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Q: How can I find a certain item on the site?
A: We have a search function on the left side of the main page, in the navigation bar. Simply type in what you're searching for, and press 'Enter'. Our inventory can also be searched by a number of categories, such as dinosaur species, and product manufacturer. Categories can be quickly accessed by clicking their respective links on the left navigation bar. Click the "Advanced Search" link at the bottom of the main page to access it.
Q: How can I find more information about the product?
A: Simply click on any product to view extensive information, such as product dimensions, information about the artist, or details about the species depicted. Feel free to contact us for specific product inquiries.
Q: I'm looking for a particular item, but I can't find it on the site.
A: Requests for items can be sent to via our "Contact" page. If we can't get you a good deal on the item you're looking for, we'll try to find someone else who can.
Q: I am looking for a rare/retired item. Can you help?
A: Dan's Dinosaurs specializes in new items, but rare and retired items may occasionally be available. Since the condition of refurbished items can vary greatly, please contact the store manager prior to purchase to ensure expectations are met.
Q: How can I view the status of my order?
A: After logging in to your account, click "Account" at the top of the page. "Your Orders" will then display. Click the order you wish to view, then scroll to the "Shipping Details" near the bottom. The tracking number will be visible here for any orders that have shipped. Feel free to contact the store manager for additional details.
Q: What are your shipping costs?
A: You can view an estimate of shipping costs by viewing your cart. These costs are also visible on the final invoice. Please remember, the website is not always perfect in its shipping estimates, particularly for larger, more complex, or international orders. If any adjustment is necessary for final shipping costs, we will certainly do our best to inform you. If you believe your shipping cost seems inaccurate, please contact the store manager for assistance.
Q: What if my item arrives damaged?
A: We offer refunds and store credits to ensure the satisfaction of all customers. Simply contact us to report any problems regarding a purchase.
Q: What discounts do you offer?
A: Dan's Dinosaurs is proud to support educational and academic institutions with special discounts for affiliates of such organizations. In addition, some purchases may qualify for bulk discounts. Simply contact us with information about your company or organization, and we'll make arrangements for your discounts. In addition, you may find promotional codes that offer bonus discounts. Simply enter these codes during checkout to activate them.
Q: Is it true that you offer the best prices on wildlife replicas?
A: We do our best to offer a great selection of high quality products with excellent customer service, always at competitive prices. If you find any retailer selling an item for less, we want to know about it!
Q: What sort of customers does Dan's Dinosaurs attract?
A: Dan's Dinosaurs sells products to a diverse group of people - after all, who doesn't love animals and dinosaurs? Join our Facebook community to interact with paleontologists, artists, documentary filmmakers, and more. While our customer base is wide, we work hard to provide five-star service for each customer on an individual basis.
Q: Do you offer model kits or just finished models?
A: We carry both finished models and model kits for the seasoned dinosaur enthusiast. These pieces are for the mature collector, and their level of detail reflects their higher price range. Additionally, if you're interested in having a model finished for you, there are a number of artists willing to help for an additional fee. To inquire about buildup services, simply contact us at your convenience.
Q: Do you offer premium shipping services, such as expedited delivery?
A: Premium shipping services are available by request. Please notify the store manager before submitting an order to ensure your request is received prior to shipment.
Q: I received my shipment, but where is my paper invoice?
A: In the interest of conserving our planet's natural resources, Dan's Dinosaurs does not include paper invoices with every shipment. However, invoices may be printed from the checkout screen or from confirmation emails for personal records.
Q: I ordered a model kit, but it has not arrived yet. Why does it take so long?
A: Many of our model kits are cast to order and drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer. For this reason, it may be several weeks before the item is shipped out. If you believe your shipment is taking too long, please contact us to check on the status of your order.
Q: I sent a message, but haven't heard back. What's the deal?
A: We recommend checking your e-mail's spam filter settings. If they are too stringent, it is possible our e-mail response was automatically sent to your "spam" or "trash" folder. Please consider using our Facebook page if you do not receive a response within one business day.
