Frequently Asked Questions

Everything we get asked most often: about ordering, products, the hobby itself, and what to do when you are staring at a sprue wondering where to start.

Ordering & Shipping

How fast do orders ship?

In-stock orders ship the next business day. See our Shipping Policy for full details.

How much is shipping?

US shipping is a flat rate based on your order total before tax, and it is free from $75:

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to most countries. International shipping is quoted live by the carrier at checkout, based on the weight of your order and where it is going, so you see the real cost before you pay. International customers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes charged by their country.

What does M.T.O. (made to order) mean, and how long does it take?

M.T.O. items are produced by the manufacturer only when you order them; nobody keeps them on a shelf. Please allow approximately 6 to 10 weeks for delivery. See the green M.T.O. label under "Product labels & availability" below for the full rundown.

What happens if a backordered item can no longer be sourced?

Backorder means we order the item from our distributors after you purchase, so on rare occasions an item is discontinued before we can get it. We confirm availability within 1 business day of your order. If an item can no longer be sourced, we will email you with the option of a comparable alternative or a full refund, your choice.

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 or 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, and most modern skirmish and 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 and fantasy with cool warjacks: Warmachine two-player starter sets are an excellent first buy. For skirmish or RPG-curious: Warcrow. Whichever you pick, get a starter box, primer, 4 to 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. In stock, a product shows Sale or MSRP. Out of stock, it shows Backorder, M.T.O. or Sold out. Each label has its own page listing everything that carries it. Here's what each one means:

Sale

In stock on our shelves and priced below the maker's list price (MSRP). Sale prices hold while the stock lasts, and in-stock orders ship the next business day. See everything on sale.

MSRP

In stock on our shelves at the maker's full list price, the MSRP (manufacturer's suggested retail price). In-stock orders ship the next business day. See everything in stock at MSRP.

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. We confirm availability with our distributors within 1 business day of your order; if an item can no longer be sourced (for example, the manufacturer discontinues it), we will email you right away with a comparable alternative or a full refund. See everything on backorder.

M.T.O.

M.T.O. stands for "made to order." These items, currently our Steamforged Games Warmachine made-to-order range, aren't stocked anywhere: the manufacturer produces them only when an order is placed. They work exactly like backorder items (order normally through the cart; no "Buy it now"), but production takes longer: please allow approximately 6 to 10 weeks for delivery. Made-to-order items are available exclusively on our website. If your cart also contains in-stock items, the entire order ships together once everything is on hand. See the made-to-order range.

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?

Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Still have a question?

Email info@chapmengames.com and we'll get back to you within 1 to 2 business days.