Terms & conditions. FURNITURE
1. RESPONSIBILITIES AND CUSTOMER OBLIGATIONS
1.1. On Furniture Characteristics
Furniture produced by Materia Matters is crafted using artisanal techniques. As a result, variations in grain, color, texture, and finish are inherent and considered part of the unique quality of the product. Differences in materials, production methods, and natural characteristics may result in slight irregularities, which do not constitute defects.
Dimensions of furniture items may have a tolerance of ±2 cm due to manual crafting processes.
1.2. Proper Use and Maintenance
For indoor furniture, cleaning must be done using a neutral soap and a damp cloth, followed by drying with a soft cloth. Abrasive products such as acetone, bleach, or solvents must not be used, as they may damage the surface.
For outdoor furniture, protection is required during the rainy season and colder months (autumn and winter). We recommend using protective covers or keeping items under shelter.
Heavy or sharp objects dragged over furniture surfaces can cause scratches or damage. Materia Matters will not be held liable for damage caused by improper use or maintenance.
1.3. Delivery and Assembly
Delivery is provided to the ground floor (street level). Additional transportation, handling, or assembly services must be arranged and paid for by the Customer.
At the time of delivery, the Customer must inspect the items for visible damage. Any issues must be noted on the delivery receipt, and Materia Matters must be notified within 24 hours. Claims made after this period cannot be accepted.
2. WARRANTY CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS
2.1. Warranty Terms
Furniture is guaranteed for a period of 2 years against material, functional, or manufacturing defects, provided the Customer is the final private consumer.
The warranty does not apply to:
Custom-made or customized furniture, unless a clear manufacturing defect is present.
Normal wear and tear, damage caused by improper use or maintenance, or commercial use of products designed for private use.
2.2. Returns and Refunds
Returns of standard items are only accepted in their original condition, packaging, and location of delivery (street level). Returns for custom or personalized items are not permitted unless there is a manufacturing defect.
Any costs related to return shipping or logistics must be borne by the Customer unless the return is due to a proven defect at the time of delivery.
3. PAYMENT AND SERVICE TERMS
3.1. Payment Conditions
Orders must be paid in full before delivery. Production and delivery timelines begin once payment is received.
Cancellations or changes to custom orders are not permitted once production has commenced.
3.2. Additional Costs and Delays
Delivery timelines provided by Materia Matters are estimates and may vary. Materia Matters is not responsible for delays caused by external logistics providers.
Any additional services, such as carrying items upstairs, are subject to extra fees and must be agreed upon in advance.
4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
All designs, finishes, and branding of Materia Matters are the intellectual property of Materia Matters. Reproduction, alteration, or use without prior written consent is prohibited and may result in legal action.
5. IMAGERY RIGHTS
Materia Matters reserves the right to use photographs or videos of its products for promotional purposes, including but not limited to its website, social media, and marketing materials. If the Customer objects to this, a written notice must be provided before delivery of the products.
6. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION
Materia Matters processes Customer data strictly for the purposes of invoicing, delivery, and fulfilling contractual obligations. Personal data is handled in compliance with data protection regulations and will not be shared with third parties unless legally required.
Customers may request access to, correction, or deletion of their data by contacting Materia Matters in writing and providing proof of identity.
7. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
Confirmation of an order—whether verbal, by email, or in writing—constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions by the Customer. These Terms and Conditions shall also be deemed accepted when payment is made or upon receipt of the goods.
Terms & conditions. Design Project Activities
1. AGREEMENT, OFFER AND CONFIRMATION
1.1 These General Terms and Conditions (“General Terms and Conditions”) govern all offers, agreements, and services between the client and the contractor (the “Designer”), unless explicitly agreed otherwise in writing.
1.2 All offers are without commitment and are valid for two months. Prices quoted may be subject to change due to unforeseen changes in the work. Prices are exclusive of VAT. The rates and offers quoted do not automatically apply to future commissions. The client warrants that the information provided to the Designer by it or on its behalf is correct and complete.
1.3 Commissions are confirmed in writing by the client. If the client consents to the Designer commencing the work commissioned without written confirmation, the terms of the offer and these General Terms and Conditions apply. Any subsequent agreements are only binding if confirmed in writing by the Designer.
