Frequently Asked Questions
Everything we get asked most often — about ordering, products, the hobby itself, and what to do when you're staring at a sprue wondering where to start.
Ordering & Shipping
How fast do orders ship?
Orders placed before 2:00 PM ET on a business day typically ship the same day. Otherwise, they go out the next business day. See our Shipping Policy for full details.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes — we ship to most countries. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes charged by their country.
What's your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days on unopened, unused items in original packaging. Opened paints and assembled miniatures can't be returned. Full details in our Refund Policy.
My package arrived damaged. What do I do?
Email info@chapmengames.com within 7 days of delivery with photos of the damage. We'll replace the item or refund it — your call.
Products & Compatibility
Are these miniatures painted or unpainted?
Unless explicitly described as a "painted" or "pre-painted" product, all miniatures ship unassembled and unpainted. The painted photos on product pages are the manufacturer's reference — they show what's possible, not what you'll receive in the box.
Do miniatures come with glue, paint, or tools?
No. Most miniature boxes contain only the model components and sometimes assembly instructions. You'll need glue (plastic cement for plastic kits, super glue for metal/resin), a hobby knife, and paint separately. Our Paint & Hobby Supplies collection has what you need.
What scale are the miniatures you sell?
Most of our tabletop wargame miniatures are 28mm to 32mm scale ("heroic 28mm"), which is the standard for Warmachine, Bolt Action, Warcrow, Conquest, and most modern skirmish/mass-battle games. Some scale modeling kits are larger or smaller — scale is listed on the individual product page when it matters.
Can I mix paint brands?
Yes. Acrylic miniature paints from AK Interactive, Army Painter, and Vallejo all play well together. You can prime with one brand, base coat with another, and wash with a third. The only thing to be careful about is mixing oils with acrylics — let acrylic layers fully cure first.
What's the difference between a Battlegroup, a Core Expansion, and a Command Cadre?
For Warmachine specifically: a Battlegroup is a faction starter set with a warcaster plus a few warjacks. A Core Expansion is the next purchase that fills out a full army with troops. A Command Cadre is a smaller add-on — usually a character solo or small unit. We carry all three across each faction we stock.
I'm brand new. Where should I start?
For mass-battle wargaming on a budget: Bolt Action (WWII) has the lowest entry cost and the widest community. For sci-fi/fantasy with cool warjacks: Warmachine two-player starter sets are an excellent first buy. For skirmish/RPG-curious: Warcrow. Whichever you pick, get a starter box, primer, 4–6 paints, brushes, and glue — that's the full starter kit.
Product labels & availability
On product cards you'll see a small colored badge, and on the product page the buy button matches the same color. Here's what each one means:
Sale
The item is discounted from its regular price. Add it to your cart and check out as normal.
Backorder
We're temporarily out of stock, but you can still order the item — the button reads "Backorder – ships when available." We place the order with our distributor and ship it to you as soon as it arrives. If your cart also contains in-stock items, the entire order ships together once everything is on hand (you'll see a reminder of this in your cart). There's no "Buy it now" on backorder items, so they always go through the cart.
Sold out
The item isn't available to order right now and can't be added to your cart. It may return — check back later, or email info@chapmengames.com to ask about a restock.
Hobby & Painting
Do I have to paint my miniatures to play?
No — but most groups encourage at least basecoating. Painted armies look amazing on the table and are far easier to identify mid-game ("which warjack was that again?"). Many gaming clubs run "hobby nights" where everyone paints together.
What's the difference between a wash, a shade, and a contrast paint?
A wash is a thin pigmented liquid that pools in recesses to create shadows. A shade is essentially the same idea, often used interchangeably. A contrast paint (like Army Painter Speedpaint) is thicker — it acts as both basecoat and shading in one step, great for fast tabletop quality.
Are AK Interactive products only for scale models, or can I use them on miniatures?
Both. AK's airbrush paints, washes, and weathering products are widely used on both 28mm wargaming miniatures and larger scale models. The water gels and texture pastes are especially popular for tabletop terrain.
Store & Account
Do I need an account to order?
No — guest checkout is available. Creating an account lets you track orders, save addresses, and view order history, but it's optional.
Do you have a physical store?
We are an online merchant. If that ever changes, you'll hear it here first.
Do you offer trade or wholesale pricing?
For game stores or club bulk orders, email info@chapmengames.com with what you're interested in and we'll discuss.
Where do you ship from?
The United States.
Still have a question?
Email info@chapmengames.com and we'll get back to you within 1–2 business days.