1. What do the different painting levels mean?
At root, they mean time. A Level 1 miniature takes between 30 and 45 minutes to assemble, base, prime and paint. A Level 2 miniature takes 1-2 hours, and a Level 3 miniature will take up to 5 hours, or a whole working day to paint.
Of course, because a lot of things can be done in production-line style, models in squads and regiments take a lot less time to paint when looked at as a whole, which is why the prices for this sort of model are much lower than for a heroic character who might occupy a painter for an entire day.
What people really mean, of course, when they ask this question, is “What will my miniatures look like?” Well here are some examples of miniatures painted to Levels 1 (the ork), 2 (the wizard) and 3 (the Chaos sorcerer). But these may not accurately reflect how your miniature will turn out, as we are constantly introducing new techniques and refining our skills, so a Level 3 miniature today may be clearly superior to one painted a year ago. Also, whilst Precinct Omega Studios strives towards a consistent “house style”, we have over a dozen painters working for us, not all of which will paint the same model the same way.
What we like to say, to keep things simple, is that a Level 1 miniature will look great at 3 feet. A Level 2 miniature will look great at 1 foot. A Level 3 miniature will look great at 1 inch!
2. Can you acquire models for me?
Yes, we can. Precinct Omega can obtain any currently in production miniature, material or part on your behalf, usually at a discount of between 10% and 15% on RRP. However, we do require payment in full in advance for such purchases.
3. I want to paint my miniatures myself but want someone else to assemble them. Do you do that?
We are happy to perform assembly projects, including magnetization, conversions and small sculpting works. Charges for this vary depending on the nature and extent of the work, but start from £1.00 for basic assembly of an infantry model, including basing. Small sculpted details (rank insignia, simple emblems) are usually from £5.00 each and larger sculpting work (limbs, weapons etc) from £20.00.
Volume discounts do not apply to assembly projects.
4. Do you accept payment in other currencies?
Precinct Omega Studios accepts payment in $US and €, however, all of our quotes and invoices are issued in £UK. For clients who wish to pay in $US or €, we perform a currency conversion at http://xe.com on the day of invoicing, so be aware, if you get a quote in £UK and convert it, please remember that international exchange rates can go up as well as down and that your final bill in your home currency may be higher than expected.
5. How long will it take to paint my miniatures?
Obviously, that depends on how many there are, the quality to which you want them painted and, of course, how much other work we have on. Generally speaking, if the majority of a large project (50+ models) is of Level 1 or Level 2, we can be confident of completion within two months. If the majority is Level 3, then a project will usually take 3-4 months. However, if you need your army painted to a deadline – you’ve got a big campaign day or tournament coming up, say, and need it done in time – then we will do our best to accommodate you, although additional charges may apply.
6. Four months is a long time. What happens if, by the time a project is finished, I find I can’t pay you?
First, don’t panic! Our policy is that all invoices must be settled within 7 days. After that, outstanding balances begin to accrue interest at 0.1% per diem, compound, for up to 28 days. If your balance is still outstanding after 28 days, any products in the possession of Precinct Omega Studios will be sold off at auction and the remainder of the debt written off, so you won’t be held liable for products you can’t afford to pay for although, obviously, you will have lost the money invested in the miniatures themselves.
However, if this sounds draconian, let me reassure you that we would far prefer to enable good people to receive their miniatures eventually without prejudice. If you find yourself struggling to settle your account, we will be pleased to develop a payment plan for you. The crucial thing is to stay in touch and to let us know if you think you may be heading into difficulty.
6. What if I get my miniatures and am not happy with the quality?
Again, please let us know straight away if you are unhappy with any aspect of the service you receive from Precinct Omega Studios so that we can rectify it as quickly as possible. We do our very best to provide a realistic impression of the quality of the painting by posting regular updates of work in a public log. More often than not, our clients find that the miniatures in reality are actually better than they appear in the photographs. So if there is any aspect of the work you would like changed or improved, the best thing to do is to tell us as soon as you see the photos.
However, if the worst should happen and you find that you are unhappy with some aspect of a project that wasn’t clear in the photos, then – again – do let us know straight away. If it is a small matter – such as damage caused in transit – then we can invariably provide simple coaching for you to rectify it yourself. If it requires further attention from Precinct Omega Studios, we will be happy to receive the items back and refund you the cost of your postage.
Be aware, though, of the level of quality for which you are being charged. If you are paying for Level 1 quality, you shouldn’t expect to see sophisticated highlighting, elaborate freehand or, indeed, anything beyond a basic paintjob. If, however, you’re paying for Level 3 quality, please feel free to be as picky as you like.
7. I get a Repeat Customer Discount. If I arrange work with you for other people, will they get the discount?
Yes, they will. As far as Precinct Omega Studios is concerned, we are working for you, though, and will hold you entirely responsible for all aspects of commissioning, approving and, of course, paying for the work.
8. I represent a miniatures wargaming company. Do you take commercial contracts?
Precinct Omega already has contracts to provide miniatures painting services to a number of companies. We are happy to sign non-disclosure agreements and offer an accelerated service for pre-production miniatures painting to ensure that you receive high quality photographs of your new miniatures within days of them leaving the mould.