Q: Do you offer insurance on shipments?
A: Insurance can be arranged for many shipments. Please contact us before placing an order if you wish to arrange this. Please note we cannot be held responsible for any parcel once the courier takes possession of it, nor can any compensation be provided in the event of parcel loss/theft.
Q: How can I be alerted the minute a new item arrives in stock?
A: All inventory updates are posted on the store's main page, as well as our Facebook page. Join Dan's Dinosaurs on Facebook and you'll be among the first to know about new releases and inventory updates. You may also find it helpful to regularly review the "New Releases" category.
Q: When will a certain item be in stock?
A: The release dates for most manufacturers are never exact, in the way one might expect for the release of a major motion picture. With Safari, they can release within a month of the ETA most of the time. With most other companies, the release schedule is less accurate. If they do provide an exact month, it's typically at least one month afterwards. Some shops will be happy to promise all kinds of information, even precise days, but they don't really have a clue. I only announce items when they are in-stock (or will be in stock in 48 hours). Join the Facebook page to be notified of new releases.
Q: What is the best way to take care of my dinosaurs?
A: Keep all predatory dinosaurs on a separate shelf from the others.
Q: No, seriously.
A: Product care and maintenance can vary a bit depending on the medium. However, most items should be kept away from extreme temperatures and excessive sunlight, which may warp the figures and cause paint to fade over time. For delicate models, an air can or makeup brush is recommend for regular dusting; anything heavier may cause damage. Display in low-traffic areas or glass cabinets is generally a good idea for high-end pieces, to offer additional protection from the elements.
Q: I noticed some pieces, like the resin models, are much higher in price. Why is this?
A: Resin models are produced by individual artists, not large manufacturing companies. Their pricing reflects the outstanding quality and craftsmanship of the model. Resin models capture details in a crisper, sharper manner than most mass-produced figures. Every scale and wrinkle is visible in the sculpt. They represent the artist's uncompromising vision of the subject, focused on the aesthetics and science without having to please marketing teams or business executives. A professional buildup draws upon years of experience painting prehistoric subjects. The artist can take his time to add layers of depth, blending, and specialized attention that is typically found only in world-class museum exhibits. Realistic taxidermy-style glass eyes, shimmering water, and soft foliage components all contribute to an outstanding level of realism and authenticity in these models. Please contact the store manager to inquire about buildup services for resin models.
Q: Are the Max Salas models going to be available again?
A: Max Salas has discontinued the models to focus on his primary career. The models remain visible on the website for posterity.
Q: Can you help me get in touch with a specific artist?
A: We can certainly help with this. However, while I can understand the desire to reach out to an artist, it may be worth considering whether this is necessarily the best option in any given situation. We strongly recommended that customers contact the store through which any order is placed, rather than a producer/artist. I realize it may sound silly, but not everyone has the organizational, communication, and management skills necessary to ensure orders are processed smoothly (There is a reason so many artists have come to rely on Dan's Dinosaurs since 2009, after all). I have seen some surprisingly unfortunate developments as a direct result of buyers trying to contact to an artist, resulting in anything from hurt feelings and lost packages, to complete cancellation of orders. If you are not sure about the best approach, please contact us, and we'll be happy to help.
Q: My vinyl figure has some trouble balancing because the limb is slightly askew. Is there anything I can do?
A: Some vinyl figures may benefit from a special hot water treatment. To do this, simply insert the affected area (in this case, it may be a single misaligned leg) into a cup of hot water for approximately 40 seconds. Once the vinyl becomes pliable, push the softened section into the desired position, which can be more easily maintained using various household objects such as rubber bands. Leave the figure in this position for 24 hours, then check to see if the issue is corrected.
Q: If I place a preorder to reserve an upcoming item, will I be charged right away?
A: The store site currently charges for preorders immediately, although we are working with the service provider to determine a better way to implement this feature. If you are not comfortable paying before an item is released, please contact the store manager, and we will do our best to help find an arrangement that suits you.