robert piepenbrink  | 16 Aug 2025 9:36 a.m. PST |
So if Pendraken is right--and I have a lot of respect for them, and they should know--once everyone gets their act together I get charged 10% more on UK purchases and the UK firms need another piece of software? Funny: I thought the end of the world would be noisier, somehow. Hands up anyone here on the US side who can remember to within 10% what his last order from the UK cost. Kodiac and Goibinu are right, of course--or at least mostly right. Brits aren't cheated by US agents as often as they think they are, but it has happened. You'd need to be very sure of the people you're dealing with--and really, really need the US market. I'd love to see the numbers just for curiosity's sake. My guess is that the USA's relative importance as a market declines sharply with the size of the figures. By the time you get down to 6mm and 2mm, we're half or less--maybe much less--of the UK domestic market. |
 John the OFM | 16 Aug 2025 10:47 a.m. PST |
I justify ordering rather expensive fantastic figures from the UK on the grounds of "Holy moley! Look at the prices for an Ultramarine Apothecary, and it's plastic! But this individual figure is 1/4 that price."
I'm not building full cohorts of Romans, or 32 figure battalions of French Line. I'm buying an outstanding personality figures. 🤷 So, I talk myself into getting one of each.
I can suck up a 10% Government grab of my hard earned money, but I'm not going to like it. As for an English company licensing an American manufacturer, they've probably looked into it and rejected the idea for any number of valid reasons.
I wish they would, but I'm buying one figure at a time. |
| smithsco | 16 Aug 2025 11:00 a.m. PST |
Wargames Atlantic has set up manufacturing in the UK to sell globally and the US to sell to Americans while avoiding tariffs. It's clearly doable. |
 piper909 | 16 Aug 2025 11:10 a.m. PST |
I rush placed a large order from Wargames Foundry today rather than wait for a sale like I had been -- not taking the chance that I won't be able to make a purchase in the future, as a US customer. Are the people saying "Get over it," and "Just pay the extra cost" the same people freaking out when egg prices went up a few bucks last year? I get almost all my historical minis from the UK because I can't get the scale or the range or the quality from a US company. |
| KarlBergman | 16 Aug 2025 1:33 p.m. PST |
I will miss the occasional Victrix order due to the tariffs and will use it as an excuse to cut down on GW figure purchases. My primary source of miniatures is from GHQ which is a US producer, so I will not have to worry about paying direct import tariffs. On the other hand I am sure that their prices will go up as I believe that they import the pewter they use to make their miniatures. This is, as they say, a lose – lose situation. |
Old Glory  | 16 Aug 2025 3:45 p.m. PST |
The last 35 years "OLD GLORY" has manufactured and sold millions upon millions of miniatures-- and I have been pleased to see them displayed on countless tables at numerous wargame conventions.
I would say that under the roof of the OG factory we produce more scales, periods, genres buildings,then any other single firm in the world. 10mm, 15mm, 18mm, 25mm,40mm,
Historical,fantasy, sci-fi, horror, pulp, buildings,ships entire forts, castles, etc, etc,etc -- in all the various scales-- all made and produced right here in the United States.-- all through the years offering the greatest prices possible.
I fully understand that we may not be everyones cup of tea --
As we have never fostered any "snob appeal"
I am extremely proud that we have been able to fill wargamers armies and tables around the world with product -- but to try to ignore our contribution to the gaming world is beyond the pale. Sincerely
Russ Dunaway |
| korsun0 | 16 Aug 2025 4:36 p.m. PST |
I'll repeat myself.
Australia has very few manufacturers. We have a few resellers.
We have a weak currency.
We have to pay a lot for postage.
We get charged 10% gst on any purchase from overseas.
