Tinkerhouse Games

CREATOR

1 day 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.

Onward,

Mike, Lane, Chris, and Marshall

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