Why the long delay? Well, during these 50% discount sales, figures sell out and orders to recast go out. When the back order arrived into BTD USA HQ, my items were missing. Perhaps, Trojan War figures had huge demand during the sale? They are excellent figures. That shortfall prompted another call for resupply from the casters and after a two and a half month lead time, my package arrived.
All along the waiting process, the proprietor kept me informed of the order status and offered to throw in a few extra packs as compensation. Do I mind a delay of this magnitude? Not really. These figures are for a project meant for future activity so no pressing need.
In the photo, notice the new packaging with the nice red cardboard labels. In all past orders, figures arrived in large ziplock bags with their contents written on the bag in permanent, black marker. This is a step up, for sure. As an additional surprise, the spearmen came with brass rod spears such as Northstar makes. Fantastic! In the past, figures have always come with a roll of malleable wire. Some packs still contain those wire coils.
BTD USA offers great figures that are frequently on sale and offer great value for the dollar. Long delays? Sometimes, but for those planning far enough ahead, no worries.
What is the longest wait acceptable for an order? Is three months beyond the threshold?
Nice score, Jonathan. That's the thing about these BTD sales - they run out of stock and may delay your order. That's what happened to one of my earlier orders -- they did drop the shipping when they eventually got the restock. That and your compensation add-ons seem a good practice. Plus I like their figures :)
ReplyDeleteI really like their figures too and I have lots of them from many different ranges. Since I did not need them right away, a little delay is fine.
DeleteNice score and a great subject, Jonathan! I ordered a large WW II Russian army during BTD Xmas sale (50% off). They cost about the same as the Warlord Games plastics. I was thrilled with the quality of the BTD scuplts when I got my figures.
ReplyDeleteI went into the 50% sale knowing that there would be a delay so no problem for me. The price/quality combo cannot be beat. I'm now a fan.
Yeah, I am a fan too! Some of the sculpts are terrific.
DeleteBTD UK sends out all of my orders and only once have I experienced any delay with them. So long as communication is good then I don't have any problem with a couple of months delay on fulfilling an order from a busy period (Christmas) and a very large sale.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the new packs and the brass spears! I had been buying North Star spears for all of my figures in the past. This is a happy development and I hope BTD UK is doing the same.
Too soon to tell if the spear inclusion is a change up over standard past practices. I guess we need to make other orders to spot a regime switch.
DeleteAs long as there is good communication (as in your case), delays are understandable and acceptable.
ReplyDeleteSo, what is the project, sir?
-- Jeff
You are a reasonable man, Jeff!
DeleteMy plan with these is to (someday) build a 28mm Trojan War army for Impetvs. Trojan War is farther down on my list of projects to work, though. Someday, Someday.
Time to re-read "The Iliad", I think . . . that should move it up the project list.
Delete-- Jeff
Unless it is something I "need" right away (rare), I'm pretty patient with delays, especially if the price was right or some "lagniappe" is included. Of course, good communication goes a long way at making you less apprehensive, too!
DeleteWhich reminds me that I do have to prod one manufacturer about completing perhaps the longest delayed order I have ever had...
Peter, please relate your long delay story.
DeleteWe all seem to have similar expectations. If communication is maintained during the wait, we can cheerfully endure long lead times.
I'll relate it when it is resolved. It involves a fairly new company that clearly has good interventions, so I'll refrain from further comments until then!
DeleteCommunication is the key. Their sales are spectacular so I would expect to see delays. Having said that, I got your kind present before the sale ended, liked them so much I placed an order, and had them in a week. With a delay the length of yours I think throwing in a free pack makes everything OK. More than one just cements them as great people to do business with.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for keeping the lines of communication open throughout.
DeleteVery glad you enjoyed the figures! Will they be making it into your painting queue soon?
They are very nearly done. Just some detail work and basing to do. They'll be the front rank of my next entry in the Challenge.
DeleteVery cool! Looking forward to that!
DeleteNearly three months before delivery? - I'm starting to think there is some exotic postal curse hanging over you :0) I'd say the maximum wait for delivery from a professional company with online shop is around 30 days, unless other info is stated clearly on their website (Some companies cast to order).
ReplyDelete"Exotic postal curse" is a good thought!
DeleteRather than being unlucky at postal deliveries, perhaps, I can chock it up to reporting by exception? Like historical battle reports, the exceptions to the norm are what most often get jotted down and recalled later.
I make frequent orders and may get a more complete snapshot of order duration. Maybe I witness the long lead times having a small percent change of occurrence in an overall distribution that others rarely experience?
Or, maybe I have an exotic postal curse...
Well that is quick service!:-) Seriously though glad your not bothered and are enjoying the extra perks for a late delivery.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Funny. Not quick at all but I was in no hurry.
DeleteI agree with most. Three month wait seems bad, but if you consider it is the result of a 50% off sale going gangbusters... I would rather wait than run the risk limiting their 50% off sale to "existing stock only"
ReplyDeleteI agree and the delay is not bothersome when there is no pressing need for the figures once my attention has been diverted onto another project. Thanks for that!
DeleteThese things happen once in a while but three months seems too long for me. Looks to me they are not in control. But as said communication is key.. And they have some nice figures :)
ReplyDeleteBTD does get backed up with their big sales and I just received a notice that the format of their sales is changing. not for the better, I think!
DeleteIt is a long time to wait but sometimes, there is no hurry.
nice collection of figure packs.. thumbs up :o)
ReplyDelete