOB, TIGHT LINES GENERAL MANAGER NIKKI GOODALL TRAVELS ALL OVER THE WORLD TO BRING YOU AND YOUR CUSTOMERS QUALITY BRANDS & PRODUCTS. HERE ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM HER MOST RECENT TRIPS.
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Leatherman Factory Visit November 2016– Portland, Oregon, USA
Having not toured the factory for some years, it was great to see the changes Leatherman have made to improve their processes. So much is now automated, like the robotic arm that holds the tools while the pliers are being ground – it is mesmerizing to watch. However, the human factor is still very much a part of the manufacturing process – all products are assembled by hand and then checked as part of the quality control procedure. If you are ever in Portland Oregon, it is well worth a look – it is quite amazing, all the different processes one tool goes through to come out as a manufactured product. And it is also quite amazing to see how all the tools start out as just a big roll of steel!
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One of the halls in the office has a photo of every single product Leatherman have ever manufactured. Being that they turn 35 years old next year, it’s now an impressive line-up.
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1 The assembly line. 2 How all tools start – a roll of steel. 3 The handles being stamped and folded. 4 Knife blades after tool stamping – thick and blunt. 5 One of the automated machines at work. >
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Leatherman and Ledlenser International Distributor meeting
February 2017 – Cusco, Peru Since these two brands joined in 2011 (Leatherman purchased a controlling interest of Ledlenser) there has been a lot of synergy between them, and this year for the first time they combined their International Distributor Meetings. Leatherman is now run by Ben Rivera who has been with the company for over 25 years in the product engineering department (responsible for the Super Tool, Micra, Wave, Juice and Tread) and you can see the shift in focus to developing more products. From mid-year we will see the new 2017 products from Leatherman start to be released, which include new knives, new Juice tools and the muchanticipated Tread with a watch which is due late this year. Ledlenser have had their main product launch for the year with the new Outdoor Series, but have some great products in store for 2018. And watch for continuous improvements throughout the current range. On a personal note, if you haven’t been to Peru but get the chance – do it. It’s an amazing country and Macchu Picchu really is one for the bucket list. Those Incas were pretty clever people – just imagine what they might have accomplished if they'd had a Leatherman!
Above: Local Peruvian children and their Alpacas. Right: Looking out over Macchu Picchu (with my Sunday Afternoons hat on!)
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Klean Kanteen International Distributor Meeting November 2016, Chico, California, USA
Klean Kanteen were the original stainless steel bottle producer, and it was great to see that they are not only selling alternatives to plastic but are also doing everything in their power to reduce plastic waste. One way they do this is by having a full-time events team that tour throughout the USA attending festivals and concerts, helping reduce plastic waste by offering free water refills. They gave out over 200,000 litres of free
water and believe they saved 455,000 single-use cups from being put into USA landfills during 2016. After I got back we had a brainstorm in the office about what we can do to reduce waste – the first thing we did was get rid of the Styrofoam cups we had beside our water cooler and replace them with stainless steel KK pint cups. This is a work in progress and no doubt you will hear more about what we have planned!
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1. The Commonwealth crowd – Heath from Australia, Jacqui from UK, Nikki from NZ, Garry from UK. 2 The office water filling station showing how many plastic bottles they have saved. 3. Utilising a KK bottle for a soap dispenser.
Ledlenser Asia Pacific Marketing Meeting December 2016– Tokyo, Japan This special meeting was called to discuss the launch of the Outdoor Series (which we launched Feb 5th to coincide with the worldwide launch). After I dispelled a few Kiwi myths during my
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presentation (to do with sheep, hobbits and kiwifruit), the major points I picked up were the outstanding performance of the new Outdoor Series and that Ledlenser are adamant that the product
range is for the outdoor/ hunting market only. This channel segmentation policy is something we are also taking very seriously and we have restricted the sales of the range to this market segment only.
Ledlenser Japan’s Christmas tree – look closely and you’ll see their unusual decorations!
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Sunday Afternoons HQ Visit November 2016 Talent, Oregon, USA
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Based in a small town in Oregon called Talent (near the California border), I was very impressed after touring Sunday Afternoon’s facilities. All products are designed in their office, with the samples being handmade before being sent to the factories. They have multitudes of fabrics, trimmings etc on hand allowing them to get the colour combinations desired. They also have a photography room where they take all their own product shots plus shoot product videos (see our website for examples of these – they really are very useful). Sunday Afternoons have their own retail shop in a neighbouring town, which gives them a great opportunity to talk directly to their end customers and take suggestions straight back to the design office. Pictured: Sunday Afternoons sample workshop, photography studio and retail shop.
