Questions?
F.A.Q.
The things people ask us most, answered.
The inserts
How are your inserts made?
Every insert is made in our Michigan workshop on FDM (fused deposition modeling) machines, a type of 3D printing, using PLA (polylactic acid), a sturdy plastic made from plants like corn. Each piece is built up layer by layer from our own designs, then checked, cleaned up and packed by hand.
Do I have to put it together?
Nope. No glue and no assembly. The trays come ready to drop into your box. And, wow, as someone who has assembled dozens of wooden inserts... I can tell you... not having to assemble the insert is a treat.
Will my sleeved cards fit?
If the listing says it fits sleeved cards, it’s made for cards in single sleeves up to 60 microns thick, which covers most standard sleeves. Thicker premium sleeves, oversized sleeves and double-sleeving may not fit. If you want to double-check, feel free to shoot us an email and we can let you know exactly how much space is there to fit your chunky stack of cards into.
What about expansions and upgraded pieces?
Check the Compatibility section on each listing. It lists which expansions fit. Upgraded pieces, like metal coins or deluxe tokens, aren’t accounted for unless the listing says so. But if you'd like to double-check, send us an email and we'll do our best to answer.
Can my insert handle heat?
Our inserts can soften and warp in high heat, starting around 122–149°F (50–65°C). Normal room temperatures are no problem at all, but a closed car on a summer day, an attic, or a sunny windowsill can get that hot. Keep your games out of those spots and your insert will stay in great shape.
I want an insert for [your favorite game here], why haven’t you made one?
Maybe I haven’t heard of that game. Or maybe I don’t like it. Or maybe I can’t afford it. Or maybe I didn’t Kickstart/Gamefound it. Or maybe it’s on my list. I don’t know! I started by making an insert for every board game in our personal collection that needed one. Now we make inserts for games other people like but we might not necessarily include in our collection. If it is a popular game, we’ll likely see what we can do! If you’d like, you can request it. Or if you don’t want to wait, you can commission one.
Colors & pricing
What colors can I choose?
Depending on the design, you can pick from:
- Basic colors: the whole insert in white, gray, black, beige or brown. This is our quickest option and the best value.
- Colored as Shown: every tray in the colors you see in the photos. It costs a bit more because it uses several colors and more hands-on time.
- Custom Color: the whole insert in any of 50 shades, 25 regular and 25 matte. It’s $10 more than a basic color, and the color can’t be changed once your order is placed.
Colored as Shown and Custom Color orders can take a few extra days to ship, since some of those colors get ordered just for your insert. If we’re restocking a basic color, you’ll see a note on the product page, and those orders can take a few extra days too. Colors look a little different on every screen, so expect a close match rather than an exact one.
Why does the “Colored as Shown” option cost more?
The cost is determined by how custom the color is and how many different colors are used for the trays. Sometimes some trays are even multi-colored. All of these factors change material cost, production time, complexity, etc. It is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest for us to make an insert in one basic color we have on hand (i.e. black or white or gray, etc), so those options are typically cheaper!
What goes into the cost of an insert?
There are many factors that go into an insert costing money, but they all include these:
- Purchasing the game (and expansions)
- Measuring every single component
- Figuring out how to make it all fit in the box (this is more difficult with expansions)
- Designing every tray, making sure they are easy to use and take out of the box
- Making prototypes to ensure proper fit
- Making a final copy once everything works
- Photographing insert
- Videoing insert
- Sharing it with you!
- Then—all the costs of running a business and getting it to you.
Orders & shipping
Why doesn’t my order ship the next day?
Every insert is made just for you after your order is placed, and that takes a little bit of time. Most orders ship within 3–5 business days. If you picked a custom color we don’t have on hand, it may take a few extra days while we get it in.
Why don’t you work on weekends?
Because we are too busy playing board games!
Where do you ship?
We ship to all 50 US states, Washington DC, and military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO). We don’t ship internationally or to US territories yet. Hopefully soonish!
How do I track my order?
You can track the progress of the creation of your order on the account page. There you can track exactly where your order is in the entire process.
You’ll get an email with tracking as soon as your order ships. We ship with USPS Ground Advantage, which usually takes 2–5 business days to arrive.
Why do I have to pay for shipping?
We’re a small family shop, so we don’t have a giant warehouse network to cover shipping costs. What you pay at checkout is what the carrier charges us, with no markup. Orders of $150 or more ship free, on us!
Can I cancel or change my order?
Yes, within 24 hours of ordering, as long as we haven’t started making it. Email orders@boardgamemeta.com with your order number. If we've already started making your order we may be able to offer a partial refund. Custom Color orders can’t be changed once we’ve ordered your color.
Can I return it?
Every insert is made just for you, so all sales are final. That includes changing your mind or ordering the wrong game or color if we've already made your order. If your order arrives damaged, or a piece doesn’t fit even though your box matches our photos, we’ll make it right. Learn more
What if my insert arrives broken?
Email us within 7 days of delivery with a photo of the damaged piece and the packaging, and we’ll make and send you a replacement for that tray. If a replacement isn’t possible, we’ll refund it instead. Learn more