Refund policy
Returns and cancellations policy
At A Fold of Chairs, we specialise in original vintage and midcentury furniture, lighting, ceramics and art, alongside bespoke upholstery and restoration.
Many of our pieces are unique, often fragile and require specialist handling and transportation. We ask customers to consider the dimensions, condition and suitability of an item carefully before purchasing.
We are always happy to provide additional photographs, measurements and information about individual pieces before a purchase is made.
1.Purchases made in our St Albans shop
All in store purchases of vintage furniture, lighting, ceramics and art are final.
We do not accept returns, refunds or exchanges for change of mind, including where an item is subsequently found to be unsuitable for a customer’s space.
Customers are encouraged to inspect pieces and confirm measurements before purchasing.
This does not affect statutory rights where an item is faulty, not as described or otherwise fails to meet the requirements of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
1.Online and distance purchases
For eligible purchases completed online or at a distance, customers have a statutory right to cancel their order within 14 days of receiving the goods, without giving a reason.
To exercise this right, customers must notify us in writing at caroline@afoldofchairs.com within 14 days of delivery.
Customers then have a further 14 days to return the goods.
We do not offer an additional change of mind returns period beyond these statutory rights.
1.Return transportation and costs
Customers cancelling an eligible online purchase are responsible for the direct cost of returning unwanted goods, provided this responsibility and the applicable return cost information were communicated before purchase.
Due to the size, weight and fragile nature of many of our pieces, furniture returns will generally require specialist transportation.
Return transport costs vary according to the size, weight, location and handling requirements of the item.
Where an item cannot normally be returned by post, an estimated return cost will be provided before purchase.
Customers may arrange their own suitable specialist courier or request assistance from A Fold of Chairs in obtaining a quotation.
Where we agree to arrange collection on the customer’s behalf, the applicable collection charge will be confirmed and agreed before the service is booked.
Customers are responsible for ensuring that goods returned using their chosen courier are suitably prepared and protected for transportation.
Any return transport charge will reflect the actual direct cost of the return service.
These arrangements apply to change of mind cancellations and do not limit our obligations concerning faulty or misdescribed goods.
1.Condition of returned items
We ask customers to take reasonable care of items while they are in their possession and during the returns process.
Before collection or dispatch, we recommend photographing the item, including any vulnerable components, to provide a record of its condition.
Customers are entitled to inspect an item to establish its nature, characteristics and functioning, as they reasonably would in a shop.
Where handling beyond this results in a reduction in the item’s value, we reserve the right to recover that reduction where permitted by law.
Any deduction will be based on the actual reduction in value and will be explained to the customer.
Customers should notify us promptly if an item is damaged before collection or during their possession.
1.Refunds
Where a customer exercises their statutory right to cancel, we will refund the purchase price.
Refunds will be made to the original payment method within the statutory time limits.
Where the customer is responsible for returning the goods, we may withhold reimbursement until we receive the goods or evidence that they have been returned, whichever occurs first.
Where we have offered to collect the goods, the applicable statutory refund deadline will apply.
Any lawful deduction for diminished value will be handled in accordance with consumer protection legislation.
1.Bespoke upholstery and restoration commissions
Furniture upholstered or restored to a customer’s individual specifications may be exempt from the statutory change of mind cancellation right where it qualifies as genuinely personalised or made to the customer’s specifications.
Where this exemption applies, it will be clearly explained before the order is placed.
Such commissions may include work undertaken to an individual customer’s specified requirements using specially selected materials.
Any cancellation arrangements, deposits and charges for bespoke commissions will be agreed in writing before work begins.
The fact that restoration work has commenced does not, by itself, remove any applicable statutory cancellation rights.
This policy does not affect customers’ statutory rights where commissioned work or goods are faulty or not as agreed.
1.Vintage condition
Our collection consists primarily of original vintage and midcentury pieces, many of which are several decades old.
We make every effort to describe the age, materials, condition and any known restoration of each item accurately.
Age related wear, variations in finish and characteristics specifically disclosed before purchase form part of the description of an item.
These characteristics do not, in themselves, mean that an item is faulty.
Nothing in this policy excludes or restricts statutory consumer rights.
1. Contacting us
For returns enquiries, cancellation notices or further information about an item before purchase, please contact:
A Fold of Chairs
3B London Road
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 1LA
caroline@afoldofchairs.com
www.afoldofchairs.com