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Quality, technical hats Rated UPF 50+ Approved by Melanoma International Foundation
DON'T FORGET YOUR HAT WWW.TIGHTLINES.CO.NZ
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HOW IT WORKS
DEXSHELL WATERPROOF TECHNOLOGY
Wet extremities are a thing of the past with DexShell’s 100% waterproof socks, gloves and beanies. DexShell’s revolutionary technology means that being 100% waterproof doesn’t mean you have to compromise on breathability. The patented Porelle membrane that blocks water molecules from getting in also wicks sweat away from your skin, leaving you dry and comfortable at all times.
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Four way stretch DexShell products are constructed using micro dot lamination between the outer lining and the inner lining. This means the material has greater stretch, so the resulting product is far more flexible.
The secret of DexShell products lies in the unique 3-ply construction:
DexShell products are perfect for tramping, mountain biking, cycling, running, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding - basically any time your customers want to stay warm and dry! Outer shell – a protective layer constructed from abrasion-resistant materials that make the product both durable and easy to drip-dry. Porelle membrane – a hydrophilic membrane that blocks water droplets getting in, but lets water vapour molecules (sweat) out. Inner layer – constructed from fibres that offer comfort against your skin. Despite the three layer construction, DexShell products are designed to fit close to skin, so your customers do not have to sacrifice comfort or warmth.
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ANATOMY OF A
MH10
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Eco-friendly and convenient - cutting-edge battery technology for the fastest charging time via USB in any situation.
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Red safety light at back - perfect if you are jogging or walking at night.
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Detachable, washable headband - made from high quality material that absorbs sweat, is comfortable to wear and soft against your skin.
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Comfortable - best weight-to-lumen ratio of all Ledlenser headlamps.
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Easy to operate - one switch, three light modes (Power, Med Power, Low Power,).
6.
Keep an eye on everything - pivoting head.
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Enhanced close-range and distance visibility - Advanced Focus System.
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One white Power LED.
Please note: due to Ledlenser channel segmentation rules the Outdoor Series is not available to all retail customers.
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BEHIND THE LINES MAGAZINE
the problem with plastics We have a plastic problem. People are slowly waking up to this realisation as the media shine a spotlight on some of our less-than-attractive addictions to plastic products. The sheer scale of the problem is hard to fathom. Approximately 252,000 tonnes of plastic goes to landfill in New Zealand each year (that’s the same weight as 50,400 elephants!). The environmental impact of this is immense. Plastic gets into our waterways, damaging marine ecosystems, and becoming a part of the food chain. Eventually, the amount of plastic in the marine food chain could affect human health. But can’t we just solve the problem by recycling? If only it was that simple. Unfortunately, not all plastics can be recycled, which means that a big part of the solution needs to come from reducing plastic use altogether.
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PLASTIC BOTTLES One of the biggest sources of plastic waste in New Zealand comes from plastic bottles. On average, every New Zealander buys and throws away 168 plastic water bottles every year. Less than 20% of all plastic water bottles are recycled in New Zealand, which means that a massive 80% of plastic water bottles are going into landfills, soils, incineration and our oceans.
In addition to the environmental impact of discarded plastic bottles, there is also an environmental cost in producing the bottles. It takes two litres of water to produce the plastic needed for a one-litre bottle. On top of this, each step in the bottled water production process, from extracting the water, to bottling, and transporting, creates carbon emissions.
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As awareness of the environmental impact of plastic continues to grow, people are turning to good quality, reusable alternative products like Klean Kanteen.
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KLEAN KANTEEN So, what is the solution? There is no one quick fix, but the uptake of reusable water bottles such as Klean Kanteen is an excellent start. Klean Kanteen are leaders in their field, introducing the first stainless steel, BPA-free, reusable bottle back in 2004. Their aim was to provide a non-toxic solution to single-use plastic water bottles, and they have continued to work towards creating the highest quality reusable products on the planet. Alongside the classic bottles which replace the need for plastic water bottles, Klean Kanteen has also introduced a Wide Insulated version and a Klean Kanteen Tumbler, both of which are suitable to replace disposable coffee cups.
Kanteen that will last a lifetime suddenly seems very minimal. Saving your customer money while saving the environment has to be considered a winning strategy.
