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Summary
Contact
Getting A Quote
What You Are Buying
Communication
1 - Conversions Budget
2 - Movement Trays
3 - Basing
4 - Purchasing the Models
5 - Assembly
Getting To Work
Project Done!
Payment
Liability
Shipping
About Us
Basing Guide
Packing Rubric
Movement Tray Specifications
Bitz
Turnaround
Matching Existing Work
Sending in Your Army
About Insurance- Personal Opinion
Clockwork- The Whole Process
Disclaimers and Warnings
Secret Recipes
Expedited
Upgrade Service: HD Vid of Final product
Summary ^Welcome to Blue Table Painting. This document is to help guide a new client through the process of commissioning a project. Numbered sections are the decisions you’ll need to make.
Because of the specialized, custom nature of what we do, we have very strict policies.
We ask for half down before starting a project. This is a binder and commits you to the completion of the project. You are making a commitment to see the project through and not cancel it for any reason.
There are no cash refunds except at the discretion of BTP. We are willing to re-work a project or possibly give a store credit. But money in is a one-way trip. Rule of Acquisition #1.
All sales are final to out-of-country clients. Take a good look at the pics (we are happy to take more or make alterations). Once a project reaches customs there are no returns! We can't be responsible after that. That doesn't mean we won't work with you, it just means we're not technically required to.
This is our Terms of Service. Contact ^Shawn Gately (client relations)
Mailing address
Blue Table Painting
55 East 100 North
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Phone Number
(801) 372-8545
email (and Paypal)
bluetablepainting@gmail.com Getting A Quote ^Send us a list of what you would like painted. Be sure to tell us if you are providing the models to be painted and if these will be assembled. Let us know how they are primed. See the "Downloads" section of the website for pricing spreadsheets or email Shawn at bluetablepainting@gmail.com.
We will send a Project Breakdown via email outlining all costs. You can alter, amend, or eliminate items as you see fit. In the end, you’ll give us the OK and we'll get started.
We also take Trade-ins. Policy here:
http://bluetablepainting.blogspot.com/2011/07/trade-in-program.html What You Are Buying ^We have over TWENTY THOUSAND photos on our website www.bluetablepainting.com Before you set up a commission, be sure you like what you see there. That’s Blue Table's style.
All our work is put on the website. We do not put up the best work and deliver something different. If you like what you see in our Galleries, you will like what you receive. That is what you are buying. We are proud to display our work.
Blue Table's technique involves traditional methods as well as a method called "glazing". Glazes are made from durable, model-friendly materials that are applied in multiple layers give a smooth, shaded effect. This is NOT the same as "dipping" (which uses floor wax over the whole model). Glazes rely on high quality paint and inks to apply color. Your models will be less likely to wear or chip.
These are NOT toys for children. Please keep away from minors. Communication ^Prompt communication is very important. You are welcome to initiate contact-- please do not feel like you are being a bother-- you are the client we are always glad to hear from you. We're like the front desk of a five star hotel-- our sole purpose is to please you.
We have a studio blog updated daily that you can look in on us. www.bluetablepainting.blogspot.com
Email
bluetablepainting@gmail.com (this will be recieved by the owner Shawn Gately)
Phone
801 372 8545 (this is our business phone, hours are 10am to 6pm Monday through Saturday)
Google Chat ID
bluetablepainting 1 - Conversions Budget ^We recommend setting a budget for conversion work. This will allow us to get creative without asking for approval each time. Typically, clients will set a $50-$150 budget for conversions for a whole army. The price you set is a maximum, we might not use all that. This covers the cost of the parts used and conversion work itself. We do not always charge for minor parts, like plastic shields, only unusual and/or metal parts.
After a project is set up we won't call for permission to do something if a conversions budget was not given. You have to pay out the leash and we'll work within those limits. 2 - Movement Trays ^Some armies need movement trays. These are magnetized. Metal plates are put on the bottoms of your models so they will stick. Cost is $5 each per tray and $0.70 per model to affix the plate. Please specify the dimensions width x depth (eg 5x4 is five models wide and four models deep). Available sizes are found at the end of this document. There is a $5 surcharge for tray sizes not on the list. The edging is 1/4" sloped. 3 - Basing ^Please see the Basing Guide in the New Stuff section of the website Gallery for the different styles of basing available. This is also listed below for your convenience (but the Gallery has pics).
