Everything Dinosaur receives lots of feedback from customers.  We are grateful for all the feedback we receive.  Each comment from a customer is appreciated.  The UK-based mail order company works with Feefo to generate customer reviews.  Feefo is an independent ratings and reviews platform that collects reliable and constructive reviews.  They have thousands of clients all over the world.  Customer feedback is extremely important.  Having an exceptional service record helps to build confidence with consumers.  Just like Feefo, we have thousands of customers too and we receive hundreds of reviews each year.  For example, there are over two thousand product reviews on the Everything Dinosaur website.

Occasionally, we like to highlight our reviews.  We have such an excellent record for customer service that last year, in a new initiative, Feefo rated Everything Dinosaur as “Exceptional”.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur pointing out that the Cheshire based business is rated as “Exceptional” for customer service by the independent rating company Feefo. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Receiving Customer Feedback

Each day Feefo compiles a list of customers who have placed an order.  A few days later (allowing for shipping and postage), Feefo sends an email to that customer asking for comments about the level of customer care we provide.  Every review is genuine.

Here is an example of a recent Feefo review:

Wonderful feedback received by Everything Dinosaur about the company’s customer service.

This customer, from Kent (southern England) commented:

“Everything Dinosaur is everything I could ever want for anything dinosaur!”

What a lovely and kind comment.

To view Everything Dinosaur product and customer reviews on the Feefo platform: Feefo Customer Service and Product Reviews for Everything Dinosaur.

Sue from the mail-order company commented:

“Customer feedback drives our improvements.  It helps to shape the direction of Everything Dinosaur.  It is reassuring to know we meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our customers.”

Visit the highly rated Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

Everything Dinosaur team members have been busy translating 14+ product safety information into different languages.  These translations are part of our on-going commitment to assist our customers overseas.  In addition, under the recently introduced General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), we understand that it is a role of the manufacturer to ensure that all safety information is in a language that the consumer can read.  In the case of the European Union there are twenty-four official languages.

As an importer, it is our role to ensure all safety information is in the correct language.  If the manufacturer does not do this, then, we as the importer can provide the translations and put them into any parcels that we despatch to our customers in those countries covered by GPSR.

Consumers affected by this new regulation are those that reside in countries in the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland.  In addition, the three countries in the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) are also included.

Helpful 14+ Product Safety Information Translated

A large number of the prehistoric animal figures that we supply have a 14+ age restriction.  To assist our customers, we have provided a translation of an appropriate safety warning concerning these models in the twenty-four official languages of the European Union.

The phrase we have translated is:

“Warning! Detailed scale model intended for collectors age 14 years and above.  May contain small pieces, sharp edges and points.  14+ (A display piece, not a dinosaur toy).

As part of Everything Dinosaur’s compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2033/988 safety information has to be translated into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. This table deals with English, Bulgarian and eleven other languages. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation of the phrase associated with prehistoric animal replicas that have a 14+ age recommendation that Everything Dinosaur includes inside the parcel for customers located in the areas within the scope of GPSR.  This information is included within parcels sent to customers in the European Union, the European Economic Area and Northern Ireland.  The table shows the original English text proposed by Everything Dinosaur as the importer and its translation into twelve other languages.

Translating the safety information associated with a product that is designated 14+ so as to comply with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

The table (above) shows the translation in the other eleven official languages of the EU.

Everything Dinosaur Providing Translations

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur explained that many manufacturers based outside the European Union were unfamiliar with the new regulation.  As an importer, Everything Dinosaur works closely with factories and manufacturers.  The company provides assistance and support and does what it can to help with compliance.

The spokesperson added:

“We have translated standard 14+ product safety information into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union.  This information will be included in the parcels we despatch to customers in the EU, the EEA as well as Northern Ireland.”

For further information and advice with regards to product safety associated with the items available on the Everything Dinosaur website: Email Everything Dinosaur.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models and Figures.

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) 2023/988 provides a high level of consumer protection. It should give a level playing field for businesses, thus improving the way the European Union’s (EU) internal market works. The new GPSR replaces the current general product safety directive and food imitating product directive, which guarantee the safety of consumer goods.  It amends the legislation to account for the increasing use of on-line marketplaces such as Amazon, Etsy, Ebay and other websites.

