NAVIGATING ONWARDS: Mastery, Undertakings & Memories.
Greetings adventurers,
Moving forward with the business has required some tough decisions lately. I have officially decided to close down the eBay store that started this whole journey. Considering everything, I sent in the application to do so today. Honestly, it feels like a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders. Every adventurer knows when it’s time to retire a specific questline to focus on new goals. Lately, I’ve realized that my energy is better spent elsewhere. Leaving that chapter behind allows me to dive back into what I truly love: the gaming itself (& perhaps other areas of the business). Even though it’s the end of an era for Sure Treats on eBay, the spirit of the brand lives on in my local sessions & my heart.
Running a new Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition campaign has been my latest focus. Engaging with a younger audience of players has brought a whole new level of energy to the table. Every session is a blast (even though it has only been 2 so far), especially since I’ve been weaving in some deeper lore. Specifically, I managed to get permission from my own DM to tie these events into my Barbarian’s history.
Connecting the kids' session to the Barbarian events from a couple of weeks back was a stroke of genius. Using those past events added so much weight to the story they are currently unfolding (even though they they couldn’t influence key events happening in their vicinity - it would create a paradox!). Nothing beats seeing a young face light up when they realize the world is interconnected. Truly, it was one of the most fun sessions I’ve had the pleasure of leading.
Mastery of the DM screen is definitely a journey, but I’m loving every minute of this specific path. Of course, my Barbarian is on the path to creating a legacy which is starting to influence new heroes. The way they handled the latest encounter shows they are ready for anything I throw at them. Having that creative outlet has been exactly what I needed lately. Entering the world of Night City, alongside tabletop adventuring, once again has also been a major highlight for my downtime. Replaying Cyberpunk 2077 after all the recent updates has been a revelation Bartmoss would be proud of.
Leaping back in for the Phantom Liberty expansion was the best decision I’ve made recently. Everything about Dogtown is absolutely epic, from the atmosphere to the sheer gritty scale of it. Although I haven’t finished the expansion yet, I am absolutely hooked on the new content. V is taking a different path this time around, as I’m playing her as a lethal female Streetkid Netrunner. Enhancing my build has been fascinating, especially with the superb redesign of the skill trees.
My focus has been on the core skills rather than the Relic tree, as it feels much more balanced now. Even the combat feels fresh and more strategic than I remember from my first playthrough.
Anyone who hasn’t tried the 2.0 update really needs to give it a look. Losing myself in the neon-soaked streets is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. Overall, I’m just enjoying the ride and seeing how all these improvements have polished the experience. Next time I update, I might finally be through the expansion and ready to share more. Every session, whether it’s at the table or on the console, reminds me why I love these worlds so much!
– Stuart.
Origin Stories: From Blinky Lights to Dystopian Warnings
Greetings adventurers,
In my last post, I promised to keep the campfire burning by sharing more of the passions that form the bedrock of Sure Treats. Today, I want to take a bit of a "lore dive" into my own past.
Every great character has an origin story, and mine was forged in the glow of a cathode-ray tube television and the ink-stained pages of sci-fi comics.
Level 1: The Utopian Spark
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been pulled toward the stars. It started with re-runs of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Back then, I just liked the "blinky lights" and the spaceships. It wasn't until I revisited it as an adult that I truly appreciated the masterclass in writing and the heavy focus on morality. It wasn't just about exploring space; it was about exploring what it means to be human.
Alongside Picard, I was raised on the eccentricities of Tom Baker’s Doctor Who on UK Gold. There was something about that scarf and the DIY-aesthetic of the 70s that felt more tangible and exciting than the high-budget CGI we see today. I watched other old doctors as well but he was my favourite. There are many other shows (Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Reboot, Space 1999, Space Precinct, Sliders, Blake’s 7, etc) I could name but I don’t want this blog to go on forever!
Descending into the Neon Underdark
As I grew older, I found myself wandering away from the "perfect" futures. I discovered that beneath the utopian imagery lay a sub-genre that felt more visceral: Cyberpunk and Dystopia.
I swapped the Federation for the Mega-Cities. I’ve always held Judge Dredd and 2000AD in much higher regard than anything from the DC or Marvel stables. There’s a grit and a British wit to 2000AD that just hits different. It’s part grim, part satirical, and always unapologetic. I’ll even admit to having a huge soft spot for the Stallone Judge Dredd movie — I was at an impressionable age! Despite its flaws, it was incredibly ambitious, weaving in Rico, the Angel Family, and the ABC Warriors.