Not only are Klean Kanteen bottles an environmentally friendly alternative, they can also save your customer money. With the most expensive brand of bottled water found at a supermarket 5,000 times more expensive per litre than Auckland tap water, the cost of a durable Klean
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DID YOU KNOW?
LEATHERMAN INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BRAND
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stablished in 1976 by Tim Leatherman, the Leatherman brand is well renowned for producing extremely high quality multi-tools and knives. But did you know these facts about Leatherman?
Out of the current models, the Micra has been around for the longest (since 1996) while the very popular Wave was introduced in 1998 (although it was modified in 2004). Each Leatherman tool goes through an average of 150 different production steps.
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Leatherman’s biggest press can apply 300 tonnes of pressure and is mainly used to make tool handles. On average, over 8,000 tools are produced per day. The factory runs all day and night for most of the week. Leatherman sells to 120+ countries worldwide. Each Leatherman is handchecked by a Quality Department member before being sent to packaging. Tim was convinced of the need for a pliers based, multi-purpose tool after travelling overseas, and being plagued by fix-it situations such as leaky hotelroom pipes and a Fiat with a cranky engine. Co-founder Steve told Tim the company should be called Leatherman because he knew Tim would make sure every tool was high quality if it had his name on it.
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Tim’s first designs of the tools were made of cardboard and it took Tim 8 years from starting his first prototype, to his first sale.
The current president Ben Rivera has been with the company since 1991, and came from the Engineering Department.
The original tool was the PST.
All Leatherman tools are made in Oregon, USA and are supported by a 25 year warranty.
Tim tried to sell the multi-tool concept to numerous knife companies who all didn’t see the need for a multi-tool – those knife companies now make their own versions.
Tight Lines is one of the longeststanding Leatherman distributors in the world.
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ESSENTIAL ITEMS
travel
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As the weather descends into winter, many of your customers will start to plan a midwinter getaway. Make sure they have all the right gear to make their travels a success.
PACKS & BAGS
INSIDE YOUR BAG
Tatonka have the perfect bags or packs for everyone, no matter what kind of trip your customer is planning. Tatonka’s flagship Barrel Bag sets the standard for robust, hard-wearing gear bags that have built-in straps which make it easy to carry the bag on your back when needed, but tuck away in the side pockets when not required. The Barrel Roller is similar to a barrel bag but with wheels.
Keeping gear organised inside bags can be a real headache, but Tatonka makes it easy with products like their Stausacks and Mesh Bags. The mesh bags are great to keep clothes and other accessories organised, while the waterproof Stausacks are perfect for damp or dirty clothes.
For the ‘just in case I need an extra bag’ customer, look no further than Tatonka’s NEW Travel Duffle Bag. Based on the barrel bag and still constructed from durable material, it folds down flat to a compact, lightweight size making it easy to take anywhere.
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SLEEPING
TOILETRIES
Domex sleeping bags have been designed by New Zealanders for New Zealanders for over 30 years, and given Kiwi’s love of travelling, it’s no wonder they have sleeping bags that suit travellers. The aptly named Escape is a down bag suitable for adventure travel while the Packlite is a great synthetic bag for travel in warmer climates.
Included in Coghlan’s vast range of accessories are products that are designed to make any traveller’s life easier. We particularly rate Coghlan’s Toothbrush Holder which is made of unbreakable plastic. You can also offer your customers products like Coghlan’s Featherweight Mirror, Razor Covers, Toilet Seat Covers and Ditty Bag Set.
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VENTURING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK If your customer’s travels are taking them off grid, keep them powered with Powertraveller’s range of portable chargers like the Solarmonkey Adventurer, a slimline solar charger with internal battery that can charge iPads, Smartphones, GPS units and more. Of course if your customer needs light after dark, then a Ledlenser torch or headlamp will mean they can always find their way.
Dock & Bay towels are perfect for travelling. Made of plush suede microfibre, they are lightweight and absorbent, take up minimal space in any bag and dry extra quick.
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Is the wildlife going to bite? Make sure your customer is stocked with Coghlan’s range of Mosquito Products that includes a range of mosquito coils, sticks and mosquito nets.