The Purpose of the New GPSR

The new GPSR regulation applies to new, repaired, used and reconditioned consumer products placed on the European market (EU).  In addition, this new regulation covers the European Economic Area (Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein) along with Northern Ireland.

It accommodates new product routes to market such as on-line sales.  GPSR caters for new consumer buying trends such as upcycling and the growth in second-hand, pre-loved sales.  It permits closer collaboration amongst the economic operators making up a product’s supply chain.  Furthermore, it plugs the gaps in harmonised standards for many product categories.  It should allow more efficient and effective product safety recalls.  Moreover, it reduces the scope for regulatory divergence amongst EU countries.

A key component of the new GPSR regulation is to ensure that product safety information is provided in a language the consumer can easily understand. There are twenty-four official languages of the EU. Ensuring safety information is in the correct language is a role allocated to the manufacturer. However, many manufacturers based outside the EU are unaware of their obligations. As an importer, Everything Dinosaur is obliged to check that the safety information is in the correct language. In the absence of this provision from the manufacturer, we have undertaken to provide safety information is in the correct language.

Many of the items we sell into the European market are CE marked and comply with the EU Toy Safety Directive 2009/48/EC.  As such, these products carry the 3+ safety symbol.  At Everything Dinosaur, we have provided translations for the phrase “not suitable for children under 3 years” in the twenty-four official languages of the EU.

As part of Everything Dinosaur’s compliance with the EU General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 safety information has to be translated into the twenty-four official languages of the European Union. Table credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Table credit: Everything Dinosaur

For further assistance and information, contact Everything Dinosaur team members: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys.

Everything Dinosaur team members Mike and Sue got sent two, beautiful prehistoric animal mugs by a customer.  Thank you Tom, for sending us such a kind, thoughtful gift.  These mugs will come in very handy as they make hot drinks to keep them going as they work long hours picking and packing orders for customers.

The “Let’s talk about Trilobites” and the “Dinosaurs are Awesome” mugs. A very kind gift to Everything Dinosaur from a customer. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Prehistoric Animal Mugs

One of the prehistoric animal mugs features an image of a trilobite and the text “Let’s talk about Trilobites”.  Most vertebrate palaeontologists have a soft spot for the Trilobita.  The second drinking vessel features a drawing of the skull of a tyrannosaur.  On the other side is the text “Dinosaurs are Awesome”.  This is such a thoughtful gesture. It certainly brightened their day.

The reserve side of the two prehistoric animal mugs sent as a gift to Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

At Everything Dinosaur, we cherish the connections we build with our customers. Gifts like these remind us of the passion we all share for prehistoric creatures and the joy they bring to our lives. We appreciate the kindness and generosity, and we look forward to continuing to serve you with the same enthusiasm and dedication that you show us.

Thank you once again for your thoughtful gift! It’s moments like these that make our model collecting community so special.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

The General Product Safety Regulation came into force on the 13th of December (2024).  This new regulation places new responsibilities onto businesses that export into the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland (NI) and the European Economic Area (EEA).

The EU countries are:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

The European Economic Area (EEA):
The EEA includes EU countries and also Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It allows them to be part of the European Union’s single market.

Everything Dinosaur has been learning about the General Product Safety Regulation.  Furthermore, as a member of the British Chamber of Commerce, we have been helping advisors as well as other businesses to understand their obligations.  In addition, we note that William Bain, the British Chamber of Commerce Head of Trade Policy has published helpful guidance.

Everything Dinosaur’s South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce (SCCCI) membership badge. The company has been a member for more than ten years.

What is the Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation?

William Bain stated that larger businesses are likely to be compliant with the new regulation without too much adjustment.  For example, larger manufacturers and suppliers may already have a responsible person nominated for other regulatory purposes. For instance, under 2019/1020 market surveillance regulations.  Indeed, bigger manufacturers and economic operators in the supply chain may be registered in or located within the European Union.

The Head of the British Chamber of Commerce’s Trade Policy added:

“For smaller firms or sole traders, the new obligations will be a big change and will incur additional costs or compliance burdens. They will have to hire a service provider willing to act as a responsible economic operator (Authorised Representative) on their behalf in these markets.”

For some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders, the new rules will act as an additional barrier to sending goods to Northern Ireland, the EU and the EEA.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s earlier article about the General Product Safety Regulation: New Consumer Safety Regulations (GPSR).