We still buy stuff. You just have to make allowances for tax/tariffs. You guys are catching up with the rest of the world. What I want to know is how it affects 2nd hand sales. For example if someone buys 2nd hand from me, will they get charged at their end? |
 McKinstry  | 16 Aug 2025 7:00 p.m. PST |
The tariff affects all goods so, for example, a used Army from Hines in the UK will incur the 10%. As I understand, private commerce between individuals is also subject to the tariff. I have no idea whether a birthday gift from the UK to a US relative would be subject but I suspect it will. I can live with 10 or 15% tariff but I think clarity as to execution is sorely lacking. Maybe actually having everything worked out to execute a policy and inform those affected before changing that policy might be a tad more efficient form government action. It is not as if national security or solvency is at risk if an additional 30-90 days worth of clearly defined and communicated rules and procedures for tariff assessment and collection for packages of $800 USD or less are promulgated. |
| Fighting 15s | 16 Aug 2025 7:17 p.m. PST |
It's not the 10% that's the issue. It's the requirement for the seller to prepay it to US customs, with no clear mechanism on how to do this or to show that the duty has been collected and paid. And of course the uncertainty about whether it will be 10% today, 50% tomorrow or 15% next week on presidential whim. |
| Colonel Veroo | 17 Aug 2025 12:05 a.m. PST |
Colonel, can you even get in touch with FAA? They seemed to have went defunct and radio silent after they purchased the range from Baxter. We must be living in different worlds. I've been buying consistently from them every since their relocation to Maryland, with the exception of their hiatus last year. The current owners have offered nothing but exemplary service. |
| goibinu | 17 Aug 2025 3:39 a.m. PST |
Wargames Atlantic has set up manufacturing in the UK to sell globally and the US to sell to Americans while avoiding tariffs. It's clearly doable. Again, seriously? Wargames Atlantic is not a small company. The average manufacturers in this hobby exist on a shoestring. I don't know where Americans get the idea that this side of the Atlantic are million dollar megacorps flogging figures ready to move production at the drop of a hat. A lot of them have fewer than ten employees, some are one man operations. Many have 'proper' jobs and do it as a sideline. They don't have the time, the wherewithal or the inclination to start a business in another country. Bear in mind, that because of the UK's stupid idea to exit the EU, a lot of Brit companies are still struggling with exports to Europe. It costs about £15.00 GBP to send a four inch square box weighing 2.5kg (because lead is heavy) from the UK to Ireland. |
| goibinu | 17 Aug 2025 3:45 a.m. PST |
Are the people saying "Get over it," and "Just pay the extra cost" the same people freaking out when egg prices went up a few bucks last year? is that a poke at me? I suggest you read the post again, especially the last sentence. I couldn't care less about the price of American eggs. No need to apologise for making incorrect assumptions… Are you seriously suggesting that to 'stay relevant' UK (and other European) manufacturers should find US casting companies, US mould makers, and US agents?Do you have any idea about licensing agreements, start-up costs and the maze of other legal stuff? It seems to me that a lot of Americans here are spitting the dummy because of decisions that their own government made, and expect European small businesses spend exorbitant amounts and take big risks just so you can continue buying their product. It's not going to happen, get over it. BTW, I'm Irish, not British. I probably dislike them more than you do. |
| smithsco | 17 Aug 2025 7:17 a.m. PST |
Wargames Atlantic started out pretty small but have aggressively grown their business and made the right calls at the right times in response to the pandemic, govt action, the rise of 3d printing. That's how free (or relatively free) markets work. It is economic reality. Things change. The assumption that business will continue as usual is exceptionally misguided. Protectionism comes and goes. Is it good for everyone? No. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Yes. Come up with solutions, be it to stop selling, adjust prices, or aggressively change your business model in a way that adds jobs in America. The US is the largest economy in the world and has one of the largest customer bases in the world. The whole point of all of this is to force businesses to do one of the three things I listed above. Based on this thread it appears to be working. |
| goibinu | 17 Aug 2025 10:39 a.m. PST |
@smithsco
I don't think any business is in any doubt about their options, but most Americans posting are moaning about companies who choose solution 1 or 2, and think that they should all adopt solution 3. I very much doubt that small companies are going to miss the hassle of servicing their demands. So, unless some enterprising US company is willing to give, say Navwar, an offer they can't refuse they are going to have to do without Navwar's product. Fiat lux. |
