The Kit Factory   

Please take the time to read this informative service outline, before contacting me on any project you would like to order, thank you.

 The Kit Factory, is a small, "one man" operation, and produces only a few pieces every year. I worked several years as a Prop Maker, and Scenic Artist, in the media business. Which included Theater, Film, and TV production work. A lot of patience is required from clients, this is not a fast  process. Prop Reproductions can take several hundred hours, and they can be very expensive. Less complex projects can be quite reasonable in cost, but if you want something truly amazing, the price will be set per hours required, materials used, and complexity of the project. The "Pro" level work is very time consuming, and the prices are of an "adult" nature. No one under the age of 21 can order through this website.

These are not "toys", but works of art. Clients usually submit the kit to be produced, and describe the options they want. A date is set for production, that depends on how many other projects are in line already. The production schedule is always being filled by various types of projects from clients, media, and other sources, that require this type of work. The Kit Factory is fully licensed, we are not a "fly-by-night" operation. After almost a decade in this business, we can supply many references from satisfied clients!

A 50% deposit is required from clients who wish to reserve a time slot for the production of their project. For clients who pay with a mailed in money order, rather than a Pay Pal payment, the mailed deposit must arrive within 10 days of completed negotiations, or the build will not be posted on the production schedule. Money orders or checks can be made out to Simon Mercs or The Kit Factory.

The other 50%, shipping and packing fees, are due upon completion of the project. Shipping is not included, and we only use UPS Overnight Air Express, or Air Saver Express, as 2 to 3 day Ground transports, and other less efficient methods, will destroy these very fragile constructs, no matter how good my packing methods are. Shipping prices always include insurance for the full retail value of the item. Once the project is completed, it must be paid off within 14 days of the notification of it's full completion. If you are unable to do this, due to an unplanned event or problem, simply contact me to work something out. If you do not make the effort to contact me before the 14 days expire, this will be considered a forfeit, and you will lose your deposit.

 A fee, of 30% of the total project price, applies to any order that is cancelled before production, after being on the schedule for over 3 months.

Once the item is shipped, it is your responsibility to unpack it carefully, following my instructions. Items are thoroughly tested and are intact upon shipping. If you discover any damage to the item during unpacking, call me immediately to work out details for repairs, or filing a claim. Thankfully, this is not a problem that occurs very often. Considerable care and attention is devoted to packing the item, so that it arrives safely to it's destination. I am not responsible for shipping damages caused by poor handling during transit. You are always welcome to pick up the item here, providing the distance does not prohibit you from doing so.

You will always be treated fairly,  and former clients will happily vouch for my integrity, and the quality items they received. Once we have agreed on a price and options you desire, the deal is set, no "last minute" changes are permitted once the project begins production. You can change options, as long as I have not yet begun building your project.

If we have only e-mailed each other in the initial stages of contact, the next step is a phone conversation, to finalize the details of your order. It's much more efficient to iron out details in one phone conversation, than hundreds of e-mails.  I can be reached at the service number or you can provide a contact number, and the best time for me to call you.

Clients get a weekly notification of their project's progress by e-mail, of new updates posted on the Workbench page. This gives you an "inside" look at how these detailed build-ups are created, and some tricks and tips for your own use. I also provide a CD-Rom of all images and film clips taken of the project, and a signed certificate of authenticity.

I  always request that you to read this policy statement before ordering.  By sending a 50% down payment, you confirm that you understand how the service works, and that you have taken the time to read and understand these "common sense" guidelines, by which it operates.   

These are each unique "works of art", and are made for you, using your own personal specifications. Contact me for more information, on this unique Model and Prop Display building service.   

                                             Simon "Papa Smurf" Mercs