FAQ: Mandatory Failure: Schlock Mercenary Book 18
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!

What is a sketch edition?

The last page of the book MANDATORY FAILURE is left blank on purpose. If you purchase a sketch edition, then Howard will hand draw a sketch on that page. The sketch will also be numbered and there are a limited number available.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 07:21

Can I increase my pledge now to cover add on items I intend to add later?

Yes! In fact that is a fantastic way to help our project reach stretch goals. Pricing for items is available in our store shop.schlockmercenary.com.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 07:21

Why is international shipping so high?

We expect the weight for this book + packaging to be 2.5 lbs. Last summer the average cost for shipping to the EU for a package of that weight was $30 per package. Some were as low as $25, others were $55. Shipping to places like Australia were even more. By setting international shipping costs at $30, we’re actually risking that some of the packages will lose us money. But we like offering a flat rate so that backers know exactly what to expect and can pay the shipping cost up front instead of being surprised by it later. Things get trickier once we start adding additional merchandise, which is why we’re waiting until the Backerkit survey to allow most add on items. That way you’ll have a live shipping calculator that uses your specific address to let you know how much additional cost will get attached to your package. I wish I could make shipping cost less, but this is the reality of shipping from the United States right now.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 07:47

Why does US shipping cost so much?

We expect the weight for this book + packaging to be 2.5 lbs. The postal service rounds up to to the nearest pound when calculating shipping costs. When shipped Priority Mail 3lb packages range in price from $10-$40 depending on destination. Fortunately the USPS offers flat rate boxes which cost $15 no matter where it goes. So I’ve set the price of shipping at $15 because I’m guaranteed that I can ship for that price. Media mail is not a good option for this project as many of the packages will contain coins which do not qualify for media mail shipping.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 07:21

Will VAT be included for international orders?

We will do all we can to set things up so that your package will arrive to you with pre-paid VAT costs. However with all the different rules for various countries we can’t guarantee that your package will arrive without you having to pay a VAT fee.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 08:36

I live near you, can I just pick up my order?

We don’t have a mechanism to allow this without making personal appointments. Individual appointments to pick things up are a huge burden on Sandra’s schedule. We’d have to apply a surcharge to pay for her time which would be roughly equal to, or more than, the shipping cost.

Last updated: September 19, 2023 08:36

Shipping Updates
For the most up-to-date information about the status of our project, check our project updates on Kickstarter!
No shipping updates are provided.
BackerKit FAQ

What is BackerKit?

BackerKit is a service that crowdfunded project creators use to keep track of hundreds to tens of thousands of backers—from shipping details, pledge levels, preferences and quantities, whether they have paid or had their card declined, special notes, and everything in between!

The BackerKit software and support team is independent from the campaign’s project team—BackerKit does not handle the actual reward shipping. For more information about the preparation or delivery status of your rewards, please check the project's updates page.

How does BackerKit work?

After the campaign ends, the project creator will send you an email with a unique link to your survey. You can check out a walkthrough of the process here.

I never received my invitation. How do I complete the survey?

The most common reasons for not receiving a survey email is that you may be checking an email inbox different from the email address you used to sign up with Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account, or it may be caught in your spam filter.

Confirm that the email address you are searching matches the email address tied to your Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Tilt Pro account. If that doesn’t work, then try checking your spam, junk or promotions folders. You can also search for "backerkit” in your inbox.

To resend the survey to yourself, visit the project page and input the email address associated with your Kickstarter, Indiegogo or Tilt Pro account.

How do I update my shipping address?

BackerKit allows you to update your shipping address until the shipping addresses are locked by the project creator. To update your address, go back to your BackerKit survey by inputting your email here.

When will my order be shipped, charged or locked?

That is handled directly by the project creator. BackerKit functions independently of the project itself, so we do not have control of their physical shipping timeline. If you want to check on the project’s status, we recommend reading over the project's updates page.

I completed the survey, but haven't received my rewards yet. When will they arrive?

As BackerKit does not actually handle any rewards or shipping, the best way to stay updated on the shipping timeline would be to check out the project's updates page.

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