Flying models will need to be doweled at $3 each. This is a sturdy wooden or metal rod drilled into the model and a reinforced base. This replaces the clear plastic rod. 4 - Purchasing the Models ^a) Buy your own models
b) Have us buy the models
If you buy your own models you will be responsible for the costs of shipping them to us. We accept models shipped directly from a retailer.
If you would like us to buy the models for you, there is no extra charge for this. Models that are commonly available (ie not from overseas or exclusive sources) are 20% off. We charge sales tax where applicable. So it is possible to just send us an email of what you want and the finished product will miraculously appear at your doorstep without you lifting a finger.
For Forge World there is typically no shipping charge. We charge a bit more for these orders (currently 10%)-- this is our margin to cover the administrative end (backordered/missing items/banking fees). If you want to save money, you can order it directly from the source and have it sent to our studio.
For bitz we recommend www.thewarstore.com
If you are sending your models, you will get an email of confirmation of receipt within two business days. We do a rough inventory of the models. It is advised (but not necessary) to send an invoice detailing the contents of your package. 5 - Assembly ^a) Assemble the models yourself
b) Have us assemble the models
If you assemble the models yourself, be sure you are satisfied with how they look. We'll be glad to do a few minor touch-ups, but if the whole army is poorly cleaned up We'll paint over it or apply a minor charge to clean up each model ($0.25 to $0.75 generally). This also applies to models that arrive broken.
If you would like us to assemble your models, there is a small charge for this. See Price Guide section for details. Flashing and mould lines are removed, gaps are filled, and joints are pinned where needed. Getting To Work ^Before we put brush to model, we require half the total cost as a down payment.
This will show up on the bottom of the Project Breakdown spreadsheet.
If you are sending us models, we'll need them at least a week or two before the scheduled start of the project. This will allow us to get the prep work done. It also takes a week or so to acquire new models. Project Done! ^When a project is done, we will take pictures. An army generally will get 20-50 pics taken. Before your models are sent you will get an email with pictures of your models. You will reply to the email with a request for alteration or an approval. We are willing to make alterations or touch up minor errors.
In your final Paypal payment, please send instructions regarding shipping. Anything not in the Notes of the final Paypal payment might be overlooked.
You do not pay for your models if you don’t like them. However, we only refund in the form of a store credit.
If we do refund your money (at our discretion) 2e do not cover the Paypal fee if that is how you want it sent. We also do not reimburse shipping and Paypal charges.
If you sent us models we’ll refund 50% of the retail cost or replace the models (new or good condition second hand) at our option; less the cost of shipping them back.
If models are not paid for within thirty days of completion, 50% of the deposit (assembly and painting) is not refunded. That means if you paid $100 for your deposit, only $50 would come back. Models are returned, replaced or reimbursed as above. We are dead serious about getting paid within 30 days maximum.
For a large project ($200+) there might be a delay of refund while we find a buyer. This delay could be as long as thirty days or possibly longer depending on the size of the project. Payment ^We accept payments through Paypal, Credit Card over the phone (American Express, Discover, Visa or Mastercard) or Money Order. You can pay with a credit card through Paypal at www.paypal.com Setting this up is as easy as any credit card checkout on a typical website.
Paypal should be sent to bluetablepainting@gmail.com
I love Money Orders! For large orders paid on time with MO, I will give a 1% credit. Email me ahead of time to verify totals.
We DO accept personal checks, thank you! We love them.
Send in hard envelope. It's a good idea to get some kind of delivery confirmation, but not necessarily. There have been ZERO lost checks in five years.
If you send a MO/check in a package be sure it is in a large and/or brightly marked envelope on the top. You will get an email confirmation of receipt of a MO/check. If you get a confirmation of receipt of models, but not of payment, please contact us right away.
Make Money Orders or Checks out to Shawn Gately.
The whole cost must be settled before models are shipped. This includes shipping costs (see below under “Shipping”).
If anyone cares to pay me in REAL currency, instead of the counterfeit, paper, fools', fiat american dollar; please let me know ahead of time, I'll make you an attractive arrangement. Hard metals, silver or gold will do.
