Frequently Asked Questions

1. Shopping & Custom Requests

What you need to know before placing an order, especially for custom request.

What You’re Buying

Trash Compactor (me), specialise in the design and manufacturing of distinctive resin figures and accessories that seamlessly integrate creativity with nostalgia. I like to think my offerings provide vintage collectors with innovative opportunities to enhance, customise, and elevate their esteemed displays.

• 3D-printed vintage-style figures and accessories (resin or FDM hard plastic). See item pages for details.
• Sold unpainted model kits or accessories that are uncarded—ready for you to assemble and finish.
• Durable but not indestructible. Not suitable for children.
• Original designs made to fit vintage/retro collections. Not recasts, scans, or kit-bashes.

Custom Requests & Special Rescaling (Exceptions) 

Please note that custom requests are strictly excluded from our standard refund policy. Due to the labor-intensive nature of custom digital design, file preparation, and print setup, all custom-requested items—including custom-scaled figures, modified parts, or non-standard kit variations—are final sale and non-refundable.

When requesting a custom modification or specific scaling, please keep the following in mind:

• Materials & Colour:  All custom parts are produced together in a single neutral base colour (typically beige or grey) using high-durability ABS-like resin. These kits are unpainted resin figures designed to be primed and painted by the customer. Unless multi-color printing was explicitly agreed upon beforehand and compensated for to cover the extra print time, materials, and labor, expect all items in your custom order to arrive in the same base colour.
• Final Specifications:  All dimensions, scale percentages, and joint mechanisms are agreed upon prior to printing. Custom jobs require dedicated digital resizing, individual file prep, and manual batch setup that cannot be repurposed or resold to other collectors.
• Shipping & Prep Costs:  Original shipping and digital preparation fees are non-refundable for custom orders under any circumstances.
   
• Please review all specifications, scale comparisons, and material details carefully before confirming a custom order. If you have any questions about custom sizing, joint functionality, or finishing, please ask before placing your order!

Discounts & Promotional Codes
Any promotional codes or special offers will be shared directly through our official channels or newsletter. My pricing is kept as fair as possible without inflating base costs.

Resin Batch Variations 

If you order items across different dates, please note that resin shades and base tones may vary slightly between production batches. Because all kits are designed to be primed and painted, these minor raw material tone differences will not affect your final finished build.

Order Cancellations
Cancellation can be done at request, however there are two different conditions. 

• Standard Catalog Items: Orders for standard in-stock or catalog items can be cancelled for a full refund within 14-days of purchase, provided the items have not already been packed or dispatched.
• Custom & Rescaled Orders: Custom requests or specially rescaled figure orders cannot be cancelled once digital file preparation, 3D model modifications, or printing setup has begun.

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2. Kit Prep, Assembly & Resin Care

Everything regarding physical handling, sanding, safety, and painting.

Fitting & Assembly
Resin model kits require light prep work before painting and final assembly. Due to small physical tolerances in 3D resin printing:

• Joints & Pins: Joint pins or peg holes may require a quick touch with fine sandpaper or a light trim with a hobby knife for a smooth fit. Never force rigid resin joints together cold, as this can snap the pins. I have videos on my youtube channel showing how to put a resin figure together.
• Warming Resin Parts: I'm not a fan of this method, as I feel it can lead to unexpected complications further down the customising process. However, some people on the internet find that if a joint socket or pin feels too tight, gently warming the resin part using a hairdryer on a low heat setting for a few seconds helps. This allegedly temporarily softens the resin slightly, allowing pins to pop into place smoothly without cracking. (Never microwave resin parts under any circumstances.) I think warming damages the parts and only recommend it if you print the parts yourself. Since these aren't, I wouldn't recommend it, as many people make mistakes and ruin the parts.
• Adhesives: Always use superglue (CA glue) for assembly. Standard plastic cement intended for injection-moulded plastic models will not bond resin.

Surface Support Marks & Minor Print Artifacts

Resin figures are printed with support structures that are carefully removed during post-processing. Small support nibs, micro-pockmarks, or faint layer lines are a standard characteristic of 3D printing and are not defects. 

