Here, I will give you an idea of what you can expect if you decide you want to commission me to build you a customized model of your own. Please read this section carefully.
Commissions
IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ: As of 3/19/08, I reserve the right to refuse any commission without question. If the buyer becomes difficult to deal with, I also reserve the right to send you a full refund of whatever payment I have received and cancel your project. Please make sure you understand and agree to this before sending me a deposit, thank you.
Current status: Commissions are OPEN. Please send all inquiries/price quote requests to rusty.salamander at gmail dot com.
What I will build/ work with: I accept commissions for original design prototypes, repaints and/or customizations of Zoids, Gundams and resin garage kits. Materials most often used for modifications are Milliput/epoxy putty, sheet styrene, assorted plastic and/or resin parts from different models or custom built parts. Tamiya, Gunze, and/or Createx airbrush paints, spraypaints or any combination thereof are usually used for painting. I accept commissions for resin figure assembly/painting, but will need additional time to work on those types of models. I do not take commissions for adult-oriented figures.
Pricing Estimate: When you first contact me for a commission quote, please give me a thorough written description of the design you have in mind (Drawings are a plus if it is an original design!) Prices are given in US dollars and are based on three things; time spent on the model, complexity (Lumped together as a "labor" charge), and the supplies and parts I used ("Supplies" charge). For something like a simple repaint or a lightly customized model, you can expect to be quoted a price in the realm of $30-$70 (US). For heavily customized or scratchbuilding projects, expect pricing (The labor charge and supply charge combined) to be in the triple digits. Shipping costs and insurance are not factored into the price quote, and the buyer is responsible for covering those costs. Please note that the price quote I give you is an estimate; the final price may be adjusted slightly up or down.
Estimated turn-around time: This depends heavily on the model itself. If it is a simple repaint or a lightly customized kit, you can expect it to be completed in about 2- 4 weeks. However, for something requiring a lot of scratchbuilding, it can take several months (Usually no longer than 3). Again, I stress that the level of work and detailing involved in the model determines how quickly it will be completed. I am willing to work on a reasonable deadline, however projects that have a "rush" deadline will generally cost more. The only time I cannot work on a deadline is during the winter months (Around mid December to late February).
Payment methods and shipping: I accept Paypal (Preferred, in US dollars) and money orders (Domestic and international). When we have agreed on a price, I will begin work after I have received a 50% deposit for the model. If you change your mind before I have started working but have already sent the deposit, it will be fully refunded. However, if you change your mind AFTER I have started working, you will only be refunded half of your deposit. You are welcome to request progress pictures of your model at any time (Within reason, of course. I can't take pictures of your model every single day.). When the model is complete, I will calculate the shipping cost for it. By default, I will use the US Postal Service to ship all orders. If you would like the model to be sent via a different carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.), please let me know. You will have the option of purchasing insurance for the package as well (Highly recommended for more expensive models). Once I have received my final payment along with payment for shipping, I will pack up the model and mail it out. Depending on how the model is constructed, it may come partially disassembled. If this is the case, I will either email you or include a hard copy of instructions on how to put the model back together. I will ship worldwide.
Damages policy: Unfortunately, I cannot control how the postal service handles your package and I will package your model as carefully as possible, but accidents happen. In the event that your model arrives heavily damaged, please contact me as soon as possible. I'll need you to describe (in detail) the damages to the model and if possible, email me photographs of the damages. Judging from the photos and/or written description, I can determine if it will make more sense for the buyer to return the model to me for repairs or if a partial refund (About 75% of the model's total cost) will be given. The buyer is responsible for the shipping charges on any returns.
Misc. info: The client may request changes to the commission as it is being worked on. What kind of changes, you ask? Things like adding articulation/poseability (This has to be done early on and should be one of the first things you tell me if you want it, as a lot of the model's design will have to revolve around the model's ability to be reposed), or perhaps a change in the appearance of the model's armor (Ie. "I'd like the armor to look more angular/rounded" or "I'd like for the model to have an extra piece of armor here"). Reasonable changes, is what I am trying to say. In other words, if you commission me to build some sort of Liger-type Zoid, you cannot change your mind a good ways into the build and decide you want some sort of T-Rex Zoid. On the topic of changes, please do not be shy about asking for them! If something doesn't look the way you want it to, you'll have to let me know. Sadly, I cannot read minds and I would like for you to be happy with the model you are getting.
Current Commission Queue
Client: Mr. R.Model: Trinity Liger
Status: Building
For Sale (Pre-Built models)
From time to time, I will have custom models I have already built for sale listed here, along with their price. Please send all questions or offers to rusty.salamander at gmail dot com. Serious inquiries only please.
Nothing yet.