What to Do If a Diecast Model Arrives Damaged
Do not discard the box or packing material before you inspect a collectible model.
Key Takeaways
- Photograph the condition immediately.
- Keep all packaging and packing materials.
- Contact the retailer before attempting repair or return.
Document Before Changing Anything
Photograph the shipping carton, manufacturer box and model as received. Do not attempt a repair before contacting the retailer if you may seek a replacement or return.
Keep Every Layer Of Packaging
DMW specifically tells customers with damaged, defective or incorrect merchandise to retain the product, manufacturer packaging, shipping carton and packing materials. That is sensible collector practice with any specialist retailer.
Contact The Retailer Promptly
Use the retailer's current support process and provide the requested order and photo information. Follow its instructions before shipping anything back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I glue a broken mirror before contacting the store?
Not if you may request a return or replacement. Document the condition first and follow the retailer's instructions.
Can I throw away the shipping carton?
Keep it until you have inspected the order and resolved any damage issue.
Freshness note: inventory, prices, release status and retailer policies can change. Time-sensitive details are checked against current published sources and should be verified before purchase.
Related Collector Guides
Before You Add This To The Collection
For What to Do If a Diecast Model Arrives Damaged, make the purchase decision against the collection you already own. Check whether the subject fills a genuine gap, whether its scale works with the intended display, and whether the exact version is meaningfully different from similar models already on the shelf. Then confirm the individual listing rather than relying on category assumptions.
After The Model Arrives
Inspect visible condition and packaging promptly, record the manufacturer and SKU in your collection inventory, and decide where the model and its box will live. That small routine prevents duplicate purchases, lost packaging and models being placed wherever there happens to be room.