How to Fix a Misprinted or Damaged Game – Warranty and Replacement Guide

Quick Answer

If you receive a misprinted or damaged card game, first document the issue clearly, then contact Button Shy's customer service with photos and your order number. Most printing defects are covered under warranty, but physical damage from use typically isn't. Check the specific product page for replacement policies, and keep your proof of purchase handy.

Opening a new wallet game only to find a misprinted card or a damaged component is frustrating. Whether it's a smudged icon, a miscut edge, or a card that arrived bent, you want a fix without hassle. This guide walks you through the warranty and replacement process for Button Shy games, so you can get back to playing quickly.

Button Shy is known for its compact, wallet-sized games, but even the best quality control can occasionally miss a defect. Understanding what counts as a manufacturing issue versus normal wear helps you know what to expect when you contact support.

Diagnose the Problem: Is It a Defect or Damage?

Before contacting customer service, take a close look at the issue. Misprints—like off-center cutting, missing ink, or duplicate cards—are typically manufacturing defects. Physical damage, such as creases from bending or tears from rough handling, usually falls under normal wear and tear. Check if the damage occurred during shipping; if the packaging was crushed, that's a different conversation with the carrier.

For wallet games, which are designed to be compact, a slightly bent corner might happen in transit. If the card is still playable, you might decide it's not worth the replacement effort. But if the defect affects gameplay—like an unreadable card or a missing piece—it's worth pursuing.

• Take clear photos of the defect, including the product name and any visible batch codes.
• Note whether the issue affects one card or the entire game.
• Check the product packaging for any included warranty information.

Contact Button Shy Customer Service

Once you've documented the issue, reach out to Button Shy's customer service through their website. Include your order number, a description of the problem, and photos. Be specific: mention the exact product name and what's wrong. For example, 'The spaceshipped-expansion-collection-4250800277c8b6fc0f9e928d-933164">SpaceShipped Expansion Collection has a miscut card that affects the resource values.'

Response times vary, but most companies reply within a few business days. If you're within the return window, you might be offered a replacement or refund. For pre-order items like the boxed games shipping in January 2027, you'll likely need to wait for the official release before a replacement can be sent.

• Keep your order confirmation email for quick reference.
• If you bought from a retailer, contact them first—they often handle replacements directly.

Understand Warranty Coverage and Limitations

Button Shy's warranty typically covers manufacturing defects, not damage from misuse or normal wear. If your game is damaged because you accidentally spilled coffee on it, that's not covered. But if a card arrives with a printing error, you have a strong case for a replacement.

Some expansions, like the HeroTec: Job Insecurity Expansion, are only a few cards. The replacement process is the same, but the cost of shipping might be close to the product price. In such cases, consider whether a replacement is worth the effort or if you can live with the defect.

• Check if the product page mentions a specific warranty or replacement policy.
• For low-cost expansions, weigh the shipping cost against the product price.

When to Accept the Damage and Move On

Not every flaw requires a replacement. If a card has a minor cosmetic issue that doesn't affect gameplay, you might decide to keep it. This is especially true for wallet games where the cards are small and often shuffled. A slightly bent corner might not be noticeable during play.

Also, consider the product's availability. If a game is a pre-order or limited run, replacements might be delayed. In that case, you could ask for a partial refund or store credit instead. The goal is to get a playable game without unnecessary hassle.

• Ask yourself: does this defect affect my ability to play the game correctly?
• If not, you might prefer a small discount over a replacement.

Diagnosis: Symptom, Cause, Action, and Stop Point

• Symptom: You notice a misprint, miscut, or damaged card in your new game. Document the issue with photos and note the product name.
• Likely Cause: Manufacturing defect or shipping damage, not wear from normal use. If it's a defect, warranty likely applies; if shipping damage, contact the carrier.
• Corrective Action: Contact Button Shy customer service with your order number and photos. They will offer a replacement or refund if covered.
• Stop or Choose Another Option: If the cost of replacement (shipping, time) exceeds the product value, or if the defect is cosmetic and doesn't affect play, consider keeping the game or asking for a partial credit. Weigh the effort against the benefit before proceeding.

Products Mentioned in This Guide

• SpaceShipped Expansion Collection: The SpaceShipped Expansion Collection includes 3 expansions for the base game, using only 18 cards packed neatly in a little wallet. When an expansion is this compact, a single damaged card can ruin the whole pack. Knowing your replacement options ensures you can enjoy the full expansion without gaps.
• HeroTec: Job Insecurity Expansion: HeroTec: Job Insecurity is a 6-card expansion with rules for solo and 3-4 player games. For a small expansion, a misprint might be minor, but if it affects a rule card, it can confuse gameplay. A replacement might be simpler than you think.

Dealing with a misprinted or damaged game doesn't have to be a headache. By diagnosing the issue, contacting support with clear details, and knowing when to accept a minor flaw, you can get back to enjoying your wallet games. Remember, Button Shy's warranty is there for genuine defects, so don't hesitate to reach out when you have a real problem.