Latest from the Creator
Tinkerhouse Games
about 1 month ago
34 - First Look at the packaging. Finally a Timeline. Note about updated tariffs [and what you can do].
First Look at the Vault Packaging
We’re excited to share a first look at the packaging for the Vault of Mini Things! We’ve been working hard to make sure the unboxing experi...
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PROJECT UPDATE
Tinkerhouse Games
CREATOR
15 days ago
Project Update: 35 - Tariffs and Timeline Follow up
Hey Vaulters,
We’re back with another production update! As always, thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to bring The Vault of Mini Things to life. Let’s get into it:
Campaign
First, a quick status update:
We’re still waiting for our manufacturer to complete and send the final white sample for the Vault. While we were hoping to have it in hand by now, this phase is critical—this is where we confirm that everything fits, functions, and meets the quality standards we’ve promised.
We know delays are frustrating. When we last updated, we shared that production had entered the pre-production phase: final engineering, tooling prep, and blank sample verification. While the timeline has slipped again, we’re still moving steadily forward and remain committed to the current plan.
Feature: Bookcases, Doors, and Durable Changes
Behind the scenes, the team has been working through another key round of proofing.
- The manufacturer sent back some proposed changes to the door props, but after review, we weren’t thrilled with their edits. We’re pushing back to keep the look and function true to our original designs. This is design/desire vs. functionality/practicality, and we’ll continue to provide updates as we sort out this issue.
- Dungeon bookcases also needed minor engineering adjustments. Our factory requested larger connection tabs for long-term durability, so we’ve updated the artwork accordingly. Here’s a preview of the revised bookcases—we’d love to hear what you think!
Feature: About That 3cm…
As we mentioned previously, The Vault includes a lot of components that must be punched out and organized. Until you punch and sort your Vault, the box will ship about 3cm taller than its final packed-down size. This ensures that everything arrives safely and securely. Once organized, the Vault lid will close completely and store neatly on your shelf—yes, it still fits a standard IKEA Kallax!
Feature: From Terrain Trays to Injection-Molded Trays
You may notice a difference from what we originally showed during the campaign:
Early on, we envisioned the Vault using swappable terrain trays for modular organization. After live-play testing, engineering iterations, and feedback from our manufacturing partners, we decided to upgrade to injection-molded plastic trays (top row of image below) and include multiple nested boxes for standee organization instead.
- The new trays are custom-fitted to the Vault’s terrain, props, and larger standees.
- They’re durable, faster to set up, and easier to re-pack.
- We plan to include additional trays in the Terrain Add-on packs so you might get that 3cm or more in box height!
Here are some renders of the updated component trays you’ll be getting:
This move helps ensure long-term durability—something we committed to from the very beginning.
Advocacy: Standing Up for Our Industry
In addition to production work, we’ve been doing something else important behind the scenes:
We’ve joined a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Section 301 tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.
These tariffs—which added as much as 25%–50% in extra taxes to goods made in China—have had a major impact across the tabletop industry. As a small business that designs products here in the U.S. but relies on international manufacturing, these extra taxes threaten not just our margins, but the very ability for small creators to bring products like the Vault to your table.
We’re proud to be standing alongside Stonemaier Games and Princess Awesome & Boy Wonder in this lawsuit, represented by Pacific Legal Foundation.
You can read more about it here: Board Game Company Files Lawsuit Challenging Constitutionality of Trump Tariffs.
This isn’t just about the Vault—it’s about making sure that small creative businesses have a fighting chance to survive and thrive, without being crushed by unconstitutional taxes. We’re fighting not just for us, but for the future of independent gaming, and for everyone who loves to tell stories at the table.
Community
Over the course of this project, we’ve said that our guiding principles are: utility, durability, portability, and beauty. Every adjustment we’ve made—whether it’s delaying shipping, upgrading from terrain trays to molded trays, or reworking art for better function—is in service to those promises.