What are the Solutions?

In an article published today, (16th of December, 2024) William Bain outlined some of the ways in which the UK Government could help businesses. Even if the UK government aligned its legislation with that of the EU, the fact that there are separate market surveillance and enforcement regimes means the issues would still exist.

How can the UK Government help?  Here are some steps that were recommended:

• Guidance needs to be simpler, more easily understandable, and better directed at small business needs.
• The UK Government must issue guidance earlier and be more effective in communicating with small businesses about changes to allow them to prepare.
• Businesses must be informed at an earlier stage about how to ensure compliance and mitigate the costs of regulatory change.
• Support is required from UK Government to enable compliance and to mitigate the financial impact on businesses.

In summarising the new General Product Safety Regulation and its impact, William Bain commented:

“This speaks to the need for a step change on regulatory cooperation between the EU and UK, with business interests at its heart.”

Everything Dinosaur is an award-winning member of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. The company has been a member for more than a decade.

We acknowledge the assistance of an article published by the British Chamber of Commerce in the compilation of this article.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Suppliers of dinosaur and prehistoric animal models have some new consumer safety regulations to comply with.  From today, the 13th of December the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) comes into force.  This new regulation places new responsibilities on companies exporting to the European Union (EU), Northern Ireland and the European Economic Area (EEA).  As far as we at Everything Dinosaur are aware, the regulation covers all CE marked prehistoric animal figures and all other models and figures including resin replicas as well.  All toys are covered by this new regulation.

The new rules will apply in principle to all products, but there are some exclusions.  For example, products of animal origin (POAO), food, feed, medicines for human use, live plants and animals, aircraft involving low safety risks and antiques.  Furthermore, we believe second-hand and pre-loved items are impacted by GPSR.

Irrespective of whether or not a prehistoric animal model is CE marked it should come under the new GPSR regulation, and anyone involved in the distribution chain (economic operator) is expected to understand their obligations under GPSR.

What Does the General Product Safety Regulation Do?

The General Product Safety Regulation has been set up by the European Commission.  It addresses safety concerns regarding products entering the EU, Northern Ireland and the EEA.  Whilst it covers virtually all trade, it has specific implications for goods sold on-line or by other means of distance selling.

A precautionary principle runs throughout the new obligations and processes introduced by GPSR.  In addition, there is a strong emphasis on the traceability of products. The legislation was first consulted upon four years ago.

Manufacturers or importers placing goods on the market from outside the EU, EEA or NI must have a responsible economic operator appointed within these areas.  Normally, this would be the manufacturer. However, as an importer Everything Dinosaur has appointed an Authorised Representative.  We have been working with an Authorised Representative in the EU for several years.  This relationship was set up when the EU 2019/1020 Market Surveillance Regulation came into force.

To read more about the EU 2019/1020 Regulation: New Market Surveillance Regulations Come into Force.

If a manufacture does not appoint an Authorised Representative in the EU, or establish themselves within the EU, then Everything Dinosaur as the importer will take on this role. However, please note, in the absence of any action by the manufacturer it is the responsibility of other sellers of that manufacturer’s products who are also outside the EU to take steps to ensure that they are also compliant.

The Impact of GPSR

There are some notable impacts of GPSR.  This regulation affects all prehistoric animal model manufacturers according to our interpretation of the rules.  We are changing our product labelling for items sold to the EU, the EEA and Northern Ireland.  These new EU rules will apply to Northern Ireland under the terms of the Windsor Framework.

Product labelling requirements:

• The name, address and electronic address of the manufacturer.
• The name, address and electronic address of an authorised economic operator if the manufacturer is not in the EU/EEA/Northern Ireland.
• Pictures of the product and details on the product type.
• Warnings and safety notifications in a language the purchasing consumer can understand.
• These must also be attached to the product or on a document packaged with or accompanying the product.  QR codes can be used but they do not replace the need for written safety instructions and warnings (latest advice received as of December 2024).

Additional Requirements for On-line Marketplaces

The General Product Safety Regulations have been designed to encompass on-line sales.  This reflects the increasing trend for on-line shopping.  On-line marketplaces are not just platforms like Amazon, Ebay and Etsy, if you sell into Europe or Northern Ireland via a website, you need to comply as well.