This was my "gateway drug" into the harder-hitting stuff (this list could be endless but here are the main hitters that had influence on me):
The Classics: 1984 (which I’ve consumed in every format—book, film, theatre, and even the musical!).
The Icons: Blade Runner, Akira, and Ghost in the Shell (the subsequent series ‘Stand Alone Complex’ is top-notch).
The Mainstream: Quantum Leap, Dark Angel, Stargate SG1, and the entire Matrix saga (including the Animatrix).
Even modern media like Cyberpunk 2077 have left a mark. Despite its rocky launch, the storyline was incredibly hard-hitting, and I’m actually looking to re-introduce myself to Night City soon to explore the Phantom Liberty expansion. This does get a special mention as the original Cyberpunk RPG was one of the first tabletop systems I played. Whilst I don’t play it now as often as I’d like, it has a pivotal moment for me.
The Fantasy Paradox
Now, don’t get me wrong — I love fantasy. I grew up on The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and (some of) those films remain among my absolute favourites. One of the most key moments of my childhood is a British TV show called ‘Knightmare’. A fantasy ‘gameshow’ for kids and had the biggest and earliest impact to my geekdom brain - so the influence of the genre cannot be denied!
My current "main quest" in real life is an epic, year-long Dungeons & Dragons campaign where I play a Lawful Good Barbarian traversing the Sword Coast. (If you’re interested in hearing more about my Barbarian’s exploits, let me know—I’ve got plenty of stories!).
However, fantasy has always been my "second favourite." I feel that in our modern world, the presence of technology creates much higher stakes. Sci-fi feels more like a warning; it’s a reflection of where we are headed. In a world where we’ve lost our feudal roots, fantasy can sometimes feel a bit cliché or outdated, whereas the "high tech, low life" of cyberpunk feels more relevant than ever.
The Moral of the Story
The biggest lesson I’ve learned from these stories is simple: Follow what you are passionate about. Inspiration is personal. It’s yours, and it’s empowering. Never feel the need to make excuses if others don't share your view or understand why you love a particular niche. It was made for someone just like you. Finding like-minded people is a bonus, but being true to yourself is the only way to play the game of life. No one else is going to do it for you!
The Business Quest Log
To bring things back to the business side of why this blog exists: I’m currently in a phase of reconsolidation.
As I mentioned previously, the eBay store is likely going to close down temporarily. I need to rethink my positioning and ensure that when I come back, I’m offering something truly unique. In the meantime, I’ll be shifting my focus toward the Amazon revenue stream, giving it the tactical attention it deserves to help "level up" the business finances.
Finally, some good news on the paperwork front! I have finally received my certificate from the Procurement Bootcamp. I finished the 10-week course on 21st January, and it only took until 25th March to arrive! A long wait for the loot drop, but it’s officially in the bag.
Catch you in the next update,
– Stuart.
New Horizons, Levelled Skills, and a Brief Long Rest
Greetings adventurers,
First off, I owe you all a massive apology for the radio silence. It’s been quite a while since my last update, and I’ve realised I’ve let the festive season and the start of the new year slip by without a word! So, a very belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. I hope your 2026 has started with a few Natural 20s.
I’ve been away from the "Sure Treats" desk for a bit longer than intended, but I’ve certainly been busy behind the DM screen.
The Procurement Quest: A Mixed Bag of Loot
If you remember my last post, I was deep into a Skills Bootcamp in Procurement. I officially wrapped that up in mid-January, and I’ve been hovering by the mailbox ever since waiting for my certificate to come through. It hasn't been forthcoming just yet—much like waiting for a slow-moving courier in a remote village—but I’m hopeful it’ll arrive soon!
Reflecting on the course, it was a bit of a mixed experience. If you are a job-seeker looking to bolster your CV, I can’t recommend it enough; the content is solid and the knowledge is there. However, for a new business owner like myself, I have to be honest: it wasn't quite the right fit. It became apparent quite quickly that I didn't fully fit the "player profile" the structure was designed for.
That being said, I don't regret the journey. I was highly attentive, put in a massive amount of effort, and I’m thankful for the specific skills I did pick up. Even if the quest reward wasn't exactly what I expected, the XP gained is still valuable for the long game!
Re-specing the eBay Shop
On the business front, things are undergoing a bit of a "re-spec." I’ve made the decision to withdraw some of my current eBay listings as I prepare for a total overhaul of the page. I’m even considering temporarily closing the store down for a short period.