• Print artifacts are easily smoothed down with fine-grit sandpaper (400–800 grit) or filled with a dab of hobby putty before priming.
• I always do my best to print items with the least noticeable support marks, but in some cases, you will need to sand certain areas, such as the tops of heads or shoulders.

Resin Dust & Workshop Safety

When sanding, filing, or modifying resin parts, always wear a suitable dust mask (such as an N95/FFP2) and work in a well-ventilated area or wet-sand to prevent breathing in fine resin dust. Wash your hands thoroughly after assembly and sanding.

Painting & Finishing

Trash Compactor doesn't sell painted finished kits anymore, this is due to not having the capacity. (If you do require painted figures please check out some suggested painters Click here!.)

• Some parts are printed in coloured resin, but painting is recommended to protect and preserve the surface.
• For best results: use acrylic paints and seal with satin or matt UV-resistant varnish. Unsealed resin may dry out over time, leading to splitting or discolouration. Once painted or sealed, figures will last for years.
• FDM (hard printed plastic) parts don't strictly require painting. It's up to you.

Resin Care & Storage 

Unpainted cured resin parts should be stored in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. High heat (such as leaving parts in a hot car) or prolonged UV exposure before priming can cause thin resin parts to warp or become brittle over time. Always paint and UV seal your figures to protect the resin long-term.

Colour Notes & Batch Variations

Slight colour variations may occur due to different resin types with different properties. I select colours carefully to make painting easier.

• Some say my designs are “too detailed” for vintage figures. I disagree. Paint layers naturally soften details, preventing a blob-like look and preserving definition.
• Items received may vary in colour from the image shown. The item shown is usually the test print, so once it's been printed and photographed, I sometimes use a different resin based on the part's properties. Therefore, there may be a colour difference from what is shown.

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3. Shipping, Tariffs & International Rules

Shipping restrictions, US tariffs, EU regulations, and import duties.

EU Customs Duty Update (EU Customers Only)
Important EU Customs & Delivery Notice (August 2026) 

Recently, the EU introduced strict new regulatory packaging requirements—specifically Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging reporting and registration rules across European Union member states.

• Due to these upcoming changes, I may soon have to make the very difficult decision to stop shipping to the EU and Northern Ireland.
• As a small independent maker, complying with the heavy administrative burden, mandatory local representation, and high registration fees required for every individual EU country is becoming unsustainable or unaffordable. I want to keep my focus entirely on designing, creating, and shipping items rather than navigating shifting international red tape and expenses that are almost impossible for a sole trader to absorb.
• I sincerely apologise to my customers in the EU and Northern Ireland for any disappointment this uncertainty causes. If you have placed an order that has not shipped yet, I am fulfilling orders as normal for now. However, if these rules become strictly mandatory on postal labels before your package leaves, I may be forced to cancel and refund your order.
• Until then, I deeply appreciate your patience and your continued support for my work! While this situation is currently largely out of my hands, I hope regulatory pathways for small makers improve in the future so I can continue shipping to you seamlessly. Thank you so much for understanding.

Phone Number Requirement (All US Customers)
All  US orders require a phone number for shipping labels. Our website checkout requires a phone number, but please double-check that yours is accurate. If you don’t send your number when requested, your order will be delayed. If no number is provided after repeated requests, I will sadly have to cancel the order.

Tariffs (US Customers)
As of August 2025, tariffs apply to all imports into the US (no de minimis). Trash Compactor pays these tariffs upfront when shipping your order. You will not be charged extra on delivery. If a postal service tries to bill you, it’s a duplicate charge—tariffs are already covered by us. ​Maximum order value is $250 per parcel.

International Import Duties & VAT (Rest of World)

Unless stated otherwise (such as prepaid US tariffs), international orders outside the UK may be subject to local import taxes, VAT, or customs clearance fees levied by your country's government upon arrival.

