FAQs
Building & Difficulty
How hard are the kits to build?
Most of our kits are designed for beginners and intermediate builders. Each kit comes with a full-color, step-by-step illustrated instruction guide, no prior experience needed. If you can follow instructions and enjoy working with your hands, you'll do great.
How long does assembly take?
It depends on the kit. Simpler kits take around 3–4 hours, while more detailed builds can take anywhere from 6–15 hours. We list the estimated assembly time on each product page. Many builders enjoy spreading the process over a few evenings, there's no rush.
Do I need any special tools or skills?
No special skills required. Most kits include the small tools you need. You will need to have your own glue and batteries (see below), and having tweezers on hand makes handling small pieces easier. Check out this article for more tips on what tools to choose:
What's Included / Not Included
Why doesn't my kit come with glue or batteries?
Due to international air shipping regulations, glue and batteries cannot be included in the package. This is standard across all miniature kit brands, not just us.
What type of glue should I use?
We recommend a clear silicone-based craft glue or PVA wood glue. Elmer's Multi-Purpose Glue and Aleene's Tacky Glue both work well. For faster bonding, a small amount of gel super glue can be useful on structural pieces. Avoid runny glues, they're hard to control on small parts.
What batteries do I need?
Most kits use 2-3 AAA batteries for the LED lighting. Check the product page or your instruction booklet for the specific requirement for your kit.
What exactly comes in the box?
Every kit includes pre-cut wooden pieces, all miniature accessories and furniture shown in the product images, LED lighting components, and a full-color illustrated instruction guide. Some kits also include small assembly tools.
Shipping & Orders
Where do you ship from and how long does delivery take?
We ship from our fulfillment warehouse, with most US orders arriving within 7–14 business days. International delivery times vary by destination. You'll receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.
Can I track my order?
Yes, you'll receive a tracking link by email as soon as your order is dispatched. If you haven't received it within 3 business days of ordering, check your spam folder or reach out to us at help@minicessories.com.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes! We offer free shipping on all orders over $35.
Returns & Damaged Items
What if something arrives damaged or a piece is missing?
Please reach out to us within 14 days of receiving your order with a photo of the issue. We'll send replacement pieces as quickly as possible — we want your build to go smoothly.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns on unopened, unused kits within 30 days of purchase. Because these are intricate DIY kits, we're unable to accept returns on opened items. If something isn't right with your order, please contact us and we'll make it right.
Product Questions
Are these kits suitable for children?
Our kits are recommended for ages 14 and up. They contain very small pieces that can be a choking hazard, and the assembly requires patience.
Do the lights need to be plugged in or are they battery powered?
It varies by kit, most use batteries (AAA), while some include a USB power cable for LED lighting. Check the product page for your specific kit's power source.
Can I buy replacement pieces if I lose or break something?
Yes — if a piece breaks or goes missing during assembly, just contact us with your order details and a description of the piece. We'll do our best to get you sorted.
I finished my kit — how do I keep it clean and dust-free?
Congrats! We hope you have a sense of accomplishment. A soft brush or a can of compressed air works well for gentle dusting. For longer-term display, a clear acrylic dust cover (sold separately at most craft stores) is the best way to protect your finished build.