Home » Shipping & Returns »

Shipping Policy

Shipping Policies and Delivery Times:
Shipping charges are estimated. We always review and select the least expensive and best shipping method for our customers when processing orders. Actual shipping costs will be adjusted with the estimated shipping cost, and charged at the time of shipment. Some models and and requires extra packaging and double-boxing to make sure it arrives to you in perfect condition.
Orders for in-stock items, are processed and shipped within 3 business days. Special orders and pre-orders take longer to order to our warehouse and ship. New customer orders are subject to credit approval. All items are individually shipped and may not arrive on the same day. In some cases models are warehoused in different locations around the country. It can take time to move these items from one location to another. Please allow up to 10 business days for delivery on some items.
Priority 2 Day Shipping via USPS or UPS is available for an additional charge. Expedited shipping charges are estimated when you place your order. Actual charges will be charged. We will contact you and inform you of any additional charges. UPS is not available for residents of Alaska, Hawaii, or US Territories. These orders will be shipped via USPS Priority Mail and will be charged standard shipping and handling. Please allow 3 days for delivery to these locations. Fed Ex is not available for P.O. boxes or APO/FPO.

Pre-orders usually do not have a solid ETA date. Your orders will be charged and shipped as soon as they arrive into stock. Orders are shipped in the order that they are placed. Please DO NOT use PayPal when placing an order for a future model that is not yet in stock. These models are clearly listed on our site as Pre-Orders. PayPal immediately charges in full for all purchases. Use a credit card when making a pre-order. The credit card is not charged until the model arrives into stock at our warehouse, and ships out to you. Cancelling orders prior to shipment is permitted. PayPal will only accept refunds for 6 months from the date of the original transaction. After 6 months, cancellations will receive site credit for the amount of the order. 
Pre-Orders and not eligible for Coupon codes.

CAN I EXPEDITE SHIPMENT OF MY ORDER?
For domestic customers, during checkout, you can select your choice of expedited shipping methods. Some items are not eligible for expedited services.  To verify if the model you would like to order can be placed using an expedited method please email service@mintmodels.com or call 800-341-4699



Alaska and Hawaii :Additional shipping charges are added to orders shipping to Alaska and Hawaii because of the higher cost to ship to these states. Orders are sent USPS.

International Orders:  We do not ship to the UK.   International Orders are shipped USPS International Priority Mail. Shipping Charges will be applied to your order. The charge per model and per shipment varies based on the weight of the model and depending on what country you live in. The shipping charge is approximately $86.00 per 1:18 scale model and $48.00 per 1:43 scale model. Pre-Orders and Back Ordered items that are shipped separately will be charged separately. *Most orders are shipped UPS Ground or USPS Ground.
We reserve the right to change an order to another shipping method.
We do not refund any shipping charges for International Shipments for returns or replacements, regardless of the reason for the return.
Expedited shipment is available via USPS or UPS. Call to arrange for next day shipping.
**Once an order clears customs in the receiving country, customers should continue to track their shipments with their countries postal service (example Canada Post, Russian Post...). The tracking number will be the same. You will be able to see more detailed information regarding the movement of your package within your home country. Should you see a delay or have an issue at this point, you should reach out to your postal service for information. Often we find customers who do not realize that their package is at the post office for pick up (there may be duties that need to be paid). After a period of time (usually 30 days) The shipment will be returned to us. It is very important that you track your packages as when models are returned to us, the shipping will not be refunded.

Pre-Orders Explained: 
Pre-orders usually do not have a solid ETA date. Your orders will be charged and filled as soon as they arrive into stock. Orders are shipped in the order that they are placed. Please DO NOT use PayPal when placing an order for a future model that is not yet in stock. These models are clearly listed on our site as Pre-Orders. PayPal immediately charges in full for all purchases. Use a credit card when making a pre-order. The credit card is not charged until the model arrives into stock at our warehouse, and ships out to you. Cancelling orders prior to shipment is permitted. PayPal will only accept refunds for 6 months from the date of the original transaction. After 6 months, cancellations will receive site credit for the amount of the order. 

Collectors and those familiar with this industry are no stranger to this process. Models are announced as Pre-orders and manufacturers typically take 12-18 months for delivery. Your pre-orders will stand in line until the model arrives. Orders are shipped in the order that they are placed. More and more we are seeing manufacturers choosing to produce fewer models in more limited runs. This is where placing a pre-order becomes very important. With smaller runs, models often will sell out with pre-orders placed. If you see a model that you desire for your collection, placing a pre-order is always a good idea! 

In rare cases when the manufacturer increases MSRP, we will make every effort to honor the pre-order pricing. In cases when this is impossible we are committed to offering the customer the most fair increase possible

In some cases, manufacturers disallow any discounts on their items; Art by Shay, Red Cat and Amalgam are examples… These items will be excluded from any code or promotions being offered on the site



State Sales Tax: Mint Models is registered to collect sales tax in New York State. All orders shipped within the State of New York will be charged the applicable sales tax, based on the shipping address. The applicable sales tax charges will be listed during the checkout process. State Sales Tax is also collected for the State of California at a rate of 9% for Auto Art models that are shipped from the California warehouse.

Mint Models operates a mobile messaging program. Our collection and use of your personal information is also subject to our Privacy Policy. By enrolling, signing up or otherwise joining the program, you accept and agree to these mobile messaging terms and our Privacy Policy. We may send promotional and transactional mobile messages in various formats that may include, exclusive promotions, coupon codes, specials, event invites and more. Transactional emails may include notifications and updates as well as other transaction related information. Messaging rates may apply. By opting in to this program you can expect to receive up to 3 SMS messages per month. The user may opt out at any time by texting STOP, CANCEL, QUIT, OPT-OUT or UNSUBSCRIBE



Return Policy

Satisfaction Guarantee/Returns:
You may return your Mint Models purchase within 15 days of receipt of purchase for replacement, credit or refund of the purchase price on most items. Models manufactured by Amalgam, Old Modern Handicrafts, and Ilario can not be returned for any reason. To return a purchase, please follow these simple instructions:
NOTE* we do not accept returns for any damaged caused by removing a model that comes affixed to a base by screws or glue or any other method

1. To expedite the handling of your return, please include a note providing the reason for return / exchange and the action to be taken.
2. The item to be returned must be in the original packaging. Carefully repack and seal the package tightly. Should the item be damaged in transit back to us, your claim will be with the shipper. You can choose to insure the package with the shipped so that you are covered in the event that the model arrives back to us damaged.
3. Return the package to us by UPS, Fed Ex Ground or US Mail at our address: Mint Models Returns, 16 Walker Way, Suite 4, Albany NY 12205.
4. Once we receive your return, your credit card account will be credited for payment, minus the 15% restocking fee (minimum of $15.00). We do not refund any shipping charges for any reason.
5. We do not refund any shipping charges for International Shipments for returns or replacements, regardless of the reason for the return.  If a customer decides to return an International order, the customer is responsible to pay for any and all shipping and duty charges for the return to our warehouse.
6. The following Manufacturer Brands can not be returned for any reason: Ilario, Old Modern Handicrafts, and Amalgam.  The models are special ordered France, Asia, and the UK and we are not able to return them.
7. Wholesale orders and Corporate Gift Sales are not returnable for any reason.