Abandoned Models: If you do not pay for your models within three months of completion, and have not made arrangements for payment, you will forfeit 75% of your interest in the models (ie what you have paid). The remainder will be reimbursed (less Paypal fees/shipping) if you claim it. I hope this doesn't sound too draconian, but it's really not fair to make a man wait three months for his paycheck! Liability ^Blue Table has business insurance that covers the value of your models while they are in our care. Once we hand the models over to DHL or USPS it’s out of our jurisdiction. We will be glad to insure projects if this is requested in the Notes section of the final Paypal payment. The rate is $1.00 per $100 of insurance. USPS will only cover the wholesale value of the figures plus minimum wage for time spent on value-added service (painting and assembly).
Blue Table Painting is not liable for what happens with the models after you get them. You assume all risk of owning and handling the models. You agree to hold Blue Table Painting Harmless. By using our service you are agreeing to this.
We offer no guarantee, express or implied. Any remedy is at our discretion.
Having said that, you can be sure that any problems will be followed up on. We really just want to avoid any un-reasonable-ness. Shipping ^Clients inside the continental US and Canada pay a flat shipping charge of $9.00.
Insurance is optional and is $1 per $100 of insurance. Request for insurance must be in the Notes of the final Paypal payment.
Clients outside the continental US pay a $25 shipping charge. For some countries it is more (eg Australia).
Clients outside the continental US pay actual insurance costs. Please contact Blue Table for details. The client will need to handle all claims. Request for insurance must be in the Notes of the final Paypal payment.
If you send your models in an army transport, we may send them back in the army transport. This is not always the best way, but it is prohibitively expensive to send the models packed separately with the case on the side. So, we might charge extra for that. We prefer that you not send cases.
Client outside the US are strongly advised to find out the rates for import taxes before ordering. BTP is not responsible for these costs. About Us ^Please meet the staff and take a look around the studio in the Studio Information section of this website. We have an extensive library of videos at www.youtube.com/bluetablepainting Basing Guide ^See the Gallery section for pictures. Alternate edging color is available for any style on request.
A Decorative Base means we put some kind of decoration on it like a rock, branch or skull. Any kind of base can get this upgrade at $0.75 per base.
A Specialty Base is chosen from a list and typically has corking or slating. Something substantive is done with the entire look of the base. This upgrade is $1.50 per base.
We take special requests.
Packing Rubric ^The objective of packing is that the models arrive in a timely fashion to the correct client with no breakage.
Shipping Type (default is USPS Priority)
Special shipping instructions (default is as under “Protection” below)
Address labels should be completely covered with a protective layer of tape.
Protection
Models should not touch each other at any time during transit.
Large, fragile, or unusual models are mummified in tissue.
Regular infantry models can be rolled in bubble wrap like a burrito with at least three inches of space between rows, more if needed. All gaps in the burrito must be sealed with tape so that models cannot fall out.
Unusual models should be individually bubble wrapped and taped shut.
Large and breakable models will be lightly wrapped in bubble wrap, taped, surrounded by peanuts and packaged in a small box. This smaller box goes in the larger main box. As needed they are reinforced with foam.
Sealing the Box
All open edges of the box should be completely covered with packing tape. The packer should make a cursory inspection when finished and run the hand firmly over all edges of the box The box should be marked fragile.
Double-checking
Before packages are shipped, they must be physically compared with the work order. Do the contents labeled match the contents listed on the work order?
Feedback
The packer will have feedback from the client passed on.
We cannot accept liability for goods damaged in transit. You are purchasing services from two different entities: Blue Table Painting for your materials and service; DHL or USPS to get your package to you in reasonable condition. If your package is abused en route that's an issue to take up with the USPS.
However, if you send a model back we will repair, touchup and re-ship it at no charge. This service is discretionary, we will do it most of the time but it's not guaranteed. It doesn't matter how the model is broken. If you drop your model, we'll take care of it. Movement Tray Specifications ^Width x Depth
20mm
5x1
5x2
6x2
8x2
25mm
5x2
5x1
6x2
7x2
Cavalry
5x1
6x1
3x1
3x2
40mm
3x1
4x1
50mm
3x1 Bitz ^Extra parts from kits that we buy on behalf of a client are not returned except on request. This allows us to keep the cost of conversions down-- clients that leave their bitz with us benefit other clients and vice versa.
Turnaround ^You can expect your project to get done in two to five weeks. That's very good turnaround for this industry. Delays are typically caused by availability of raw materials. If you have a deadline or need your models in time for a tournament, we will be glad to accommodate you if you bring it up before the project is started. However, we do not guarantee delivery by a certain date, only that we will make a good effort.
