Missing kit parts question

[Chuck]

Just started assembling a kit (issued 2011, no longer in production, but very widely available) and have found that I am missing a piece. I contacted the manufacturer, and was told that I'd need to cover the shipping costs. Is this customary?

[zibbazabba]

I think it depends on how long you've had the kit. I've had a couple times when I just bought a kit and it was missing a part and they sent the replacement at no charge.
Then I had one time when I had bought a kit a couple years earlier and didn't check it out and was asked to pay shipping for the replacement part.
I was glad to be able to get the replacement part even though I had to pay shipping.

[CrazyDude]

Hard to say without knowing the maker involved.

Many makers no longer send out free parts(due to abuse of the system) but will sell the whole sprue to you.
Reason just taking out one part of a kit is quite a loss for them.

Might also depend if there is a known problem with some batches.

[belrog999]

Paying the shipping would be a lot cheaper than buying a second kit to obtain the missing part. I had to this a while back to finish a commission Aurora/PL Spider-Man. It was missing Kraven's hand.
Steve

[dj53]

What kit and part are you missing Chuck?
Maybe someone here has an extra part they could shoot off to you...
Denis

[LOBOREX]

What kit and part are you missing Chuck?
Maybe someone here has an extra part they could shoot off to you...
Denis

Yup, lots of guys on here do kitbashes and end up with all kinds of left over bits and bops, myself included.

[ignatz]

It's common to pay for shipping on a replacement part from the manufacturer, but what are you missing? Many of us here may have spare/unused parts and don't mind helping out a fellow modeler.

[TeddyNovak]

Don't mean to crash another guys thread but if anyone has a 1/4 scale pair of glasses I would love to get them. I need them for an XO Facto Actress X that I bought painted that is otherwise complete.

[Chuck]

I appreciate the offers, but either way someone will need to pay shipping.

[dj53]

You still haven't said what part it is...If I have it I'll send it for free...
....Teddy if I had those glasses, I'd send them to you... have you checked with John?
Cheers
Denis

[Chuck]

Moebius Elvira candelabra base, part #31.

[chasd25]

Just started assembling a kit (issued 2011, no longer in production, but very widely available) and have found that I am missing a piece. I contacted the manufacturer, and was told that I'd need to cover the shipping costs. Is this customary?

It's not unusual. The only manufacturer that I know of that does not, is Revell USA.

[Chuck]

It's not unusual. The only manufacturer that I know of that does not, is Revell USA.

I remember requesting parts (damaged in a used kit I bought) from Revell and they wouldn't even let me pay for the parts let alone shipping.

[TeddyNovak]

You still haven't said what part it is...If I have it I'll send it for free...
....Teddy if I had those glasses, I'd send them to you... have you checked with John?
Cheers
Denis

I think I did but maybe I just asked him if he planned to re-release teh entire kit. When I asked him I got the impression that there was no chance from his end, but thanks. I think I will either have to find some from a doll or something or have Saul try to make a pair. Since she doesn't have to wear them it isn't a big deal if they are spot on, they are just in her hand. With nothing in the outstretched hand I fear it will look weird.