BEING PREPARED FOR ANYTHING A Leatherman multi-tool is a must-have to take travelling. After all, it was on a road trip around Europe that Tim Leatherman first came up with the idea for his iconic multi-tool. The Style CS is a great clip-on tool based around a sturdy pair of spring-action scissors and includes a knife, bottle opener and screwdrivers in its list of tools. And of course, Leatherman's wearable multi-tool the Tread is TSA compliant so your customer can always have 29 tools with them at all times.
Because it packs down so small, the Rainbird Go Stow Jacket is the perfect jacket to take travelling so your customer can continue to enjoy themselves no matter what the weather does.
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LEDLENSER 7 year extended warranty As you are likely already aware, in 2016 Ledlenser announced an extension of the manufacturer warranty to seven years, up from the previous five. This move showed how confident Ledlenser is in the quality and performance of their product, and is great for both retailers and consumers.
Before promoting this initiative, there are a couple of things you need to be aware of. • The extended warranty only applies to new products manufactured since 1 November 2015 – these products should have a QR code and have a unique registration card included in the packaging. • As the product registration card is specific to each product, it is very important that all Ledlenser products are sold in the original box.
• The consumer needs to register the product online for the warranty to be extended to 7 years. • Below is a step-by-step guide of the process consumers will need to follow to register their Ledlenser product for the 7 year extended warranty.
STEPS TO REGISTER A PRODUCT 26 1. On one side of the Ledlenser 7 Year Warranty Registration Card there will be a sticker with a unique QR code and website URL. There are two options - scan the QR code using a smartphone, or enter the web URL into an internet browser. From there, the consumer will be taken to a webpage where they can start the process of registering the product.
Customers will need: •
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7 Year Warranty Registration Card (should be found within the packaging the Ledlenser product came in)
•
Access to the internet
•
Serial number of the Ledlenser product (found on the product itself)
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Website URL
QR Code
2. The first step is to enter the product details into the required fields: serial number (which can be found on the product itself), and the date of purchase. There is also an optional field for where the product was purchased. 3. Once these details are entered, the consumer needs to click ‘more’ to go to the next step. 4. The second step requires contact details to be completed: name, address, and email fields are all compulsory. There are also two tick boxes. The first box, allowing personal details to be saved and processed, is compulsory for the registration to be completed. 5. The ‘conclude registration’ button then needs to be clicked for the details to be submitted and the registration be complete. 6. After successful registration, the consumer will receive a confirmation email.
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Decide which bit you need next. Store the last bit you used...
...or, to use a simpler language: PIC QUIC 27
Black Rosewood Knife 3.25”
Whitby Knives have formed a vital part of outdoor enthusiasts’ equipment in England since 1961. Their knives are designed and manufactured with particular care and attention to detail, yet are very affordable.
Camo Knife 3” Bullet Knife 1.5” Black Rosewood Knife 3.75”
Leather Pouch
small 7.6 cm
Orange Camo Knife 2.75”
medium 11.45 cm
large 12.7 cm
To see the full range available in New Zealand visit www.tightlines.co.nz
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NEW rainbird go stow jackets Redefining the Meaning of Compact. Who hasn’t been caught out in the rain? Every New Zealander has experienced a bright sunny day changing within minutes into a thundery downpour. That’s why you need to introduce your customers to the Go Stow, the newly released jacket from Rainbird.
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ainbird, already the masters of the takeanywhere jacket with their flagship product the Stowaway, have gone one step further with the Go Stow jacket. This jacket packs up to a miniscule size (about ¼ of the size of a Stowaway) and weighs next to nothing. It is so easy to stash away into a handbag or briefcase so your customer is always prepared for those unexpected downpours.
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Although small in size, the Go Stow does not compromise on quality. It is waterproof rated to 2,000mm, breathable to 2,000mvp, fully seam sealed with elastic at the side hem for a comfortable fit, staydry hood, elasticised cuffs, zippered pockets, chin guard and a back yoke vent for extra breathability. There is also a kids version of the Go Stow, which is perfect as it is so small kids will barely notice it in their school bag yet they can stay dry if the weather changes. For convenience, all Go Stow jackets come with a handy Go Stow bag.
go stow adult range
The Go Stow jacket continues Australian brand Rainbird's reputation as the leading brand in dependable rainwear. For over 25 years, Rainbird has been protecting families from the elements with sturdy and practical gear, designed to keep the user warm, dry and comfortable. All Rainbird products are covered by a 3 year warranty. Visit www.tightlines.co.nz to see more information on the Go Stow.