2. PERFORMANCE OF THE AGREEMENT
2.1 The Designer will perform the work with due care, independence, and professionalism, promoting the client’s interests to the best of their ability to achieve the intended result.
2.2 The client must provide the necessary data, materials, and approvals in a timely and complete manner for the proper performance of the agreement.
2.3 Prompt communication will be provided by both parties during standard business hours.
2.4 Agreed timelines are approximate unless explicitly stated otherwise.
2.5 Unless explicitly agreed otherwise, the following are excluded from the scope of work: a. Tests, permits, or legal and quality standard reviews.
b. Investigations into existing intellectual property rights or potential protections.
c. Any services beyond those explicitly outlined in the agreement.
2.6 Both parties must approve final drafts, prototypes, or proofs before execution, production, or publication.
2.7 Minor deviations from the agreed outcome do not justify rejection, discounts, damages, or termination of the agreement.
2.8 Complaints regarding deliverables must be submitted in writing within 10 business days of delivery.
3. ENGAGEMENT OF THIRD PARTIES
3.1 The Designer may engage third parties with prior consultation or upon request from the client. Costs incurred will be reimbursed as specified.
3.2 The Designer is not liable for delays, errors, or defects caused by third parties engaged for the work, regardless of whether they were recommended by the Designer.
3.3 The client is prohibited from contacting third parties introduced by the Designer without prior written approval.
4. INTELLECTUAL AND OTHER PROPERTY RIGHTS
4.1 All intellectual property rights to the results of the commissioned work, including but not limited to copyrights, trademarks, and designs, remain with the Designer unless explicitly transferred in writing.
4.2 The client is granted a limited right of use, subject to the agreed purpose of the project and any associated conditions.
4.3 Deliverables (such as drawings, designs, and sketches) are a one-off transaction and cannot be reused without prior consent and payment of a re-use fee.
4.4 Unauthorized use, reproduction, or modification of the Designer’s work entitles the Designer to claim compensation, amounting to at least three times the agreed fee.
5. USE OF THE RESULT
5.1 The result may only be used for the agreed project. Any broader use requires prior written approval and may incur a fee.
a. Designs for specific locations may only be reused upon agreement and payment of an additional fee.
b. Drawings and plans are limited to single-use unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
5.2 Unauthorized use, modification, or transfer of the work entitles the Designer to compensation and other remedies.
5.3 The client must execute the project within 12 months of delivery. Failure to do so may result in the expiration of usage rights unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6. FEES AND ADDITIONAL COSTS
6.1 The Designer is entitled to a fee as specified in the agreement. Fees may be based on an hourly rate, a fixed amount, or another agreed structure.
6.2 Additional costs, such as administrative overheads, travel expenses, prototypes, or third-party services, will be reimbursed unless otherwise agreed.
6.3 Work outside the agreed scope, including project management and revisions, will be charged separately on an hourly basis.
7. PAYMENT AND SUSPENSION
7.1 Payments are due within 30 days of invoicing unless otherwise agreed.
7.2 The Designer retains ownership of deliverables until full payment is received.
7.3 Delays in payment may result in suspension of services and additional costs, including interest and collection fees.
8. TERMINATION AND CANCELLATION
8.1 If the client terminates the agreement without fault by the Designer, or the Designer terminates due to client breach, the client is liable for all incurred costs and at least 30% of the remaining fee.
8.2 The agreement may be terminated immediately if bankruptcy or suspension of payments is filed by either party.
9. LIABILITY
9.1 The Designer is liable only for direct damage caused by breach or negligence and is not responsible for indirect or consequential losses.
9.2 The Designer’s liability is capped at the agreed fee, up to a maximum of €75,000.
9.3 Liability claims must be submitted within two years of project completion.
10. CONFIDENTIALITY
10.1 Both parties agree to keep confidential any proprietary information shared during the course of the project.
11. FINAL PROVISIONS
11.1 These General Terms and Conditions are governed by Dutch law. Disputes will be resolved by the competent court in the Designer’s district unless arbitration is agreed.