It is ever so rare for a project to go past six weeks. Clients are not allowed to complain until after eight weeks. If this outside limit is passed I will typically (but not always) give some kind of consideration for the delay. Usually a partial refund.
There are no cancellations. Once the deposit is paid you are committing to seeing the project through to completion, even if the time goes past the eight weeks. Matching Existing Work ^We are often asked if we can match or duplicate work done by other painters. We can match color schemes. In most cases we can do an admirable job of matching work. However, we do not guarantee that it will turn out exactly the same. Blue Table has a unique style. If you are worried about matching as closely as possible, you should send a sample model-- even if it's one that we painted! Sending in Your Army ^If you are sending models to Blue Table Painting, please address them to:
Blue Table Painting
55 East 100 North
Spanish Fork, UT
84660
Pack your models well. However, if any are broke we will gladly repair them for a nominal charge. We repair up to five breaks at no charge and without giving you any complaint-- we ask for the same consideration on your end.
Please put small parts into larger envelopes/containers/baggies so that they are not lost.
When the models arrive, they are put on a receiving table. We open and inventory the contents then send an email to confirm. Sometimes this happens the day after the models arrive. Your models are put into sealed bins with compartmentalized foam trays.
Please send an invoice detailing what is supposed to be in your package. You don't have to do this, but it helps. About Insurance- Personal Opinion ^Here is what I know about insurance-- the best information I have and my personal opinions and experiences.
USPS will only cover the wholesale value for models. It is almost impossible to get reimbursed for the value added for the painting and assembly of models. They will only reimburse the time spent on them at minimum wage ($7.25 or so in Utah). So, you can't get full and proper value from insurance on painted models.
Delivery Confirmation is the best bet. I don't insure packages unless the client requests it.
Insurance for overseas packages is almost impossible to claim. Even when it comes through there is a huge delay while the bureaucracies of two nations try to connect.
As I found through hard experience, when a claim is paid, the painted models are taken by the Post Office and destroyed. It's almost more than I can bear!
Tracking is the best way to be sure your package makes it. This is not available to overseas clients unless you send via UPS, which is outrageously expensive.
Having said all that, the percentage of packages where there is a problem, either the US or overseas, is well under 1% for Blue Table so far. We've had a great experience with USPS. We've sent out something like 1400 packages so far with only a handful of incidents, only four I can think of. And each one of those issues got solved (though we did take a huge loss in one case). In every case the issue was solved for the client. Clockwork- The Whole Process ^The Clockwork
Handling 5-6 armies a week involves a huge amount of detail. The process is something like this:
1. Project Setup. When you send Instructions and a Deposit, the project is scheduled.
2. Receiving table (1 day) models are accounted for and transferred to foam-lined bins. An email is sent to you confirming receipt of your models.
3. Ordering shelf (3-7 days or more) projects that need additional models go here until all the materials are accumulated. This is most often where a project is delayed due to backordered materials. We place an order about once a week.
4. Assembly Prep (0-1 days) the project Instructions are reviewed by the OM (Office Manager) and put in the bin along with the Project Breakdown.
5. Assembly (3-7 days) projects that need assembly are assigned to an assembler who completes them in the order received. He notes repairs and cleanup that need to be made on the Project Breakdown. The OM inspects the models for mould lines, proper texturing and general quality of assembly.
6. Painting Prep (0-1 days) the Project Breakdown is reviewed and a Work Order is created for the painter. Now, there are three documents in the bin: Instructions, Work Order (contract between Blue Table and Painter), and Project Breakdown (contract between Blue Table and Client).
7. Painting (7 days or more) a single painter (or a small crew of painters in the case of larger projects) is given your project. The best painter for the particular job is decided on. The painter(s) signs off on the Beginning Checklist
a. Models accounted for
b. Models textured correctly (bases)
c. Models cleaned correctly (mould lines and flashing)
d. Deadline is realistic
e. Instructions are clear
8. Project Completion. The painter signs off on the Ending Checklist:
a. Models double matte coated
b. Models inspected by painter
c. Models inspected by Art Director
d. Models inventoried by OM
9. Digital Photography (0-2 Days) Between 10 and 50 pics are taken of your project and posted on Blue Table’s website. You are sent a link to the pics as well as a copy of your Project Breakdown that shows what is owed on your project.
