This guide helps you choose where to buy, estimate shipping windows by region, file clean replacement claims, and manage PDFs or print on demand without surprises. If you need the big picture of the product lines, skim the brand overview and come back here for practical steps.
The official store wins on catalog breadth, edition matching and quick access to digital extras. Regional retailers win on speed, local promos and simple returns. Use a simple rule: if you need a specific bundle that matches an edition, use the official store. If you need something for the weekend, check local stock first. While you are comparing starter boxes and useful accessories, the minis flagship breakdown in the BattleTech guide shows what to grab first.
Seasonal sales and bundles cover core needs for less. Stock alerts help you catch rare items. Keep 2 to 3 interchangeable items in your wishlist so a stockout does not block the whole order.
Most US orders offer several speeds. PO boxes and rural addresses can limit carriers, so check before paying. If tracking stalls at a sort center, give it 24-48 hours for event updates, then contact the carrier with the tracking number.
The key split is DDP vs DAP. DDP means duties and taxes are settled before delivery. DAP means you will pay at import. Check your receipt for VAT lines and the incoterm the store uses. For EU and UK, learn your country threshold so brokerage or duty invoices do not surprise you at the door.
Canada is sensitive to brokerage fees and tariff codes. If a private courier is used, confirm whether brokerage is included or due on import. For the rest of world, expect wider delivery windows and possible address confirmation by phone before the last mile.
Use this as a starting point. Exact windows depend on carrier, season and customs.
| Region | Typical delivery window | Taxes and duties | Carrier notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 2-7 business days | Included in price or at checkout | Confirm PO box and rural support |
| EU | 5-14 business days | VAT by country, duties possible | Ask whether shipment is DDP or DAP |
| UK | 4-10 business days | VAT plus duty if applicable | Keep invoice for courier clearance |
| Canada | 6-15 business days | GST or HST and brokerage | Check whether brokerage is included |
| Rest of world | 10-25 business days | By local rules | Expect wider time bands and checks |
If this is a gift for a fixed date, add buffer and pick a service that supports delivery attempts, hold at location and rescheduling.
Report dented boxes, missing sprues, misprints or component shortages quickly. Include clear photos and the packing slip. Support teams resolve complete packets faster than long threads. For minis, show the part number area and the sprue frame. For books, show spine and corners with scale.
Submit 4-6 photos: outer box, inner packing, the damaged or missing item close up, the label, the invoice. Add one summary paragraph with order number, item code and the exact ask: replacement or refund. Send within the stated window on the store page if listed. Copy the same set to your email so you can reply quickly if the agent asks for another angle.
Run this list before you click send. It trims days off the back and forth.
| Step | What to attach | Where to find | Time target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify order | Order number and invoice PDF | Confirmation email or account | Immediately |
| Show packaging | Outer box and inner packing photos | Unbox on a clear surface | Day 0 |
| Show the issue | Close up of damage or missing area | Good light, include scale | Day 0 |
| Show label | Shipping label photo | On the outer box | Day 0 |
| State your ask | Replace or refund, not both | Your message body | Day 0 |
Keep packaging until the case closes. Some carriers need pickup or inspection. If you need a one night filler while you wait for parts, try a short cooperative run like the one in the Dragonfire guide.
Case examples
These patterns cover 90 percent of tickets. Use the template that matches your situation.
| Situation | What to do | Expected outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Corner crush on a book | Photos of slip, label, spine, corner | Replacement copy or partial credit |
| Missing sprue | Photos of box contents and sprue map | Spare sprue shipped |
| Mispacked starter | Photo of all contents on table | Missing items sent or exchange |
| Wrong item shipped | Photo of wrong item and label | Correct item sent plus return label |
When in doubt, send one extra wide shot that shows everything in one frame. It prevents second round photo requests.
Keep the core PDF, character or unit sheets, quick references and errata. Store them in a cloud folder with short names like bt-sheets, sr-edge, df-faq so you can find them mid session. For structured play, the Shadowrun guide lists the subsystem cards that keep crunchy nights readable.
PoD uses local print partners. Paper weight, color fidelity and trim can vary by region. Order one test copy for a reference book you will use weekly. Note the printer origin on the slip so you can pick the same plant next time if the quality suits you.
Preorder means the product is not released yet. Backorder means it is in print but temporarily out of stock. Status pages sometimes lag a day behind warehouse events. If you need to split a cart so in stock items ship now, ask support before paying and include the order number in the subject line.
Processing means payment verified. Picking means warehouse work started. Shipped means the package left with a label and you should have tracking. Delivery exceptions sit on the carrier side, not the store side. If the window is tight, ask for a hold at location to control pickup time.
Call a local retailer, confirm stock, ask them to hold, and pick up in store. Bundle sleeves, markers and a bag in one run. For minis tactics pacing and kit ideas, see the BattleTech guide.
Use the official store during a sale or bundle event. Consolidate into one shipment and avoid splitting line items unless time critical. Put fragile books on a separate line only if you want different packing.
Buy the PDF, save a backup, and print quick references on heavier paper. Use write on sleeves so you can reuse sheets. If the table wants a fast story night, a cyberpunk RPG alternative and cooperative deckbuilding both have printable aids.
Order from a regional retailer for speed, add a gift note, and ask for a receipt without prices in the box if they support it. A tight, portable two player gift is The Duke and it fits small tables nicely.
Purchase router
This grid maps common goals to the best channel so you spend less and wait less.
| Goal | Recommended channel | Pros | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fastest arrival | Local retailer pickup | Same day, easy swaps | Limited selection |
| Widest selection | Official store | Edition matching, digital extras | Longer shipping windows |
| Lowest price | Sale bundles or coupons | High value per dollar | Items may ship later |
| PDF focus | Digital storefront | Instant access, easy backups | No physical resale or gift wrap |
Do a dry run at checkout to preview taxes and shipping before you commit. Screenshots help you compare options calmly.
If delivery speed matters, start with local retailers. If you need a specific edition or rare SKU, start with the official store.
Wait 24-48 hours for the next scan. If no change, ask the carrier with tracking in hand. If their answer is vague, contact the store with the case number you received from the carrier.
Lay out all contents on a table, take a wide shot, add a close up of the missing area, attach the invoice and label photos, and ask for the specific replacement.
Sometimes if both are unshipped. Contact support quickly with both order numbers. If picking started, merging is unlikely.
DDP means taxes and duties are paid before delivery. DAP means you pay them on import to your country.
For reference books you will mark up and carry. Order one test copy to confirm paper, trim and color match.
Ask support for a PDF invoice with your billing details and tax ID. Include your order number and the required fields in the first message.
Most queues answer within a few business days. Complete packets with photos and order details get solved faster.
Log in and check your library. If links expired, contact support with your order number and email, and request a refresh.
Ask the recipient for the order number or a photo of the packing slip. Contact support and state that you need a gift return with either credit or a replacement.
Bundle sensibly. One consolidated shipment is easier to track than three micro parcels that wander through different hubs. If a game night is at risk because a box is late, keep a small roster of fast fillers like the zero prep frames in the Cosmic Patrol hub and bring everyone back to campaign pace next week.
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