Return Policy.

If you feel that your items do not meet expectations due to quality, then you can return your items. Buyer pays return shipping. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE NON-FITTING HEADS. Please contact me and we can work it out so that your satisfied.

Lost shipments.

In 15 years, I have only lost 3 orders or so, it is rare. In the case of a lost package by the Post Office, please be aware, that this is their responsibility. Once I drop the items off, it’s out of my hands. I offer first class shipping and priority shipping. If you are worried about lost parcel, please choose priority, it’s faster and has more insurance. I document with photo’s and keep all paperwork for years, so if you have a claim, I can share that info with you. Please contact me so we can get to the bottom of the problem. I will personally go to the PO and talk with the staff, who I know and trust.

Lab item cancellations and mold failure.

Sometimes items may have to be cancelled after an item is ordered. This is due to a lost mold, or a mold that fails by ripping or defection detected. If this happens, and a mold cannot be quickly redone, then I will have to discontinue said item. I can refund you, or add an item in it’s place for equal or lesser value.

Shipping method and mailers.

Shipping is mostly first class. Some orders require a box due to quantity. I would advise you to choose Priority shipping for all orders over $100. I mostly use padded mailers to ship, items inside are individually wrapped, bagged, and wrapped again. However, if you want to upgrade to a small box, I can accommodate that at an additional expense. I would still suggest upgrading to Priority shipping at that point.

Do I get a shipping notice?

Yes, absolutely. Please make sure you are receiving email from the Lab and PayPal once your order is completed. When your order is ready to be shipped soon, a label will be created with PayPal to make mailing easier. Once that label is created, you should receive an email notifying you that your order will ship soon. PLEASE NOTE, it might take a day or two once the label is printed and it actually being shipped. PayPal allows me to print shipping labels 5 days in advance, so a shipping notice email will reflect that. Please note the SHIPPING date, NOT the date when you get the actual email.

My tracking progress doesn't align with my address.

Have you updated your Paypal address or moved recently. Please make sure this info is correct BEFORE YOU ORDER. Email me if you have any specific mailing instructions. Once I drop the mailer off at the PO, it is out of my hands. I will have the tracking receipt and photo on file, if you need the info, it will be available.

Can you ship to my country?

Most likely I can. The only reason it's not listed is because your the first one asking from there. Contact me and I can find out for you. I will need your location and an idea of what you want so I can get an approximate weight for the estimate.

Shipping cost and combined shipping.

Domestic shipping is $5.75 and International varies. If you ordered and forgot something, contact me at coby@avacslab.com and you can order through me directly. Or, you can order again and I'll subtract your second shipping charge. It might take a day or two, but I will refund your extra shipping fee.

Why is shipping $5.75, can't you just put them in an envelope?

Nope, envelopes go through rollers etc, they could be flattened and smashed. All items are wrapped individually, sacked, and sacked again. They are then wrapped in bubble wrap and shipped in a bubble mailer. All packages are photographed/documented and tracking is sent by me manually or sent by Paypal automatically when label is printed. It’s easier for me to print shipping labels directly off Paypal. I can just drop them off that way, rather than wait in line. With this in mind please watch for the shipping notice, it will be hard for me to write each customer a message detailing the shipping info. Make sure you can get notices from me.

How long does it take to ship once I order?

For the reopening, it will take longer than usual, once things calm down, it should take 12 -14 days to ship once I receive your order. During the madness of the reopening, it could take up to a month or more. All will be contacted and kept in the loop on the progress on your order as much as possible. Feel free to contact me on the status at any time, please be nice, one man operation going here.

Are the casts already made and stocked?

Yes, and no. I do have a lot of stock on hand, but probably not the newer items. Mostly though, it’s made to order and has to be cast once you order. Also, just because they are cast, doesn't mean I can just take them out of the pot and throw them in the mailer and ship. I cast my parts and store them until they are ordered. Once ordered, they are then "processed" or cleaned and dremeled for the buyer. This can take a while depending on your place in line. Each piece is hands on and detailed. Keep in mind, I might find a flaw in one of your casts up to the last minute before I ship. If it's the last one, then I will have to make another. You will be notified if this is the case.

Can you get items cast in a specific color, other than the one depicted?

I can, please contact me at coby@avacslab.com, and we can work it out. PLEASE NOTE, I DO NOT MATCH COLORS. Mixing casting die is not the same as mixing figure paint, it is a time consuming process if even possible.

Color limitations.

I do not use metallic additives at this time. I spent many years in a cast bronze and iron foundry. I developed an allergy to this overtime. I’ve been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to metal dust or anything like it. Most things “metal” will be cast in grey.

What paints are best for your casts?

I prefer Vallejo Model acrylic paints, found in most hobby stores or online providers. I prep the surface with steel wool, clean, and prime with a light grey. I then paint the cast.

If I send you something, can you make a mold for me?

No, not at this time. Silicone has doubled in price and my mold area has been changed back to casting space at this time. I am too backlogged to take on any more mold commissions. If you want, you are welcome to ask me what the wait time is and feel free to send me pics of what you want done eventually. It also depends on what you want to cast and it’s origins.

I need more than you have stocked, can you make more?

If you want to order a large quantity of one item, I can do that, but having only one or two molds of each piece, it can take extra time. Just contact me and we can work something out.

My head doesn't fit on the neck I bought it for.

There are countless necks and countless heads, the odds are good that the two might not match up when you receive the item. Please contact me and I can help you with how to fix a too big or small hole problem. I will eventually have a good step by step guide for head fitting on this new site for customizers.

What about feedback?

Feedback is nice, and it's good Karma. Please leave some positive vibes, and if your experience has been negative, please contact me on how I can fix it before you express it forever on the interwebz. I can refund you or make it right another way. I am a small business and feedback or word of mouth is vital for my business to thrive. Thanks!

Can you paint the piece for me?

I wish I could, but I don't have time these days. I might be able to point you to another artist who can though.

Flaws, flashing, pigment streaks, and “crackle beads”.

I try to make my casts perfect, but I am human. Sometimes I have to make repairs if I see any imperfections. If there's anything you're dissatisfied with, please contact me. Keep in mind, a lot of these parts are cast with the intention of painting them, so please expect the color you had in mind, might not match what you get. Color is relative. Also, sometimes there are what I call “crackle beads”. These are hard small balls or round beads that show up on the cast due to an air bubble within the mold. You sometimes find them in tight spots and crevices like eyes. These are only superficial and can be removed with a small sharp poker. They usually flick right off and leave no scaring behind. I usually try to remove them before shipping, but If I miss one, use the poker method to flick it off. Also, I mix the paint at the time of casting, due to cast pigment being hard to store mixed. Therefore, sometimes pigment streaks might be present. If it’s minor, I try to ignore it, but if it’s too much, I will recast it.

Can you shrink or enlarge an item for me.

Not at this time. Maybe once I reopen and have the funds to purchase the resins to do so.

Newer items have sold out, can I still get them?

Yes, but it can take some added time. I do not have it set on unlimited supply. New stuff can be limited and I cannot take bulk orders on them just yet.

What social media sites are you on?

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Do you take commissions?

Yes, most of the time, but not around reopening time, too busy.