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our brandS The world leader in technologically advanced, high quality LED torches and headlamps. German designed, the products range from keyring torches to ones that can light up whole hillsides. Ledlenser products produced after 1 November 2015 are covered by a 7 year extended warranty.
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The original premium stainless steel drink bottle. Toxin free, they provide a safe, eco-friendly alternative to plastic or plastic lined aluminium bottes. Nikwax is the global leader in safe, high performance waterproofing, cleaning and conditioning for outdoor gear. As Nikwax products are water-based, they are extremely easy to use and safe for the environment.
The original instant multi-screwdriver, providing the convenience of multiple bits in one handle. Range of sizes available.
A range of premium multi-tools, from keyring size to heavy duty tools. Made in the USA and backed by a 25 year warranty.
Designed in Germany, Tatonka’s vast range includes packs, luggage and travel products, outdoor accessories and stainless steel cookware. All Tatonka products are covered by a 2 year warranty.
World’s leading brand of outdoor accessories that have been tried and tested by outdoor enthusiasts for over 50 years. 250+ SKUs available.
A range of fun and functional products including keyring carabiners, padlocks and keyring bottle openers.
A range of quality outdoor accessories at affordable prices.
Good quality laces for outdoor boots and shoes made in Austria. Range of colours and sizes available.
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The pens the astronauts use! The unique technology of Fisher Space Pens means that they will write at any angle, on wet and greasy surfaces and even underwater. Made in USA.
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An American brand of technical and lifestyle headwear. They produce a wide range of styles and colours to suit everyone. All hats are rated UPF 50+ and approved by the Melanoma International Foundation.
Stylish, lightweight towels that are absorbent, yet dry extra quick. Made from microfibre, they take up minimal space in any bag and come in a range of eye-catching colours. Jandals made of natural and recycled materials that are extremely comfortable to wear. Unlike normal jandals, Gumbies follow the contours of your foot, providing arch support. The durable cloth liner is comfortable between your toes and prevents slipping when wet. The soles are made of recycled rubber and provide great grip.
An affordable range of knives that have formed a vital part of outdoor enthusiasts’ equipment in England since 1961. Their knives are designed and manufactured with particular care and attention to detail. Thanks to the unique technology, DexShell socks, beanies & gloves are 100% waterproof but still highly breathable.
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UK brand of premium portable chargers so people can charge their devices wherever in the world they are. The Powertraveller range are reliable, easy to use and charge a wide variety of technological gadgets. Designed in Australia, Rainbird has been a leading brand of dependable rainwear for over 25 years. Their flagship Stowaway jacket provides all the protection you need yet folds down into a small, take anywhere package. 3 year warranty.
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Domex sleeping bags are designed by Kiwi's for New Zealand conditions. They have been accompanying New Zealander’s on their adventures for over 30 years. A range of down and synthetic bags are available. 5 year warranty. Wildo is a range of lightweight, durable and compact campware that reduces space and weight in any pack. Made in Sweden and proven under Swedish conditions for decades, Wildo campware is made to be trusted. Designed to be worn over prescription eyewear, Cocoons over-glasses offer 40% more protection than conventional sunglasses.
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MARKETING UPDATE SOCIAL MEDIA
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Here at Tight Lines, we try to do everything we can to help you by promoting our brands. Social media is where more and more people are turning to for information about products, so we are investing in posting regularly and gaining more followers. Our pages will have all the latest news from our brands along with some exciting competitions. We have established the following facebook pages.
FACEBOOK PAGES
Kiwis Love the Outdoors https://www.facebook.com/KiwisLovetheOutdoors/
Ledlenser NZ https://www.facebook.com/ledlensernz/
Along with cross-promoting Ledlenser NZ, Leatherman New Zealand and Tatonka NZ pages, this page is for all our other brands – eg Coghlan’s, Domex, Klean Kanteen.
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Tatonka NZ https://www.facebook.com/TatonkaNZ/
FOLLOW OUR PAGES To get the biggest benefit, we recommend you like our pages and share any relevant posts with your customers. To make sure you don’t miss any posts from these pages, follow these steps:
Leatherman New Zealand https://www.facebook.com/LeathermanNZ/
1) Go to the facebook page 2) Just below the cover photo, there are options to ‘Like’, ‘Follow’, ‘Share’. Make sure that you have Liked the page by checking that the buttons ‘Liked’ and ‘Following’ are highlighted in blue. 3) Hover over the ‘Following’ button to see the options under the drop down. 4) Under the heading ‘IN YOUR NEWS FEED’, choose ‘See first’ to ensure the page updates show up higher in your newsfeed (so you don’t miss anything important!)
