I tried ply and found that I had to either cut 2 different files with bottom base a different orientation to top of the base or manually remember to switch direction of grain on second sheet. 2 laminates with grain running in the same direction had poor strength and showed signs of warping. It then needed to be run through a sander to get rid of the soot created that wasn't picked up from extractor (I've an older model cutter). Also the price of laser-able ply was again, daft prices. The base cost was working out approx the same as the acrylic :/ Personally, I think the acrylic base is a much nicer finish and a better product. I would like some of the 1mm mdf for other scenery ideas and future bases if possible. Its so easy to work with, for the laser to cut and so much cheaper (I believe).

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Battlescene Designs - Building Better Worlds (in miniature)

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With all the other considerations on top of not really saving anything cost-wise, it definitely sounds like a good idea to dodge the ply. Thanks for the insight!

No problem at all

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Battlescene Designs - Building Better Worlds (in miniature)

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Thanks mate! Gorgeous army so far!

New release for today is the cybershadows guncrab this model was originally a funder freebie but is now on general release, i'll be getting more of these when I next order a re-stock.

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Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games

Noice!

Just for your information people.

Some of you may have noticed that the backorder feature is no longer available so I thought i'd explain why. Basically it's cost to the business, due to the time it takes to receive re-stock orders not just from the USA but the UK as well i'm ending up with rather a lot of backordered items with many orders that are coming in having at least one backordered item on them. In order to not delay shipment of these orders i've been sending them out and then sending the out of stock item at a later date. Obviously these follow on shipments are at my expense and i'm afraid with so many orders being handled this way shipping is costing me double, what with the extra packaging and postage costs not to mention the extra time too. So i've had to remove the backorder feature for the time being to save money and time. I hope this change will not effect anyone unduly and apologies if it does but I can't sustain doubling up on postage it dosen't make good business sense.

All backorders currently placed will be fufilled once my shipments turn up but after that only in stock items will be available to purchase. The DiD re-stock will put most items back in store with only a few models needing to be ordered again and the Onslaught shipment is a little delayed but should be here by early next month or sooner.

It's a nightmare waiting on re-stock shipments you really need to allow two months for it to appear. Stuff you didn't order because you had plenty at the time sell's out and it takes ages to get them back in store i'm always playing catch up.

Regards

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Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games

Is there a possibility of restoring the backorder feature at a future time with a clear and very obvious provision that stuff will simply be delayed until it's all in stock? I'd much rather wait for it all to come at once (as long as I know I could well be waiting a while) than chase up multiple orders of different minis as and when they pop up between restocks.

Agree with Doomkitten. I think many people would prefer to order everything they want and then just wait for it, rather than having to guess when it will next be in stock and how many will be avaiable. That is much more annoying than a simple delay in getting it to my mind.

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http://hordesofthings.blogspot.co.nz/

I just want to point out that "ship as they come available (extra cost)" as an option just like we see at say Amazon is pretty tried and true pattern. I'd be shocked if people would expect free shipping on backorder.

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This, too.

If people want things immediately and won't wait for the collective whole to be brought together, it's not unreasonable to expect to have to pay for *all* the shipping costs.

Yeah, what the guys suggest is basically what I was thinking when I suggested a back order type service - not a extra free postage.

The key feature I think would increase people's keenness to order is a order schedule. I have found in the past, I am reluctant to order (from others) when there is no indication of when a new order is coming. The problem with many war games shops is you order out of stock items with a potentially infinitely elastic delivery time.

If i know that you can order everything now with the knowledge that restock is guaranteed in 6/8/10/12 weeks I'd be happy to wait for the lot (Or pay extra to get the stuff in stock earlier with at least the reassurance the stuff i need to finish "that unit" will be available in a know time period.)

The only issue I can see is that it'll potentially increase the amount of stock you need to store at any one time.

Thanks for the feedback people, I can see that the backorders option is still desired so i'll consider re-instating it soon but with the two recommended options, either I hold the order until everything is in stock or you pay the additional postage for two shipments.

The best option here really for me and you the customers is for you to make a seperate order for out of stock items that way there is no waiting for in stock stuff to ship and backordered items have had the postage sorted as part of the order. This is my preferred solution for this keep them seperate but i'll try to do it how you guys want.

Only problem here is that even if I put these options on my front page in big neon letters there will still be people who don't get the message, not everyone reads the notes I put up for example I still get messages asking after the TMG bases not being in packs, and when shipments are expected in even though I post such news regularly in the news box.

One other thing postage rates, i've had several requests from customers asking after their tracking numbers for orders they have placed. As stated in the T&C's and postage info on site all orders will be sent out with royal mail's regular first class service this does not come with tracking that would cost you guys extra postage which i'd sort upon request. So if you want tracking you will have to ask, also as part of this royal mail will only insure a first class parcel up to a value of £20 insurance wise so if your parcel fails to turn up then £20 is all that can be claimed back from royal mail. If you want your order insured to it's actual value you will again have to arrange that with me.

Regards John

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Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games

Personally, i think you do a great job to help us get wat we need - but lot of people, lot of desires = lot of complications.. Do what is easier for you to run the business - just keep things "out of stock", with a possible re-stocking time (i mean available from march/april, two weeks,etc). But from basic units, you need more available, than from the special units -at the beginning it's normal that you run after things - i'm sure that after a year, you will know what are the bestsellers

@pati, thanks for your comments and yes your right everybodies different so I can't please them all.

Anyway i've been trying the gain a good balance between lots of core troops and lower numbers of specialists sets but the long wait in getting a re-supply means that unless I spent many thousands all at once to build a huge stock by the time a new batch arrives i've sold out of many core items thus I never build up the ratio as i'm just filling the empty basket.

The problem with having over 160+ products is having enough free cash to keep the stock numbers up.

Still i'm sure to achieve a balance eventually.

Once again thanks for the feedback people it all helps me with the running of the store.

Cheers

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Vanguard Miniatures

Link, http://vanguardminiatures.co.uk/

Stockist of:

Vanguard Miniatures
BattleGroup Helios
Onslaught Miniatures
Pyrkol Gaming Markers
Gregster's Lab
Microworld Games
Troublemaker Games