Hi Wayne, I've done some Google searches and this may help:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0252-warranties
If you scroll down below, there is a section called 'implied warranty' that may be of assistance when dealing with Sideshow. It looks like this law covers most states in the US
Also check out the below link:
https://thelemonfirm.com/lemon-law/c...ng-beverly-act
Or Google California song beverly act (that's if Sideshow headquarters is located in California which a Google search appears to support that).
The act says:
The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (CA Civil Code § 1790-1795.8) covers all consumer retail goods sold in California that are under an implied or express warranty, which includes automobiles. The law specifies that all consumer goods are covered under an implied warranty of merchantability as well as an implied warranty of fitness. This means that the goods (1) will perform as promised by the retailer or manufacturer; (2) are suitable for their intended purpose; and (3) are of the same quality as similar such
So I think when you draft a response to Sideshow, it'll be very important to highlight the act. In addition I would take plenty of pictures and possibly a video of the entire statue and all its parts showing the defective consistency as this would be concrete proof that it is not a assembly/shipping problem, but a systemic problem from their materials production lines. If you can get a statement written by a chrome specialist that would be of good benefit and something they cannot simply ignore. Given the cost of the item, it would be comparable to automobiles, so I believe it would be hard for them to just dust their hands off. A drafted legal letter (or write one yourself) which will cost a fraction of your statue cost would be enough warrant for them to not want to head down the legal avenue but at least force some collaborative mediation. Bottom line you have proof and you know your rights and state you will consider legal action if not appropriately remedied asap. I would also give them no longer than 10 business days to provide their response to you. The absolute least they can do is to ask for one part to be sent back for analysis as they have a duty of care to seriously investigate any consumer inquiry. I would also attention this to the very top, don't bother with entry level jocks, escalate it from the top.
Good luck and hope it goes well mate.