As a board game manufacturer with years of experience helping creators bring their ideas to life, we understand the challenges of choosing the right manufacturing partner. At Hero Time, we specialize in making board game production simple, transparent, and efficient. While we are based in China, we recognize that many creators initially consider manufacturing in the USA before exploring global options. If you are weighing your choices, here’s what you need to keep in mind.

 

Quality and Expertise Matter

The first thing you should evaluate in any manufacturer is their expertise in producing board games. Not all printing and manufacturing companies specialize in board games, which require precise cutting, durable materials, and high-quality components that can withstand repeated play.

From our experience, many manufacturers in the USA focus primarily on book printing or general packaging rather than board game production. This can result in limitations when it comes to component customization, material choices, and overall cost efficiency. Board game manufacturing is a niche industry, and working with a company that understands the ins and outs of game production makes a significant difference.

 

Cost and Affordability

Manufacturing in the USA offers benefits such as shorter shipping distances and easier communication. However, cost is often a major concern for game creators. The reality is that manufacturing board games in the USA is considerably more expensive than in China due to higher labor costs, material costs, and operational expenses.

At Hero Time, we own our factory and maintain strict quality control while offering competitive pricing. Because we are based in China, we can take advantage of lower manufacturing costs while still ensuring top-notch quality. We also invest in eco-friendly production processes, ensuring that our products meet international safety and sustainability standards.

 

Customization and Component Variety

When creating a board game, customization is key. The best manufacturers should offer a variety of materials, components, and finishes to make your game unique. In our experience, some USA-based manufacturers may have limitations in terms of custom pieces, miniatures, or specialized printing techniques.

We have found that many of our clients initially struggle to find a manufacturer that can meet their specific needs before turning to us. With our extensive network of suppliers and expertise in board game production, we can provide everything from premium wooden components to high-quality plastic miniatures and custom packaging.

 

Communication and Transparency

One of the biggest concerns we hear from game creators is the lack of transparency in the manufacturing process. Some manufacturers operate as middlemen, outsourcing production to other facilities without direct oversight. This can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and inconsistencies in quality.

At Hero Time, we believe in full transparency. We work directly with game creators throughout the entire process, from prototype development to final production and shipping. Our team provides regular updates, detailed quality checks, and hands-on support to ensure that your vision is realized exactly as you imagined it.

 

Shipping and Fulfillment

Shipping costs and logistics are another critical factor to consider. While manufacturing in the USA may seem like the easiest option for domestic creators, the reality is that most board games are sold and distributed globally. International shipping from the USA can be expensive, and many fulfillment centers are already set up to receive shipments directly from China.

We have established relationships with global fulfillment centers, allowing us to streamline the shipping process and reduce costs for our clients. Whether you’re distributing your game through Kickstarter, retail channels, or direct-to-consumer sales, we can help you navigate the logistics efficiently.

 

The Hero Time Advantage

We started Hero Time because we saw the challenges game creators face when working with manufacturers. We’ve made it our mission to provide a seamless, transparent, and high-quality production process. Unlike many other manufacturers, we own our factory and employ a dedicated team of skilled professionals who take pride in their work.

Our certifications, including Disney FAMA, ISO, FSC, and BSCI, ensure that every game we produce meets the highest industry standards. More importantly, we prioritize ethical manufacturing practices, ensuring fair wages and a positive work environment for our employees.

 

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right board game manufacturer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in bringing your game to life. While manufacturing in the USA has its benefits, it often comes with higher costs and fewer customization options. However, with the recent tariffs added on imports to the USA, we have found a way to minimize these costs for our clients.

Through our consolidated shipping strategy, we distribute the 10% tariff across multiple shipments within the same container, reducing the total additional cost to just 3% of the total order value. This method has already been successfully implemented for our European clients, allowing us to offer a cost-effective solution for US-based game creators.

Additionally, when we handle fulfillment and ship directly to end customers, we ensure that all duties, VAT, and tariffs are included upfront. We further subsidize these costs by significantly lowering overall shipping expenses. Beyond cost savings, we take care of all customs clearance and logistics, providing a seamless door-to-door delivery experience.

As a trusted partner in board game production, we invite you to explore the possibilities of working with Hero Time. Our goal is to make the process easy, reliable, and affordable so you can focus on what matters most—bringing your game to the world.

If you’re ready to start your board game manufacturing journey, we’re here to help. Let’s create something amazing together.