RPG ESSENTIALS: Acrylic Creature Tokens for TTRPGs

Shipping Charges, Freight Shipping, and Addresses are Locked
15 days ago – Wed, Nov 06, 2024 at 09:35:41 AM

Hey Everyone, 

Everything stated in today's update is primarily directed towards North American Backers unless otherwise stated. We will share shipping info directed towards our international backers on a later date. 

Shipping Charges

You can expect to see shipping charges on Backerkit within the next day or two. We're actually quite pleased with the shipping prices. The shipping prices are all in line with what was originally quoted. 

Here is a screenshot from our Kickstarter homepage on shipping estimates: 

With that reminder on shipping estimates out of the way, let's break down shipping charges for the two most common pledge levels!

1-of-each: Prices are exactly between $20-$30, the average being around $27. The package is just over 5 lbs. Plus, it's a big box, as shown in a previous update. 

3-of-each: Prices are between $70-$75. The package is around 15 lbs, which makes it three times as big as the 1-of-each pledge. This, of course, makes sense since it's three times the amount of tokens and size. 

Packaging. Our manufacturer and fulfillment partners have taken great care to provide the most secure packaging they can without significantly impacting shipping costs. To that end, even the smallest sets will have sturdy boxes and padding. There will always be outliers and accidents do happen, but I think you will be pleased with shipping and packaging.

Shipping prices will increase depending on the number of add-ons added. We did everything in our power to keep the prices as low as possible and are happy that we delivered on our original estimates. 

Freight Shipping

In other positive news, we have secured a freight for our tokens. This doesn't mean that the tokens have started their journey across the sea yet. They should start their voyage within the next week or two. 

Addresses are Locked

Addresses on Backerkit are locked, but don't panic because you will have one more notice from our shipping partners to confirm/change your address. However, if you have or expect to move outside of the US, email me. Just keep your eyes out for a message or email from them if you do need to change your address.

Thank you all,

Devin, Community Manager

and, Darryl T. Jones

Production is Finished! + Shipping News
about 2 months ago – Sun, Sep 29, 2024 at 01:21:02 PM

Let's Discuss Shipping News

Earlier this week, I wrote an overwhelmingly positive update about how production is finished, but I chose to edit this update to include information about the impending dockworkers strike. As some of you may have heard, there is an impending port strike set to occur in less than a week, stretching from Maine to Texas. While there have been meetings about the strike between officials, the two sides in this manner are unwilling to negotiate. The International Longshoremen's Association has stated their wage demands must be met, and a strike is the best way to have leverage. 

This type of strike is especially damaging to small board game businesses like ours. I received an update today from our shipping partner that shipping costs are going to be nearly double what was quoted in the campaign. This is devastating news that requires attention. 

This is due to the strike, but also a result of the coming presidential election. Every four years, big box stores flood all available container ships in an attempt to get as much product as possible before any potential changes to tariff law. 

What we are doing: We're monitoring the situation very closely and praying for change. Additionally, we have representatives from GAMA who attended briefings with the 38 trade association leaders and the U.S. Maritime Alliance. They are able to speak on our behalf and relay relevant news to us.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please understand we are talking about overseas freight charges and potential delays. Your shipping charge will be based on your individual packages from regional fulfillment centers to your doors.

While this is disappointing news, we do have some REALLY GOOD news to discuss.

Production is Finished!

I just received news this week that production is finished. Our manufacturer has sent us a final proof of what the finished tokens, binders, and dice look like. I must say that they exceeded my expectations. The dice really pop and have a brighter finish than I expected. 

Watch the unboxing video below:

And here are some photos:

Important note: I do want to remind everyone that the tokens have to move to freight so they can begin their journey across the sea. From that point, it will take another 6 to 10 weeks to get from China to our shipping partners for fulfillment. We are one step closer!

Shipping Charges Coming Soon

Since production is finished, shipping charges will be added to Backerkit soon. Unless something drastic changes, expect higher shipping charges. We're sorry for this inconvenience and are deeply sadden by these turn of events.

