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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These FAQs explain how Trash Compactor works and what to expect when ordering.  Please read them before placing an order to avoid delays or unnecessary messages.

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PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE UPDATES TO EU POSTAGE RATES AND CUSTOMS RULES.

As of 1st July 2026, the EU has completely scrapped the duty-free exemption for small packages. All EU customers are now hit with a new flat €3 customs duty per item classification on imports from non-EU countries. On top of that, individual countries are tacking on localised VAT and handling fees, meaning your total customs charges can look like up to 20% of your order value in some countries.

I guess the politicians got their ideas from Trump—the global trade war is officially here. Best of luck everyone, we all need it, as these millionaires and politicians seem to think us mere mortals are all made of money! I wish I was.

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Phone Number Requirement (All EU & US Customers)

  • All EU & US orders require a phone number for shipping labels.

  • Etsy does not currently provide sellers with customer phone numbers.

  • If you don’t send your number when requested, your order will be delayed.

  • If no number is provided after repeated requests, I will use the phone number of your local delivery office so the parcel can be sent.


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.

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EU Customs Duty Update (EU Customers Only)

  • As of July 2026, customs duty tariffs apply to all imports into the EU.

  • For all new orders placed on or after 1st July 2026, Trash Compactor will pay these import charges upfront. Our pricing for EU and Non-EU customers has been adjusted to cover this increase, ensuring your new orders arrive with no surprise fees.

  • For orders placed before 1st July 2026: If your order was placed before this date but is shipping now, we are unfortunately unable to cover these charges retroactively, as no upfront fee was collected at the time of purchase. When your order arrives, you may be charged up to 20% of the order value by your local customs authority.

  • Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support as we navigate these regulatory changes!

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What You’re Buying

  • 3D-printed vintage-style figures and accessories (resin or FDM hard plastic). See item pages for details.

  • Sold unpainted and 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.

 

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 further below.)

  • 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 matte 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 really require painting. Its up to you.

 

Colour Notes

  • Slight colour variations may occur due to different resin types with different properties. I select colors 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.

 
Production & Dispatch

  • 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 time applies.

  • Once shipped, you’ll get an email with tracking. If it’s missing, the item may still be awaiting Royal Mail collection.

  • Guest checkouts limit tracking updates and combining orders. Use a named Etsy account for the best experience.

 
Delivery Times

  • Delivery = production time + shipping time.

  • Example: 2 weeks production + 1 weeks 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.

 
Postage & Order Limits

  • Shipping insurance options: £20, £50, or £250 Tracked & Signed. $250 US is the Etsy insurance limit.

  • Maximum insurance per shipped box: £250 UK / $250 US. Orders over this may be split into multiple parcels.

  • If your order exceeds the limit, I may request extra postage before dispatch.

 
Combining Orders

  • I used to send basket codes, but Etsy sometimes sends them out more widely than intended, so it’s not always possible.

  • If you place several orders, let me know—I’ll do my best to merge them, and refund any excess postage.

  • Make sure you order on the same account, Guest accounts don't link and I don't see multiple orders on these type of accounts

  • Please avoid placing lots of single-item orders, as this creates unnecessary admin work and slows down production for everyone.

 
Postage Refunds

  • I will when i can, and if I see multiple orders - but I don't always see them.

 
Discounts & Codes

  • Trash Compactor doesn’t offer blanket discounts.

  • Etsy may generate codes automatically if you:

    • Leave items in your basket

    • Favourite an item

    • Sign up for Etsy’s mailing list

  • These codes help offset shipping without inflating prices.

 
Order Status & Tracking

  • “Completed” = order packed or awaiting Royal Mail pickup.

  • Tracking is added once Royal Mail collects your parcel.

  • Etsy may send an automated dispatch email early—ignore until tracking is uploaded.

 
Damaged or Lost Parcels

If your local delivery service is involved:

  1. Report it as lost or damaged with your provider.

  2. Provide parcel value if asked.

  3. If eligible, use Etsy’s Purchase Protection (covers up to $250).

I can assist with Royal Mail claims but cannot contact non-UK postal services on your behalf.

 
Feedback

  • Please contact me before leaving negative feedback—I’ll always try to resolve issues. Hate for anyone to be unhappy.

  • Negative reviews without prior contact may affect future orders.

  • Extortion (demanding refunds or extras in exchange for reviews) is against Etsy rules and will be reported.

 
Reviews & Social Media
 
Unclaimed or Returned Orders

  • If an item is returned due to:

    • Uncollected delivery,

    • Wrong address, or

    • Mismatched delivery name—
      You can choose:

  • Refund minus postage, or

  • Resend by paying postage again.

Always check your Etsy account address before ordering.

 
Original Designs & Copyright

  • 99% of items are my original creations.

  • If another designer’s work is used, it’s always credited and sold with permission.

  • I don’t sell digital files.

 
Suggested Painters

Looking to commission painting? Recommended artists:

I’m not entirely familiar with their exact processes, but the best thing to do is reach out to them directly. They’re both super helpful and very reasonable to work with. Do check out their instagram accounts.


If this FAQ doesn’t address your question, feel free to reach out, and I’ll respond as soon as possible!
 

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