Last year, I bought RG Astray Red Frame from Michael's when I had 40% off coupon.
But while I was building it, I found one of the parts that makes the head was damaged.
As in the first picture, small protruding part on the left was broken.
Even after building it, it wasn't very noticeable, and I was thinking to use HG Red Dragon's head and swords to make RG Red Dragon (it was before real RG Red Dragon was announced), so I didn't mind too much, but decided to try Bluefin part replacement service.
That required the picture of the broken part, the receipt, box UPC and Bluefin (it was Bandai Namco at that time) logo sticker.
I filled everything, and filed the claim on Sep 3, 2025.
For a while there was nothing.
But on Oct 15, 2025, I got an email saying my request was approved and it was sent to the manufacturer. It was expected to arrive in 8 to 10 weeks.
Then... After 10 weeks, there was nothing.
Even after 20 weeks, there was nothing.
I kind of forgot that. It wasn't like I really needed it, and as real RG Red Dragon was released, I found that part was left unused in that kit, so I already repaired my old one.
By the way today, April 27, 2026, I found a cardboard envelope in my mailbox, and found it was from Bandai Namco. (2nd pic)
It was totally unexpected, but at least, surprised they actually fulfilled my request.
But... I had a bad feeling as it was an 'envelope', not a box.
And as expected (last pic), the part was damaged.
Due to the pressure, left side of the part was separated from the sprue, and that caused thin part to bend.
If you look carefully, left side is bent upward and barely attached.
Well, I don't know what to say.
This is the result of 7 months of waiting.
As I said, I already got that part from other kit as a leftover, so that didn't really matter to me, but if that were a part I really needed... I wouldn't want to think about it.
I don't know whether they would have used a better package if I had more parts or bigger parts, but at least, I think it is probably not worth to ask for one part.
If the same thing happens again, I think I will just buy a replacement part from Ali.
They might use parts from copied kits, but I think that would work better than waiting 7 months for DOA part.