And standing up against harmful, unconstitutional policies? That’s about protecting the ability to keep building beautiful, useful things for you.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
We’re getting closer every day, and we can’t wait to deliver The Vault of Mini Things to your table.
Onward,
Mike, Lane, Chris, and Marshall
Mike, Lane, Chris, and Marshall
Bronze Tier
This user contributed to this community!
Hello. Following your last update two items from the timeline should of been met at this point. Did the Blank Sample come in around the 9? Did the digital proofs come in as expected on the 15? Thank you for your time and effort on this project.
PROJECT UPDATE
Tinkerhouse Games
CREATOR
about 1 month ago
Project Update: 34 - First Look at the packaging. Finally a Timeline. Note about updated tariffs [and what you can do].
First Look at the Vault Packaging
We’re excited to share a first look at the packaging for the Vault of Mini Things! We’ve been working hard to make sure the unboxing experience feels just as magical as what’s inside. Below you’ll find renders and a short video that showcase how the Vault will arrive at your doorstep.
Manufacturing Schedule Confirmed
We’ve finally received a full production timeline from the factory, and we’re passing it along to you the same day we got it. Here’s how the next few months are shaping up:
- Blank sample ready: April 9
This includes the outer box, standees, clips, and basic structural components. It will ship via 3-day service to us, and we’ll post a full update with images the week of April 14. - Digital print proofs of all Vault contents: April 15
These are the final digital layouts of all printed elements, ready for approval. - Tray insert samples shipped to us: April 22
We’ll be reviewing the physical fit and finish of the interior tray system. - Final approval of all components (blank sample, inserts, standees, clips): April 28
- Mass production begins: April 30
- Mass production completes: June 27
- Outbound freight ready for pickup: July 2
At this point, everything will be packed up and ready to begin its journey to our fulfillment hubs. Shipping will take 2–3 months depending on the final destination.
This is the most complete schedule we’ve had to date, and it’s incredibly exciting to see it all moving forward in sync.
Pre-Orders Closing May 5
Assuming this timeline stays on track, we’ll be closing pre-orders and collecting shipping fees on May 5. We’ll send reminders as that date approaches, but if you’ve got friends or fellow adventurers still thinking about it—now’s the time to act!
About Those Blank Samples…
You may remember that we were previously told the blank samples would be ready in late March. However, based on this updated timeline from the factory, that step was delayed. The new target is April 9, and the samples will be shipped to us via 3-day service. Once they arrive, we’ll share detailed photos and walk you through what we received.
A Note About Tariffs
As we’ve mentioned before: we will not raise prices on U.S. backers of the Vault of Mini Things. But we want to take a moment to let you know what’s happening, and ask for your help.
The latest move by the U.S. administration to impose a 54% tariff on products imported from China is devastating news for the tabletop industry—and it could ripple far beyond just games.
Our industry depends on overseas manufacturing. Tariffs like these aren’t paid by foreign countries—they’re paid by U.S. companies, and ultimately, U.S. consumers. For small publishers like us, this kind of added cost is something we can’t absorb without either raising prices or scaling back operations. And we’re not alone.
Nearly a third of all goods Americans use every day are imported—from clothes and appliances to entertainment and games. These new tariffs will mean higher prices on just about everything, and they’ll hit games particularly hard.
This one-two punch—higher costs for publishers and higher prices for consumers—could lead to layoffs, canceled product lines, and even closures throughout the tabletop world. And while some suggest we simply “make it in the U.S.,” the reality is that the infrastructure for affordable, large-scale production just doesn’t exist here right now.
We believe this policy is short-sighted, harmful to small businesses, and dangerous to the broader economy.
What You Can Do
We’re asking our U.S. backers to contact your representatives and senators and urge them to oppose these new tariffs. It only takes a few minutes, and it could make a real difference.
• Find your Representative at house.gov
• Find your Senators at senate.gov
Let them know you care about small publishers, creative industries, and affordable access to the games you love. Help us protect this community we’ve built together.