10. Approval (0-2 days, it’s up to you) completed projects are put here until your approval. If you want alterations or there are errors on your project, it goes back to painting. Then payment comes through, mostly by Paypal. This is printed out and your project is moved to the packing table.
11. Packing (0-1 day) the packer comes in four times a week to pack packages. In Transit (2-4 working days) USPS Priority or DHL takes 2-4 days to get the package to your door.
13. Satisfaction Letter. About a week after being shipped you will get an email asking if all is in order. We always follow up.
14. Long Term Relationship. We want to earn and keep clients for the long term. It is really cause for celebration at the studio when we get a repeat client. It’s noticed when you come back. About 70% of our business is from repeat clients. There’s no reason not to use Blue Table. If something is amiss, we will fix it.
So, as you can see, it takes three to five weeks to turn around a project from the time your project is set up. It’s faster if models are provided, and even faster if provided assembled. Sometimes it’s a bit longer depending on how the schedule is booked.
Due to circumstances beyond our control (eg backordering, sick artists), projects are sometimes delayed 1-2 weeks, sometimes as long as 3-4 weeks. It is up to you to be kind and patient and let the process work through. Disclaimers and Warnings ^We sometimes use magnets in our products. These are purchased from another company and here follows their WARNING. These are very powerful and could be dangerous if not handled with proper care. Do not bring within 12 inches of any magnetic based storage devices such as desktop or laptop computers, hard drives, floppy disks, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, or credit carrds. Keep away from computer monitors, VCRs and TVs. If you or someone in your household has a pacemaker please ask your doctor about possible risks before purchasing. Do not let these magnets snap together with their full force or they will break and quite possibly send small pieces of metal flying in all diretions. Do not attempt to machine or drill these magnets-- high temperatures during these processes could cause the magnets to ignite releasing toxic fumes. Do not heat the magnets to above 175F (80C) as this will cause them to lose all of their magnetic properties. It is advisable to wear protective gloves and goggles when handling these magnets. Large magnets can pinch very hard. Do not allow magnets to come together fast or between your skin as they can draw blood, or possibly even break bones. Do not swallow the magnets or attached parts. Keep away from children and pets.
Onerous Shipping: we reserve the right to cancel an order (with a refund of course) if the shipping to a foreign country turns out to be an onerous or unusually high amount.
Misquotes: if a quote on a spreadsheet is clearly incorrect, or the spreadsheet is not adding up right, or the retail value of cost of models is off by more than 10% we reserve the right to modify it to show the correct amount.
Games Workshop, The Double-Headed/Imperial Eagle device, the Games Workshop logo, Chapter
Approved, Eye of Terror, Citadel, Citadel Device, Chaos, the Chaos factions, the Chaos faction logos, Space Marine, Space Marine chapters, Space Marine chapter logos, Codex, Eldar, Eldar symbol devices,
Ork, Ork devices, Tau, the Tau caste designations, Kroot, Necron, Tyranid, the 'In the Grim Darkness of the Far Future' tagline, Battle for Macragge, Cityfight, Warhammer, the Warhammer 40,000 device and all
associated marks, logos, names, races and race insignia, vehicles, locations, units, characters, illustrations and images from the Warhammer 40,000 universe are either ®, TM and/or © Games Workshop Ltd
2000-2010, variably registered in the UK and other countries around the world. Secret Recipes ^This is a frequent request: "please tell me how you did it." We do not give out our methods or what materials we use in order to allow others to match our work. I compare it to a restaurant that keeps its recipes under lock and key. Expedited ^Want your project done sooner? I am now giving an option for Expedited. We will get it done in twenty days.
From date of deposit to date we have pics up of finished project for review will be twenty days. Even for projects where we are ordering the models.
Cost is 10% of the project total ($50 minimum).
This applies to large projects, too! Doesn't matter if it's a 5000 point army or a single figure. Imagine that: your whole army done in two weeks!
If we are late you A) don't pay the money for the Expedited option (ie the 10%), and B) get a $10 credit for every day later (maximum $100). That said, we don't intend to go over the time limit on Expedited projects. The program won't get a good reputation that way!
There are limitations: this special cannot be done for projects that have models in them that have to be ordered from outside the US, or are not commonly available (eg Forge World). Upgrade Service: HD Vid of Final product ^At the end of your project we will make an HD vid of your project with artist commentary. Cost $50.
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