Why? Well, I’m currently in a holding pattern awaiting some big orders under the official Sure Treats brand name. I want the shop to reflect the high-quality, bespoke brand I’m building, rather than just being a collection of generic items. It’s a bit of a "clear the board" moment so we can set up for a much stronger second act.
Navigating the Turbulent Terrain
I’ve also been doing some serious number-crunching. After analysing my personal liabilities and the current state of the market, I’ve had to face a bit of reality: putting in orders for bespoke products or large-scale stock based on my prototypes is still a few months away.
To see me through this turbulent patch and ensure the business stays viable in the long run, I’ll be focusing more on my part-time work for the time being. It’s about making sure the "gold coins" are managed wisely so I don’t run out of HP before the final boss!
Keeping the Fire Burning
I’ll be the first to admit it: the business has hit a bit of a wall recently. But that doesn’t mean the adventure is over.
To keep this blog fresh and the community alive, I’m going to pivot the content slightly. Since the foundations of Sure Treats were built on my passion for tabletop gaming, I’m going to start sharing more roleplaying updates, RPG news, and deep dives into the things that make me passionate about this world.
Think of it as returning to our roots. I want to share the things that formed this business in the first place, keeping the site active and engaging while the "logistics" side of things brews in the background.
Thank you for sticking with me through the quiet patches and the difficult terrain. The map might look a little different than I planned, but we’re still moving forward.
Catch you in the next update,
– Stuart.
Techy Tuesdays, Real Life Rolls, & Levelling Up Skills
Greetings adventurers,
It’s been a little while since my last update, where I was practically buzzing with excitement about those shiny new product prototypes. If you read that post, you know I was deep in the testing phase, rolling dice and dreaming of the day I could unleash them onto your tables.
Since then, we’ve had a busy little spell! Last week we ran a sale on our existing generic dice and RPG goodies for Cyber Monday, followed immediately by what I decided to playfully dub "Techy Tuesday." It was great to see some of our standard stock finding new homes, and if you grabbed a bargain—thank you!
However, I know many of you are waiting for news on those specific prototypes I teased. The truth is, the road to launch has had a few wandering monsters and difficult terrain encounters recently. Life has a funny way of demanding a few saving throws when you least expect them, and things have been delayed slightly.
Here is a look at what’s been happening behind the DM screen:
Finances & Side Quests
As with many small businesses starting out, cash flow can be a bit of a roller coaster. Finances have become a little tighter than I’d like recently, so I’ve had to pick up some part-time work to get things moving again. It means a little less time in the "Sure Treats" office, but it ensures we have the gold coins needed to keep the lights on and the future bright.
Prioritising Wellbeing
If you know me, you know I’m active in a lot of tabletop groups across Lancashire and even one over in Greater Manchester. I love rolling dice with all of you, but I realized recently I was burning the candle at both ends. To prioritize my time and focus on my own wellbeing, I’ve had to take a step back from a few of those groups. It wasn't an easy decision, but even adventurers need a Long Rest now and then to be at their best.
Leveling Up: Procurement Bootcamp
Finally, I’m a big believer that you never stop learning. In an effort to secure the future success of the business, I’ve enrolled in a government-funded ‘Skills Bootcamp In Procurement’. I’m a few weeks in now, and it’s been a fantastic way to expand my knowledge base. The goal is to become sharper and smarter about how we source those amazing products for you in the future.
So, while the prototypes are moving a little slower than anticipated, we are definitely still moving! Thank you for sticking with me through the quiet patches. We are regrouping, restocking our energy, and getting ready for the next encounter.
Catch you in the next update,
– Stuart.
Rolling Into Action: Prototype Testing Begins at Sure Treats! 🎲
Greetings once again everyone! Stuart here — founder, dice hoarder, and chief mischief-maker at Sure Treats.
I’m beyond excited to finally share what’s been cooking behind the scenes! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been busy commissioning bespoke prototypes for our upcoming range of tabletop RPG accessories and dice. The photo below gives you a sneak peek — fresh off the press, featuring our shiny new Sure Treats logo!
Each prototype has been designed with love, late-night brainstorming, and a lot of dice rolling. I’ve been play-testing everything with fellow adventurers, goblin-slayers, and roleplayers to make sure we only bring forward high-quality, player-approved gear. The goal? To create accessories that aren’t just beautiful on the table, but feel amazing to use — the kind of stuff that makes you grin when you reach for it.
Right now, I’m gathering feedback, taking notes, and (let’s be honest) occasionally getting distracted by how cool the prototypes look under the light. Once I’ve narrowed down the fan favourites, we’ll be gearing up for mass production — so your next session might just feature some Sure Treats of your own.