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TECH TALK LEDLENSER BATTERIES
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BATTERIES How should rechargeable Ledlenser
we see with
torches and headlamps be stored?
Ledlenser product
Rechargeable Ledlenser torches and
performance is due to the batteries being cheap, low quality and/or
Benefits of
not having enough charge.
Ledlenser is committed to investing in the
Are batteries affected at low
research and development of rechargeable
will assist with prolonging the life and
temperatures?
technology, to ensure their products are
performance of the batteries.
Most rechargeable Ledlenser torches and
What batteries should be used in
headlamps use lithium-ion batteries which
Rechargeable batteries are also kinder on
have the advantage of still working at
the environment. Every year, millions of
temperatures down to -15°C. However,
single-use batteries find their way into
Alkaline batteries, recommended for non-
landfills around the world, and this can
rechargeable torches and headlamps, only
be greatly reduced with the uptake of
perform well down to 0 degrees. Below 0
rechargeable batteries. Along with helping
degrees, performance of Alkaline batteries
the environment, rechargeable products
is compromised and so the performance
also save your customer money in the
of the torch/headlamp is affected.
long term.
headlamps should be stored with at least 40-60% charge. When storing for long periods, they should be recharged at least once every 3 months. This
Ledlenser torches and headlamps? We highly recommend using only high quality Alkaline batteries manufactured by well-known global brands. Ledlenser products have a high output, and therefore require high quality batteries to function properly. Many issues
rechargeable batteries
both efficient and affordable.
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FAQS
DOING BUSINESS WITH TIGHT LINES We know many of you have been doing business with Tight Lines for years. But we thought it is always good to remind you of some of our company policies. Do you have any minimums on orders? No, we do not have any minimum order quantities or values.
How long does it take you to process an order? Our standard service is to send the order the same day we receive it.
How can I place an order with you?
What is your warranty procedure? Many of our quality brands back their products with comprehensive warranties. Our warranty procedure is determined by our suppliers and means you can’t just replace products in-store, instead faulty products must be returned to us for assessment. We aim to repair or replace products within 5 working days. Please note, we will not accept excessively ‘soiled’ items for warranty as it becomes a safety hazard for our staff. We will charge a service fee to repair products that are not covered under warranty.
You can place orders with your sales rep when they visit you in store, by phone, fax or email, and also on our website. To order on our website you will need a retailer login and password (email kynneta@tightlines.co.nz to get one sorted).
Can I return products for credit?
What other services can I access on the Tight Lines website?
I have an idea on how you can improve your service. Can I contact you?
After you log in as a retailer, you can view our wholesale prices, place an order and see copies of previous invoices.
Yes! We are always looking for ways we can improve our service to you. Feel free to call us, email or talk to your sales rep if you have any suggestions.
We make the decision on products being returned for credit on a case-by-case basis. We will only accept products for credit if they are in perfect condition and have no price tags. We reserve the right to charge a handling fee for processing products for credit.
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functional, durable and lightweight. Wildo’s award-winning range of Swedish campware is designed to be compact, durable and lightweight, reducing space and weight in any pack. Visit www.tightlines.co.nz to see the full range of Wildo products available in New Zealand.
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Staff profiles: Dave Rountree & Leanne McLeod We’ve recently just had two new staff members join our team, and we’re excited to introduce them to you. One of our new team members is Dave. His role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of Tight Lines. He comes to us from managing the Fonterra warehouse in Hawkes Bay, and is finding our products a lot more exciting! He has a background in the outdoors, having worked in retail and outdoor education previously, and he has also been in the Army Reserves for 9 years. He has a young son and another due very soon. So far (we asked him the question less than two weeks into the job!) Dave’s favourite part of working at Tight Lines has been the team he is now working with – apparently, we smile a lot more than where he has worked previously!
Leanne has also just joined the Tight Lines team. Her role is to coordinate our social media activity, our website and most importantly to keep our sales and marketing plans on schedule! She so far is proving to be a social media and website whiz! Leanne and her husband have just made the move to Hawkes Bay from Auckland, where she had been working in a digital marketing agency since completing her marketing degree at Waikato University. When we asked Leanne the question (again, less than two weeks into the job!) about her favourite part of the job so far, she also said the people she is working with.
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FOR REAL LIFE