• These charges are the sole responsibility of the buyer. I try to ensure these are covered with appropriate taxes at checkout so you are covered; however, if they aren't, it will show on the shipping label customs code, and local authorities may try to collect any unpaid taxes or duties from you upon delivery.

Shipping Insurance, Postage & Order Limits

The automatic shipping insurance rate with an order is up to £50. I do offer additional shipping insurance rates at checkout to cover you up to the full value of your items—up to a maximum of £250 with Royal Mail, (or the equivalent in your local currency to match Etsy's $250 insurance policy). 

However, unless you select this extra coverage at checkout, your parcel is only insured up to the basic maximum of £50. 

If your order goes missing or is severely damaged, it can only be replaced up to the insured value. I am unable to cover replacements if you haven't selected the correct insurance rate.

• Maximum Box Insurance: The maximum insurance value per single shipped box is $250 after discounts (or the equivalent in your currency, you can work it out on google currecy convertion) Orders valued over $250 may be split into multiple parcels and will incur additional postage costs, so please expect an email to cover them.
• Additional Postage Requests: If your order requires being split or exceeds standard weight limits, I may request extra postage before dispatch. (Please note: This refers strictly to physical shipping courier costs, not customs duties).

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4. Order Status, Delivery, Combined Orders & Addresses

Account settings, packages, and status updates.

Production Dispatch & Delivery Times

Orders are processed in the order they arrive.

• Some items are in stock; others are made-to-order. Dispatch times are shown on each listing.
• Large items are only printed to order due to storage limits.
• If your order contains items with different dispatch times, the longest processing time applies.
• Once shipped, you’ll get an email with tracking. If it’s missing, the item may still be awaiting Royal Mail collection.
• Please create an account when checking out. Guest checkouts can limit my ability to easily combine multiple separate orders or automatically link your tracking history.
• Delivery = production time + shipping time.
• Example: 2 weeks production + 1 week shipping = 3 weeks total.
• If your order is larger than a standard order it may take me longer.
• Once parcels leave the UK, tracking and delivery are handled by your local postal service. I cannot intervene once it’s out of Royal Mail’s hands.
• Please don’t chase tracking before the indicated shipping week.

Order Status & Tracking

• “Completed” = order packed or awaiting Royal Mail pickup.
• Tracking is added once Royal Mail collects your parcel.
• You will receive an automated dispatch email when the label is printed—please ignore it until the tracking number goes live.

Adding Items to an Existing Order

I am unable to add items to an order that has already been placed. I can refund or swap an item if you have changed your mind. 

• The only way to add items is to place a new order and message me.
•  I can then combine it with your existing order and refund the extra postage.

Combining Orders & Postage Refunds

If you place several orders (say, £50 value each) let me know—I’ll do my best to merge them and refund any excess postage as those orders will be connected to one order number and value. 

• Make sure you order using the same customer account. Guest accounts don't link up in the system automatically, and I might not see that you have multiple orders. 
• Please avoid placing lots of single-item orders, as this creates unnecessary admin work and slows down production for everyone.
• I will issue postage refunds when I can if I notice multiple orders from the same customer, but I don't always spot them automatically—so please reach out and let me know!

Incorrect Shipping Address / Address Changes After Purchasing

Please double-check your shipping address before completing checkout. If you notice an error, contact me immediately. Once a shipping label has been printed or a parcel has been dispatched, I cannot alter the delivery address or reroute the package.

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5. Delivery Issues, Lost & Damaged Parcels

Shipping problems, damage claims, and postal delays.

Damaged or Lost Parcels
If your local delivery service is involved:

• Report it as lost or damaged directly with your provider.
• Provide the parcel value if asked.
• I can assist with Royal Mail claims from the UK end, but I cannot contact non-UK postal services on your behalf. 

Items Damaged in Transit
While every figure and kit is packed securely to withstand international transit, fragile resin parts can occasionally suffer damage in the post. If your order arrives broken:

• Contact us via the website contact form within 48 hours of delivery.
• Include clear photos showing the damaged item AND the outer parcel packaging with the shipping label visible.
• Once verified, we will arrange a replacement part or kit for you. Requests made long after delivery cannot be accepted.

