TAT

What is TAT?

TAT stands for Turn Around Time -- the production wait period between placing a custom or made-to-order fantasy toy order and receiving shipment notification.

Why Does Every Buyer Watch TAT?

In the fantasy toy community, TAT is one of the most frequently discussed and compared metrics. When you place a made-to-order custom order, your toy does not exist yet. It needs to be poured, cured, demolded, trimmed, inspected, and prepared for shipping. TAT is the total time that process takes, measured from order placement to the day tracking information is provided.

A typical TAT in the fantasy toy industry ranges from 4 to 12 weeks, though some high-demand makers with deep queues can stretch to 16 weeks or beyond during peak seasons.

What Factors Affect TAT?

Several factors influence how long you will wait. The maker's current queue depth is the primary driver -- a maker with 200 orders ahead of yours will naturally take longer than one with 20. Production complexity matters too: a split firmness pour with a cumtube takes more steps and drying time than a standard single-firmness piece.

Seasonal demand creates TAT fluctuations throughout the year. Holiday seasons, major sales events, and customs openings after long closures all generate order surges that extend wait times. Many makers update their estimated TAT on their shop page and social media to set buyer expectations accurately.

What Is Proper TAT Etiquette?

The community has developed strong norms around TAT. Contacting a maker to ask about your order status before the posted TAT has elapsed is generally considered poor etiquette. Makers are often solo operators or small teams juggling production, customer service, photography, and shipping. Premature inquiries add stress and slow down the very production you are waiting for.

That said, if the posted TAT has passed and you have received no update, a polite inquiry is completely appropriate. Most makers communicate proactively about delays, but life happens, and a gentle check-in is understood as reasonable.

How Does TAT Vary Across Makers?

TAT varies dramatically across the industry. Some smaller indie makers maintain impressively short 2 to 3 week turnarounds by limiting their order volume. Others with massive followings and complex product lines may quote 8 to 12 weeks as standard. Neither is inherently better -- it depends on the maker's capacity, production methods, and quality standards.

When choosing between makers, weigh TAT against other factors like material quality, colorway options, model selection, and reputation. A longer wait from a maker known for exceptional quality and consistency is often more satisfying than a quick turnaround from an unproven shop.

How Does TAT Differ from Shipping Time?

An important distinction: TAT covers production time only, ending when the maker ships the package. Actual delivery depends on the shipping method and destination. International orders can add 1 to 4 weeks of transit time on top of the production TAT. Always factor both into your timeline expectations.