That’s All for Now!
Thanks as always for going on this journey with us. We know it’s been a long road, and we’re so grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm. It means the world to this small team.
We’ll be back the week of April 14 with blank sample photos, and more behind-the-scenes updates as production ramps up. Until then, stay awesome.
We’ll be back the week of April 14 with blank sample photos, and more behind-the-scenes updates as production ramps up. Until then, stay awesome.
Onward,
Mike, Lane, Chris, and Marshall
Gold Tier
This user is a top contributor to this community!
Hey folks, just curious, as I had seen a message to say we're still on track for a Summer (June/July/August) fulfillment - are we still in "Pre-Production"? Or have we entered Mass Production by now? Given the size and scope of the project, Mass Production could take 8+ weeks, which would mean that if it started today, it wouldn't finish until June. Then we're already into Summer. When Mass Production does end, it'll take time to pack it all up, organize Freight, and actually have it shipped to final Fulfillment centers. With all going well this could all easily take another two months, which would mean the best guess is landing in each region in August. Now we're nearing the end of Summer. Then Final Fulfillment can take a while to get through customs, travel to warehouses, pick-and-pack orders, ship them out, and deliver to the customer. This could easily be another month, which means we'd be looking at September, we're into Autumn / Fall territory then. And all this would rely on us being in Mass Production now, or entering Mass Production within the next week or two... Are we really still on track for Summer? Or should we start to shift our expectations to Autumn / Fall? Either way is fine by me, I want this product to be the very best it can be, I hope to be using it for many, many years to come! I'm more so just curious and want to make sure expectations are adjusted according with more realistic timelines. I've seen way too many projects that don't communicate this kind of stuff and it only leads to anger and frustration later on if people aren't aware.
PROJECT UPDATE
Tinkerhouse Games
CREATOR
about 2 months ago
Project Update: 33 - Quick Update
Hey everyone,
Chris here with a quick update. I know it’s been a bit since you last heard from us, and I wanted to explain why that is.
Simply put: we’ve been holding off on a new update because we’ve been waiting to get some key samples back from our manufacturer. The goal is to have actual, real-world images to show you, not just renders or prototypes. We want to put visuals in front of you that show the product in progress—so you can see what we’ve been seeing as it all comes together.
As I mentioned recently in the comments (and big thanks to Sharon D. and our Canadian friends for keeping the conversation lively!), there’s a lot of unpredictability right now—especially around global shipping, tariffs, and fulfillment. But here’s what hasn’t changed: our commitment to our backers.
We are absolutely not going to surprise you with extra charges due to tariff changes or shipping spikes. We’ve fulfilled products from multiple hubs in the past to make things easier for you, and we’ll continue to do that. You’ll see shipping costs ahead of time, and if anything seems out of whack, we’re happy to work with you—or issue a refund if needed.
To our Canadian community: we’re actively looking into the best fulfillment options for you. We've already reached out to Board Game Bliss and are awaiting a response from them. We’ve got nearly 100 Canadian backers, so this is something we’re taking seriously.
On the US side, there’s been a lot of talk about tariffs, and we’re right there with you. We’re hoping to absorb those additional costs for our backers, even if it means increasing MSRP for retail down the line. The important thing: if you’re a backer, your price is locked. Period.
All of the artwork—including the packaging—is done. We’re in the late-stage production pipeline, and just waiting on some final pieces to come in so we can share progress photos and lock down the next steps. We’re hoping that shipment lands soon, and the moment it does, you’ll be seeing a big, photo-heavy update from us.
Community
We know the wait isn’t easy, but we truly appreciate your patience as we get everything right. The next update will be all about visuals—photos, packaging, components, and layout. We’ve come this far with your support, and we’re determined to finish strong and deliver something amazing.
Onward,
Mike, Lane, Chris, and Marshall