Missing Parts or Accessories 

Every kit is checked and packed by hand, but small accessories or pins can occasionally be overlooked or hidden within the packaging filler. 

• Please thoroughly check all bubble wrap and box packing before discarding it. 
• Also check where you were when you opened it, as many times something has usually been dropped and is under a chair of table! lol.
• If a part is genuinely missing from your order, apologies. Please contact me within 48 hours of delivery with a photo of your unpacked kit so I can send out the missing piece.
• Or if you have another order pending, I'm always happy to add replacements or extras to that order.

Missing or Delayed International Parcels
When you place an order, your shipping pays for Royal Mail Tracked & Signed service. Once the parcel leaves the UK, Royal Mail hands the physical delivery over to your country's national postal service (such as USPS in the USA or your local national post in the EU).

• Tracking Hand-Off: Once the parcel is outside the UK, your local postal service becomes the primary handler.
• Local Delivery Issues: If a parcel is marked as "attempted delivery," "held at depot," or is delayed after leaving the UK, you must contact your local postal delivery office directly.
• Why I cannot call them for you: Overseas postal services do not grant UK sellers access to their local delivery networks or customer service systems. They will only speak to the resident at the destination address.
• Lost Parcels: If the tracking completely stops updating and the package is deemed legally lost, please let me know. The parcel has to be clearly missing for 30 days from postage before I can file an official loss claim with Royal Mail from my end to recover the insured value and get you sorted, but I cannot manage day-to-day tracking inquiries with external carriers in your country.

I know it is incredibly frustrating when a parcel goes missing. While it’s thankfully a very rare occurrence, it does happen from time to time, and it’s just as frustrating for me as it is for you. Please bear that in mind when getting in touch—I am completely on your side, and I will always do everything I can to help get it sorted out for you.

Unclaimed or Returned Orders
If an item is returned due to an uncollected delivery, wrong address, or mismatched delivery name, you can choose:

• A refund minus the original postage cost, or
• To have it resent by paying the postage fee again.

Always double-check your account shipping address and ensure your phone number is added or correct before hitting order!

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6. Studio Policies & Copyright

Returns for standard items, general terms, and file rights.

General Standard Returns Policy 

• If you are unhappy with a standard catalog item, refunds or returns are available in line with our shop terms, provided the items are returned in their original, unused, and unpainted condition within 14 days of delivery. Original shipping costs are non-refundable, and return shipping is the responsibility of the buyer.

Original Designs, Commissions & Copyright

• 99% of items are my original creations. 
• If another designer’s work is used, it’s always credited and printed with their permission, as listed in the item description.
• In some cases, I have worked with other creators where my design time is compensated by selling printed versions of the files I helped them with. They continue to sell the digital files themselves. I don’t sell my own digital files or theirs, apart from the creations of my own that are already listed.
• I will print commission jobs, please contact me, but only if you have purchased the digital files yourself. These files will not be reused for future prints, as it’s important that the file usage costs go to the original creator.

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7. Customer Support & Community

Contact, social media channels, and painter recommendations.

Contact & Customer Service
Please contact me directly via the website contact form or Etsy before leaving any public negative feedback—I’ll always try to resolve issues. I hate for anyone to be unhappy.
Issues regarding delayed or lost mail are out of my control, but I am always happy to help solve them if approached respectfully.

Social Media & Community
Please share your builds and progress on social media—it really helps the community and the store grow.

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trashcompactor3263827
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trash_compactor_customs
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/trashcompactor
• Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/trashcompactorcustoms/
• Linktree (all links): https://linktr.ee/trashcompactor

When sharing, please tag the Trash Compactor Facebook page or our website—not my personal account. Reviews with photos are especially appreciated as they showcase your work and inspire others.

Suggested Painters
Looking to commission painting? Recommended artists: Click here!

If this FAQ doesn’t address your question, feel free to reach out via our contact page, and I’ll respond as soon as possible!
Click here for more info.

Thanks for your time, and May the Force be with you!