Additional requirements:

• Subscribe to the EU rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products and receive weekly reports (we get ours every Friday).
• Register your business/website on the EU Safety Business Gateway and report and issues regarding the items that you sell.

Everything Dinosaur is registered on the EU Product Safety Gateway. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

• Have a single point of contact for market surveillance authorities and enquiries.
• Keep a record of customer and product information (helpful in case of a product recall).
• Work with market surveillance authorities and other operators.
• Have internal compliance procedures.

The logo of the European Commission Safety Gate which relates to the General Product Safety Regulation. Picture credit: European Commission.

Picture credit: European Commission

New Guidelines Being Published

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) produced guidance in relation to the implications of the Regulations on placing goods on the market in Northern Ireland, but these were only issued just before implementation (December 3rd).

Ironically, the General Product Safety Regulation does not apply to goods coming from Northern Ireland to Great Britain.  In addition, this legislation does not apply to products placed on the relevant market before 13th of December 2024 (Article 51 exemption).

Practical Steps Regarding General Product Safety Regulation Taken by Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members have taken practical steps to help them comply with the new regulation.  We put consumer safety at the very heart of our business.

• We have appointed an Authorised Representative in the European Union.
• Everything Dinosaur is a subscriber to the EU rapid alert system.
• We have registered on business and website on the EU Product Safety Gateway (we were amongst the very first businesses in Great Britain to do so).
• Authorised Representative contact details including an email address is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
• Everything Dinosaur contact information is on product packaging destined for the relevant markets.
• Maintain technical files on products affected including details of CE tests and Declaration of Conformity (DoC) as part of an internal risk analysis.
• Ensure affected products are despatched with contact information in twenty-four languages.
• Add GPSR contact details to the Everything Dinosaur website.
• Prepare a standard product recall notice (EU template expected in the near future).
• Set in motion plans to let any affected consumers know directly with regards to a safety alert or product recall.
• Discussed plans to ensure consumer data is held safely and securely to ensure rapid traceability in terms of a product recall.
• Prepare safety information in the twenty-four languages of the European Union.
• If a product recall is enacted to ensure consumers do not have to cover the cost of any replacement or refund mechanism.
• Everything Dinosaur has joined a community of businesses to help prepare for future compliance issues – GTD (Global Trade Department).

For reference the European Economic Area is defined as the EU, and the three European Free Trade Area states – Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Models.

It might be a busy time of year for retailers but Everything Dinosaur has managed to maintain its “Exceptional” rating with Feefo, the independent ratings company.  Yes, it’s “Exceptional Everything Dinosaur” – official.  Feefo collects genuine customer reviews, and the “Exceptional” status is their highest accolade.  It reflects Everything Dinosaur’s continuing commitment to customer care.

Exceptional Everything Dinosaur as officially rated by the independent ratings agency Feefo. The image relates to Feefo’s official rating as of December 2024. Picture credit: Feefo/Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Feefo/Everything Dinosaur

The image (above) shows the Everything Dinosaur reviews section of the Feefo website.  Everything Dinosaur is rated “Exceptional”.  A total of 743 product ratings have been collected over the past year.  In addition, there have been 362 service ratings.  In total, over the last twelve months the company has received over 1,100 reviews.

“Exceptional Everything Dinosaur”

Feefo’s independent customer ratings are vital for an on-line mail order company. They provide authentic feedback that builds credibility and trust. When website visitors see such positive ratings from genuine customers, they feel more confident in their purchasing decisions. Furthermore, these ratings highlight areas for improvement. Customer feedback permits us to consider how we can improve our service. Moreover, we prioritise customer feedback as it encourages loyalty and repeat purchases.

We have won other awards for customer service too!

To read about Everything Dinosaur winning a special customer service award: A Special Customer Service Award for Everything Dinosaur.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur pointing out that the Cheshire based business is rated as “Exceptional” for customer service by the independent rating company Feefo. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Although we are as busy as ever, we try our best to support our customers in every way we can. For example, we get tracking information out to customers as fast as possible.  We appreciate how stressful shopping can be at this time of year.  However, we are here to help.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Our thanks to Carl and Pauline who sent into Everything Dinosaur our first Christmas card for the festive holidays of 2024. We got some chocolates too!  The card features two ducks on a frozen pond.  This is appropriate, after all, ducks like all birds are theropod dinosaurs! We really appreciate this thoughtful gesture from one of our customers.  A very big thank you for such a delightful card.  Moreover, the chocolates will help to keep us going as we pack and despatch parcels.

