Dispatch & Shipping

Welcome to Dispatch & Shipping. Once your order has completed production and final quality inspection, the Postmaster takes over.This desk handles packing, shipping carriers, tracking, domestic and international delivery, delayed or missing packages, and models damaged during shipment.

Preparing Your Order for Dispatch

Once the models in your order have completed production and passed final inspection, they are turned over to Dispatch & Shipping for packing.Models are carefully packed to protect them during normal handling and transportation. Because many aircraft contain thin wings, propellers, struts, landing gear, weapons, or other fine details, care is taken to provide protection without placing unnecessary pressure on delicate components.Once packed and labeled, your order is ready to leave the aerodrome.For questions about printing, production, or quality control before your order reaches this point, visit Workshop & Maintenance and see the Chief Mechanic.

Domestic Shipping

Tabletop Flights primarily ships domestic orders through UPS and the United States Postal Service (USPS).The carrier and shipping service used for an order may vary depending on the destination, package size, cost, expected delivery time, and other shipping requirements. I work to select the service that provides the best practical combination of cost, reliability, and delivery time.Shipping charges are kept as reasonable as possible and are based on the available shipping options for your order.Once a package has been accepted by the carrier, delivery times are estimates and are outside the direct control of Tabletop Flights.

International Shipping

Tabletop Flights ships to most international destinations.International orders may be shipped through USPS, UPS, DHL, or another available international service, depending on the destination, package requirements, cost, and available service.International delivery times can vary considerably. In addition to normal carrier transit time, packages may be delayed by customs processing or the destination country's postal and delivery systems.Please allow additional time for international shipments.Tracking availability and the amount of tracking detail provided can also vary depending on the destination country and shipping service.

Customs, Duties & Import Charges

International customers should be aware that their country may impose customs duties, import taxes, VAT, handling fees, or other charges when a package enters the country.These charges, when applicable, are determined by the destination country and are not included in the Tabletop Flights purchase price or shipping charge.Any customs duties, taxes, or import fees imposed by the destination country are the responsibility of the recipient.Customs processing may also add additional time to international delivery.

Tracking Your Order

Tracking information is provided when available so you can follow your package after it leaves Tabletop Flights.Please remember that tracking information is supplied by the carrier. Updates may occasionally be delayed, particularly while a package is moving between facilities or, in the case of international shipments, between countries and postal systems.A temporary lack of tracking updates does not necessarily mean that a package has been lost.

Delivery Times

Most domestic packages arrive within several business days after being accepted by the carrier, although actual delivery times can vary by destination and shipping service.International delivery times are much less predictable and may be affected by customs, international transportation, local postal systems, holidays, weather, and other circumstances.Carrier delivery dates should be considered estimates rather than guarantees unless the particular shipping service specifically provides a guaranteed delivery date.

Delayed Packages

If your package has not arrived when expected, first check the tracking information for the most recent carrier update.Occasional delays can occur while a package is moving through the carrier network, and international packages may remain at the same tracking status for extended periods while moving between countries or awaiting customs processing.If a shipment appears to be significantly delayed beyond the expected delivery period, contact the Postmaster. I will review the available tracking information and work with you and the carrier to help determine what has happened.

Lost Packages

A package that has stopped receiving tracking updates is not automatically considered lost. Carriers may require a certain amount of time to pass before a missing-mail search, trace, claim, or other investigation can be started.If your shipment appears to have been lost, contact the Postmaster rather than attempting to resolve the problem entirely on your own.I will work with the carrier and with you to help locate the package and determine the appropriate next step.If the carrier ultimately confirms that a shipment has been lost, I will work with you to make the order right.

Damaged Packages & Models

Every effort is made to pack Tabletop Flights models so they arrive safely, but packages occasionally receive rough treatment during shipping.If your package arrives visibly damaged, or a model inside has suffered significant shipping damage, please contact the Postmaster.Whenever possible, keep the original packaging and the damaged model until the problem has been resolved. Photographs of the package and damaged item may also be helpful if a carrier claim is necessary.Small resin components such as propellers, struts, landing gear, or weapons can occasionally become detached without the model itself being seriously damaged. Before discarding the packaging, check carefully for any loose components.Minor repairs can normally be made with a small amount of CA (super glue). For instructions on simple repairs, visit Workshop & Maintenance and see the Chief Mechanic.If the damage is more than a reasonable simple repair, contact the Postmaster. I will work with you to make it right, including replacement when appropriate.

Incorrect or Missing Items

If your package arrives and something is missing, or you received a model different from the one you ordered, please contact me.Mistakes occasionally happen, and I will work with you to correct the order.If you believe the problem involves what was originally selected or submitted during checkout rather than what was packed and shipped, Orders & Payments and the Paymaster can help review the original order.

Address Problems & Returned Packages

Please check your shipping address carefully when placing your order.If you notice an incorrect address before the package has shipped, contact me as soon as possible. I will make every reasonable effort to correct it before dispatch.Once a package has been accepted by the carrier, changing the delivery address may not be possible and will depend on the carrier and service being used.If a package is returned to Tabletop Flights because of an incorrect or incomplete address, failed delivery, or another carrier issue, contact the Postmaster so we can determine the best way to get it back on its way.

Common Dispatch Questions

Which carrier will you use for my order?

Domestic orders are primarily shipped through UPS or USPS. International orders may use USPS, UPS, DHL, or another appropriate service. The carrier is selected based on the needs of the shipment.

Will I receive tracking information?

Tracking information is provided when available. The amount of tracking detail may vary by carrier, service, and destination.

My tracking hasn't updated. Is my package lost?

Not necessarily. Tracking updates can pause while packages move between carrier facilities, and this is particularly common with international shipments. If the delay becomes significant, contact the Postmaster.

My package arrived damaged. What should I do?

Keep the packaging and contact the Postmaster. Photographs of the package and damaged model may be helpful.

A small part came loose during shipping. Do I need a replacement model?

Usually not. Check the packaging for the part. Small resin components can normally be reattached with a small amount of CA (super glue). The Chief Mechanic has additional instructions under Workshop & Maintenance.My model is badly damaged. Contact the Postmaster. If the damage is more than a reasonable simple repair, I will work with you to make it right. 

My international package is being held by customs.

Customs processing is controlled by the destination country and can sometimes add significant time to delivery. Continue monitoring the tracking information and follow any instructions provided by your local customs or delivery service.

Need Another Department?

Need help finding a model, placing an order, using a discount code, or completing payment?

Visit Orders & Payments and see the Paymaster.Questions about printing, production, quality control, resin care, or simple repairs?

Visit Workshop & Maintenance and see the Chief Mechanic.Questions about available models, alternate scales, general policies, or Special Requests?

Visit Stores & Requisitions and see the Quartermaster.Questions about safe handling, small parts, storage, or other precautions?

Visit Safety & Handling and see the Safety Officer.