Thank you all,

Devin, Community Manager

and Darryl T. Jones

Printing and Production Underway + Pictures of the Binder Pages
3 months ago – Mon, Aug 12, 2024 at 05:22:16 AM

Printing and Production Underway!

Our manufacturer is in full swing. In fact, I just got another proof from them this morning. We're working to finalize some of the packaging. Between the binders and the packs of acrylics, there's a lot to figure out to ensure they can make the trip across the seas without damage. I'll share some more details on that in the next update. I have full confidence in them delivering great a product to us! 

However, today I'd like to show off samples of the Binder pages.

Binder Pages

I recently received samples of the binder pages, and I am very pleased. How excited can one be for binder pages, you ask? Pretty excited! If you look at the images below, you'll notice that the binder sleeves actually have a flap that covers the top of each pouch to ensure that the tokens won't fall out. For any token fan, you got to be pretty pumped up for that! 

Have a Great Day,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)

Updated Timeline - Unboxing of New Samples
5 months ago – Mon, Jun 24, 2024 at 01:36:42 PM

Let's talk about the new timeline, 

New Timeline

I want to keep you all in the loop and discuss the new possible timeline. Before getting into it, I should emphasize that the new timeline is not set in stone and is susceptible to change. The new timeline for the completion of manufacturing is 90 days from now. This was likely expected. After all, we're starting over with our new manufacturer. If there's anything I can do to speed things up, I will. Of course, I'll keep you all in the loop.

However, our new manufacturer has already proven to me that we made the right choice! They've already produced a proof of tokens and a binder!  

New Binders and Tokens - Unboxing Video

Click here for an >unboxing video!Or scroll through the photos below.

I am so blown away by how the binders came out. I think you will too, when you see the pictures below. The gold pops off of the black base of the binder, and I love how the binder looks sitting on the self. 

I open it for the first time on camera, and we can react to how it looks together. 

Here is the link to the unboxing video again if you missed it above.

Adventures Await: Arcane Armaments - Kickstarter is Live Now!

"Adventures Awaits: Arcane Armaments is a collection of 200 unique magic items for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. They’re perfect for filling the chests, vaults, and magical caches hidden across your world, or for spicing up encounters by giving the players’ adversaries tools and tricks they might not expect. Whether it’s enchanted swords, arcane-infused armors, or strange and intriguing wondrous items your campaign needs, this book has them all." - From the Kickstarter page

Go over and check out this kickstarter! This indie publisher out of New England is doing some great things, and we should go show them some love. 

Here is the link to the kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adventuresawait/adventures-await-arcane-armaments-0?ref=3ph9ci

Thank you all,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)

Pivot! - New Manufactures, Boda Games
6 months ago – Tue, Jun 04, 2024 at 10:38:54 AM

Pivot!,

Firstly, I want to continue saying sorry for all the delays we've faced so far. We've learned a ton from this campaign, and we've been working diligently to try to get you guys your tokens as soon as possible. Last week, we finally had to make the tough decision of changing our manufacturers. This decision was not made lightly. On our end, we're taking a hit financially because we're losing the deposits that we've made with our previous manufacturers. Also, we're cutting ties with the possible progress that the old manufacturer has made, but we no longer feel confident in their ability to provide you your tokens. As mentioned in the previous post, there has been delay after delay on their end, and they're not communicating new timelines or where they are currently with our project. While this is somber news, we're excited by our new manufacturing partners, Boda Games! 

We have full confidence in their abilities to provide great tokens to you all, and I assume that a lot of you have probably heard of them before or at least have received games that they manufactured. They've worked on several big-box hits like Everdell, Hegemony, and Planet Unknown. Additionally, we've worked with them in the past on several other projects, and they've always delivered for us. Here is a link to the BODA Games website if you want to check them out: https://bodagames.com/

I am just sorry that we didn't switch sooner. Of course, you always want to assume the best and not make a decision that is going to make your business lose money, but my priority is to get all your tokens to you. Thank you all for your understanding. The overwhelming support in the last post was so appreciated, and I can't say thank you enough. 

Thank you all,

Darryl T. Jones (aka Splattered Ink)