The Christmas card and the box of chocolates received by Everything Dinosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Thank You From Everything Dinosaur

Sue from the UK-based mail order company commented:

“I love chocolates!  Thank you for your thoughtful gesture; it truly brightens my day!”

Mike added:

“What a lovely gesture.  We are working long hours at the moment and there is a lot of work for us both to do.  Thank you for bringing smiles to our faces.  It’s just the tonic to keep us going.”

In this fast moving world, it is important to recognise the relationship a company has with its customer base. We value these connections deeply. They motivate us to serve better. Together, we celebrate the spirit of the season. Thank you to all our customers and social media followers.  You are all part of our journey!

The award-winning and customer friendly company website: Dinosaur Toys and Models.

Everything Dinosaur team members do their best to pack and despatch parcels quickly.  However, sometimes there are issues in the international delivery network that are beyond our control.  For example, the national postal service of Canada has been disrupted due to strike action.  We continue to monitor the situation for our customers.  In addition, we work closely with Royal Mail in the UK and receive regular updates.

With regards to the industrial action in Canada, Everything Dinosaur team members have taken steps to help minimise disruption for customers.  However, due to the industrial action in Canada deliveries of parcels to Canadian customers will be subject to delays. UK Royal Mail has released a statement. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur Updating Canadian Customers

After raising concerns about the situation in Canada, Everything Dinosaur can highlight the following statement. This statement was released in response to concerns about Christmas deliveries.

The Royal Mail statement:

“Canada Post has been on strike since the morning of Friday, 15th November. The duration of the industrial action is unknown at this stage. Items already in the network will experience significant delays. All services to Canada are suspended from 19.00 Wednesday, 27th November until further notice.”

Team members have been alerting customers whose parcels may be affected.  We have put in place a range of options to assist them with deliveries.

Moreover, Royal Mail has stated:

“Canada Post has informed us items sent prior to the service suspension will be held by them until the end of strike action and will be delivered (first in, first out approach) once operations resume.”

Management at Royal Mail in the UK are in regular contact with Canada Post. Furthermore, Royal Mail have pledged to keep customers informed and updated.

Hopefully, this industrial action will soon be resolved with the minimal amount of disruption for Christmas deliveries.

Contacting Everything Dinosaur

Everything Dinosaur team members are taking a proactive approach.  They have reached out to our customers who have placed orders for delivery to Canada.

However, for further information and advice: Email Everything Dinosaur.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur was invited to talk at an event helping to encourage entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s part of our wider commitment to give something back to the local community. Moreover, delegates had the opportunity to talk to Sue about their own particular issues when running a small firm. Her engaging presentation highlighted vital resources and support available for entrepreneurs and small business owners.  She even got to talk about dinosaurs too!

Sue from Everything Dinosaur addressing the audience and taking questions at an event aimed at helping to support small business owners and start-up companies. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Everything Dinosaur Helping the Local Business Community

The event was part of the Cheshire East Business Support programme.  We were happy to participate, it is all part of Everything Dinosaur’s commitment to supporting local companies and helping the community.  Sue emphasised the importance of networking and collaboration during her talk.  As part of a panel of experts, she was able to offer practical advice and tips.

To visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Toys.

Delegates left inspired.  The speakers had been able to provide some useful advice.  Afterwards, Sue chatted to numerous attendees who wanted further information.  She fielded questions about customer service, setting up a website and developing niche markets.

Sue outlined some of the challenges facing small companies and explained some of the help and support that is available to small businesses and start-ups. Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films.

Picture credit: Lewis Pullan at 240 films

Attendees left inspired, equipped with practical tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journeys. We believe that by sharing knowledge and resources, we can help nurture a vibrant local economy. Stay tuned for more initiatives from Everything Dinosaur aimed at supporting our community!

Speaking afterwards, Sue stated:

“At Everything Dinosaur, we believe that supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs is essential for fostering innovation and growth in our community. By sharing resources and knowledge, we empower individuals to turn their dreams into reality, creating a vibrant local economy that benefits everyone.”

To contact a team member from Everything Dinosaur: Email Everything Dinosaur.