| jsmcc91 | 17 Aug 2025 12:16 p.m. PST |
Colonel, Thanks for the information! Have to go look. |
| smithsco | 17 Aug 2025 12:37 p.m. PST |
@goibinu I agree about the whining. Just pay the extra money or don't. If it is worth it to a buyer then paying 10% more isn't a big deal. I'll pay that to GW, Warlord, Baccus, and Empress. If it isn't worth it to a gamer that should be a sign to not complain. |
| Mister Tibbles | 17 Aug 2025 1:27 p.m. PST |
During trade negotiations, why didn't the UK reps argue that businesses under so much income would be exempt? |
| smithsco | 17 Aug 2025 1:36 p.m. PST |
My understanding is the end of de minimis is tied to Chinese firms like Temu. They were just going to sell cheap to other countries and the products would get to the US without a tariff by coming in via third party in small batches. I'm guessing most countries weren't expecting total end of de minimis. |
| McKinstry | 17 Aug 2025 2:22 p.m. PST |
The de minimus exemption for China went away a while ago as that was considered a fentanyl problem. I will continue to buy 6mm historical figures from Baccus and hopefully one day the Adler 6mm from Heroics. I will equally continue to buy 1/4800 metal WW1 and hopefully WW2 from Ark Royal, 1/2400 1860-1890 Ironclads from Tumbling Dice and 1/3000 Age of Sail from Forged in Battle. All of these are niche products and all are produced by small firms. I cannot get these in the US, do not want to resin print, strongly doubt any represent a big enough market to consider US manufacture and likely not a big enough market for a distribution deal. I will pay 10-15% extra but under no circumstances were these manufacturers "taking advantage" of the US and the tariff is simply a national sales tax on me. |
| robert piepenbrink | 17 Aug 2025 5:15 p.m. PST |
Russ, your limbers and a coach in 25mm are on my painting table as I type, and many others have been over the years. Long may you endure! There will be another order this fall. But your 2mm and 6mm lines are a bit limited, so I'll be back at the transatlantic trade--H&R, Baccus and Irregular--once we get the new administrative requirements sorted out. Believe me, it's nothing against Old Glory and its many fine products. |
 Dal Gavan | 17 Aug 2025 6:14 p.m. PST |
During trade negotiations, why didn't the UK reps argue that businesses under so much income would be exempt? How do you know they didn't, but got told "NO!"? |
| FlyXwire | 18 Aug 2025 4:43 a.m. PST |
Not just minis either, as I had my eye on a few KickStarter/Gamefound projects, which I bet are going to get all screwed up now. Btw, thirty years ago we were told NAFTA would make us all rich Amrericans too. :))) |
| dBerzerk | 18 Aug 2025 8:37 a.m. PST |
Do tariffs apply to international eBay purchases? -- Example: a U.S.A. Buyer wins an auction for a 24-figure unit of painted (used) 28mm figures from the UK? Does the U.S.A. Buyer pay tariff on the eBay purchase? |
| robert piepenbrink | 18 Aug 2025 9:16 a.m. PST |
Btw, thirty years ago we were told NAFTA would make us all rich Amrericans too. :))) We did that one a few weeks (months?) back, Fly. My Canadian fellow wargames all assured me that the whopping bill for selling castings north of the border wasn't a tariff: it was just money that was only ever charged on imported lead. (It's a touchy subject locally. This part of the country has never really recovered from NAFTA and the various China deals. You're never far from where a factory used to be, and the younger generation is still scrambling for jobs.) |
| McKinstry | 18 Aug 2025 10:59 a.m. PST |
Yes tariffs apply on international e-bay purchases. No idea how the sellers will handle but bumping the shipping costs to recoup the tariff seems most the simplest. |
| piper909 | 18 Aug 2025 10:23 p.m. PST |
How does buying toy soldiers from the UK or EU or Australia have anything to do with stopping fentanyl imports (or soft toys) from China? Or wherever? This problem has been wholly created by one man's ignorance and prejudices and meglomania, and attempts to rationalize it by some are ludicrous. This is a needless tax on goods. Extortion, if you like. Mob boss behavior to shake down other countries and place the cost on US consumers. |
| IUsedToBeSomeone | 19 Aug 2025 3:00 a.m. PST |
Ebay have currently suspended their Global Shipping Programme to the USA while they work out what to do with tariffs. But they haven't actually told anyone – apparently if you win a bid in the USa for a UK item you simply get told that the seller doesn't ship to your location… |
| FlyXwire | 19 Aug 2025 4:13 a.m. PST |
How does buying toy soldiers from the UK or EU or Australia have anything to do with stopping fentanyl imports (or soft toys) from China? You're right, it's a domestic problem based on demand – and the thirst of American society for drug abuse. |
| Sho Boki | 19 Aug 2025 6:51 a.m. PST |
Our Post Office has stopped accepting packages going to the USA.