If you’re as excited as I am (or just love drooling over shiny dice), keep an eye on our blog and upcoming socials. I’ll eventually be sharing updates, polls, and sneak peeks as we refine the lineup. Your input could help shape what ends up on every adventurer’s table!
Thanks for coming along on this early part of the journey. Here’s to critical hits, good company, and gear that’s always a sure treat!
Catch you in the next update,
– Stuart.
The majority of prototypes commissioned and tested over the past few weeks. What tickles your fancy?
Our eBay Store is Now Live!
I’m excited to announce that Sure Treats has officially launched our brand-new eBay store is now live!
Whilst this is just starting out, and our first range of products are more on the simple and classic side, but this is just the beginning.
What You’ll Find Right Now
We’re currently stocking a selection of RPG dice sets and dice accessories — ideal for Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Vampire: The Masquerade, Cyberpunk, and other tabletop RPGs. Think polyhedral dice in a variety of colours for the time being, which are the essentials to get your character rolling in no time.
If you're looking for straightforward, dependable dice sets to start your journey (or to grow your collection), we’ve got you covered.
Where We're Headed
While our current range is intentionally basic to keep things accessible, we have big plans ahead. Over the coming months, we’re looking to expand into more unique designs, higher-quality materials, and exclusive accessories that you won’t find just anywhere. Custom dice, themed sets, and handcrafted items are all on the horizon.
I want Sure Treats to become a name synonymous with quality, creativity, and a little bit of gaming magic.
Check Us Out
👉 Visit Our eBay Store Here (https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/suretreats)
Whether you're a seasoned Game Master or just dipping your toes into the world of RPGs, we’d love for you to check out what we have in stock. Every purchase supports a small, growing business—and helps Sure Treats to get closer to creating the kind of truly exciting products I can’t wait to share with you.
Thanks for stopping by, and stay tuned — there’s so much more to come!
- Stuart
Treat yourself. Roll something great.
🎲 Following the Dream: How Growth Lancashire Helped Sure Treats Level Up
The past couple of blog posts have described of why Sure Treats was born. It’s an idea built on passion, community, and the joy of discovering something unexpected (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of treasure?).
But as exciting as it was to start my own business, it was also extremely daunting. There’s a lot to think about when you decide to go out on your own — everything from business plans to pricing to marketing.
That’s where Growth Lancashire came in.
Learning the Ropes (and Rolling the Dice)
Over the past few couple of months, I’ve had the chance to attend a series of workshops with Growth Lancashire, including:
Funding & Financial Planning for Your Startup
Unlocking Your Vision & Offer
Know Your Numbers – Pricing, Costs & Margins
Marketing & Sales Essentials for Your Startup
Connect, Converse, Convert: The Power of Social Media for Business
Each session has been genuinely eye-opening. The advice and insight shared have changed the way I think about Sure Treats — not just as a business, but as something that can grow, evolve, and make people smile along the way.
Growth Lancashire have been nothing but supportive, friendly, and knowledgeable. They’ve helped me see new opportunities, refine my ideas, approach challenges with confidence and consider things I never would have done previously.
Why I’d Recommend It to Others
If you’re someone who’s been thinking about starting a business — especially after years in employment — I can’t recommend looking into local business support enough.
Your local council might offer free workshops, mentoring, and resources just like Growth Lancashire does. It’s well worth checking out — not just for the practical advice, but for the encouragement you get from being around others who are starting out too.
Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of guidance (and a nudge in the right direction) to turn an idea into something real.
Moving Forward
I’m so grateful for the help and knowledge I’ve gained through Growth Lancashire, and I’m even more excited for what’s next for Sure Treats. There’s still plenty to learn, but that’s all part of the adventure — and just like a good tabletop campaign, the journey’s half the fun.
If you’re based in Lancashire, you can find out more at their website:
https://www.growthlancashire.co.uk/
I'm sure different counties across the UK will also offer something similar, if you are based elsewhere.
So here’s to new beginnings, bold ideas, and rolling for success!
— Stuart.
Building My Online Presence (Watch This Space!)
Hey everyone,
Thanks so much for checking out my blog and joining me on this journey! If you’ve read my first post, you’ll know that I’m just getting started setting up my business in which I aim to sell role-playing accessories through eBay, along with dabbling in Amazon FBA for other cool, profitable finds.
Now that the wheels are turning, I'm working on building up my online presence so you can follow along, get updates, see new products, and hopefully join in on the fun.