Until they get their customs collection system up and running.
So I have nothing more to decide here.
I can't accept US orders. |
 Bobgnar | 19 Aug 2025 3:19 p.m. PST |
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| korsun0 | 19 Aug 2025 9:12 p.m. PST |
Ebay collects 10% gst at point of sale for stuff going to Australia. Can't see why it won't do the same with tariff %. |
| Valmy92 | 20 Aug 2025 8:58 a.m. PST |
My understanding of the, at least short term, problem is that the US government is requiring it to be prepaid on shipments without a mechanism in place for small businesses to actually do it. Hence they can't ship to the US until there is a way for them to comply. See Sho Boki's post above. |
| Sho Boki | 21 Aug 2025 7:20 a.m. PST |
Post Office restrictions is one thing, but other thing is how PayPal can handle Trump's tariffs. |
| FlyXwire | 22 Aug 2025 4:49 a.m. PST |
Again, you don't have to understand it, you will feel it. |
| Sho Boki | 23 Aug 2025 4:24 a.m. PST |
As I checked right now, PayPal don't have possibility to add Trump's tariffs to US customers. And as we know, PayPal owners are in Trump's team, these options probably won't appear there. And our Post Office will start requiring the recipient's phone number to send packages. |
| piper909 | 26 Aug 2025 7:47 a.m. PST |
Sally 4th, the Foundry, and Pulp Figures (Canada) have all recently announced a suspension of sales to US customers until they can decide how they can follow the new rules -- or IF they will even bother. This is not going away. The post about birthday gifts brings up something I'd not even thought about -- can I still send a gift to overseas pals without me or they being subject to added costs and paperwork? |
 Old Contemptible | 27 Aug 2025 12:08 a.m. PST |
How does the tariffs affect overseas painting services? I send figures overseas, have them painted and sent back to me. Specifically Sri Lanka and UK painting services. |
| robert piepenbrink | 29 Aug 2025 8:16 a.m. PST |
And today I received an e-mail from Victrix: shipping to the US has resumed, but their US prices will go up to reflect the tariff. The end of ordering wargame stuff from the UK lasted 15 days. |
| piper909 | 29 Aug 2025 11:42 a.m. PST |
My Foundry order has been caught up in a Royal Mail snafu of some sort. Their tracking shows it as "Delivered" (no address noted) a full four days BEFORE it was posted by Foundry! They're supposed to be looking into this for me, but I have over a hundred pounds sterling worth of minis sitting God knows where now and I blame tariff confusion for at least part of this. |
| ConnaughtRanger | 29 Aug 2025 1:50 p.m. PST |
So absolutely no trade at all between the UK and the USA for at least the next three and a half years? And there's apparently been absolutely no trade between the UK and the EU since "Brexit". Presumably, in the history of life on the planet, there have never been tariffs on trade between countries? |