🎲 Socials Are in Motion!
I’ve already set up Instagram and TikTok, as will as reactivating my LinkedIn which will need to be updated – so if you're into behind-the-scenes peeks, new stock drops, or just want to see what I’m working on, give me a follow! I’m sharing bits of my journey, little snippets from the world of tabletop games, and of course, updates on what’s available in the shop.
Next up: I’m in the process of setting up a Facebook page, which will make it even easier to stay connected, ask questions, and maybe even get involved in some future giveaways (yep, that’s the plan!).
🧭 Check Out My Linktree
To keep things simple, I’ve pulled everything together into one handy linktree: [linkt.ree/suretreats] (don’t worry, I’ll keep it updated!).
You’ll be able to find all my socials, shop links, and anything else important there:
🔮 What’s Next?
There’s plenty more to come. I’ll be sharing updates, stories from my selling adventures, product highlights, and maybe even some thoughts on running a small business in this niche space. So, stay tuned, and definitely watch this space – things are just getting started!
Thanks again for all the support so far – whether you’ve made a purchase, followed a page, or just stopped by to read, it all means a lot. 😊
Catch you in the next post!
– Stuart.
Sure Treats Linktree
Website is now lIVE!
Hello everyone,
Thank you for visiing my website.
After months of planning (and a fair bit of second-guessing), I’ve finally taken the leap and launched my own business website to support my growing online ventures — one niche, one broad — and both exciting in very different ways.
I wanted to share a bit about the journey, not just for anyone thinking of doing the same, but also to document the process for myself. Because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that every step — even the small, messy ones — matters.
My eBay Store: Where Passion Meets Profit
Let’s start with the heart of it all — my eBay store, which is dedicated to something I’ve loved for years: role-playing game (RPG) accessories.
Whether it’s Dungeons & Dragons dice sets, handmade miniatures, spell cards, or custom DM screens, this is the stuff I live and breathe. I’ve spent years playing RPGs and spending time within the passionate and welcoming community, and finally realised: why not turn that passion into something more?
Whilst my eBay store is not fully set up yet, the real challenge will be curating products that felt true to the role-playing community. Whilst it would be easy to say that I do not want to just resell generic stuff — I want to offer gear that players would feel excited to use on game night.
I’ve started looking sourcing unique items from creators and suppliers, and even looking at how I can make some of my own custom pieces in the future, should this be successful. It’s early days, but the journbey so far has been incredibly inspiring.
The Amazon Store: A Different Kind of Adventure
While eBay is my creative outlet, Amazon is where I’m putting on my business brain. Here, I’m focusing on profitable reselling — trending items, seasonal stock, clearance finds — anything that moves and makes sense, mostly within the UK, and especially targeting logistics and deliveries in the North West of England, where I’m based.
The research involved here is intense, and it is still in it’s early days. It’s not glamorous, but I’ve found my research so far strangely intriguing. It’ll be rewarding cracking the code on a product, buying smart, and watching it sell.
I am still in the process of fully establishing my Amazon store and finding profitable products to sell on that platform. Watch this space!
Why the Website?
Now you might be wondering — if I’ve looking to sell via eBay and Amazon, why go through the hassle of creating a dedicated business website?
Simple: control and credibility.
My site will serve as a central hub — a place to tell my story, share blog updates like this one, feature hand-picked products, and eventually offer direct sales outside of big platforms. It's also a way to eventually start building a brand rather than just selling under someone else’s.
I’m using the website to:
Share behind-the-scenes content (like this post).
Connect with local customers and suppliers.
Promote new RPG gear and custom items, if they become available.
Test the waters for exclusive website-only deals.
It’s still in early development — a bit like a Level 1 character — but I’m excited to see how this levels-up.
Looking Ahead
This journey has been a mix of passion-fuelled creativity and data-driven hustle — and weirdly, I love both sides of it. One minute I’m testing new dice designs, the next I’m deep in spreadsheets comparing shipping rates.
I am under no illusion spell that this is going to be a long road ahead. I'm still learning how to juggle everything, especially marketing and logistics. But launching these three platforms — eBay for RPG accessories, Amazon for profitable products, and my own site as the anchor — feels like the right foundation.
If you’re thinking about starting something similar, here’s my best advice: just start. Sure, you'll make mistakes, but every order, every click, and every lesson gets you closer to something real.
Thanks for reading — and if you’re into RPGs or just love small business journeys, feel free to drop a comment or connect. I’ll be sharing more updates as things grow.
Until next session,
Stuart.