Aquarius Soft Furnishings Terms & Conditions

It is important that we clarify expectations prior to agreeing your order. Please take some time to read the Terms and Conditions set out below. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please note that these Terms and Conditions will not be varied for any customer unless expressly agreed, in writing, prior to the commencement of any bespoke work.

Consultation – The initial consultation is free of charge within a 20 mile radius of ME17 4PB. This initial meeting is used to understand your requirements, the scope of the work required, to provide advice where required and to take measurements in order to create bespoke products. We are happy to arrange for samples to be sent to you as our client. We recommend using the sample service prior to deciding on a specific fabric to determine colour, suitability, etc. However, please bear in mind that batch colours may vary slightly. We are also happy to loan you any of our fabric books for a period of up to 10 days. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for measurements taken by you, or for the quality of fabrics supplied by you (see Fabric Provided By Customer below).

Quote – A full quote will be provided shortly after our initial consultation, Quotes are valid for 28 days from when they are sent to you. Reference to these Terms and Conditions will be provided with the quote, acceptance of the quote implies acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

Deposit – A deposit of 50% of the agreed quote is required to secure your order. Payment of the deposit can be made by cash, cheque or bank transfer (details provided on the estimate). Please note that this deposit is non-refundable unless you cancel your order (see Your Right To Cancel below), as it will be used to allocate make up time (including administration and handling) and order supplies specific to your bespoke job requirements.

Fabric provided by our suppliers – We are able to provide you with fabric samples, samples are intended as a representation of the fabric but not as an exact match as there may be variations of colour between batches of fabric. If you are sensitive to shade, we recommend you request a stock cutting that is a sample from the current batch of stock. Samples can be delivered directly to your home.

Natural fabrics do not always have perfect alignment of the design straight across the width, but our suppliers manufacturing techniques guarantee that their fabrics do not go off line by more than 5% (I.e. 4cms on a 140cm wide fabric).

Due to variations in atmospheric conditions such as humidity and temperature, there may be a possibility of shrinkage or relaxation of curtains whilst in situ at the window. It is important that the temperature and humidity of the surrounding environment should be controlled in order to prevent the movement.

As such conditions are beyond the control of Aquarius Soft Furnishings, we are unable to accept any responsibility for the movement of curtains when hung. However, we do ensure that adequate hems will have been allowed during the making of your curtains to allow alterations, should this be required. The cost of these alterations remains the responsibility of the customer.

Fabric Provided By Customer – A sample of your fabric is required and should be delivered to us before your order can be accepted. We have the right to refuse to work with your choice of fabric. It is your responsibility to communicate any specific requirements in the way fabric is to be used - side/direction/pattern/etc. Your curtains/roman blinds will be made up to this specification. We will not be held liable for any issues due to non- or miscommunication of specific requirements or discrepancy due to quality of any fabric provided by you. Any corrective work due to you not specifying your exact requirements will be charged at the standard rate of £25 per hour. You provide fabric at your own risk, it is your responsibility to check the quality of the fabric prior to delivery to us. Curtains made by us using your own fabric will incur a standard handling charge of 10% in addition the making up costs.

Creasing - All fabrics will crease to some degree, which is a characteristic feature not a fault. Linen is particularly susceptible to creasing- flax fibres crease! As accepted in the fashion trade this is normal. Most creases can be removed by hanging and leaving or ironing and/or the application of steam.

Curtain Linings –

Standard Lining

Aquarius Soft Furnishings Made to Measure Curtains are available lined, to protect main fabric from fading by sunlight and improve product drape.

Lining is available in a choice of colours: White, Cream or Ivory. If you are not sure which colour to choose, a colour will be recommended for the fabric you have chosen as you proceed through your order.

Interlining

All curtains are available with Interlining, at an additional cost. Interlining increases the bulk of your curtains and their thermal properties.

Blackout Lining

Blackout lining looks much like a standard lining; to clear up a common misconception, it isn't black! Blackout lining also has thermal qualities, helping to prevent draughts and minimising the loss of heat, is available in White Cream or Ivory. Due to the composition of blackout lining it can sometimes incur a certain odour especially if subjected to intense sunlight for long periods. This will fade over time.

Lead Time – Turnaround time is generally 3-6 weeks from the day that we receive the fabric in our workroom unless specifically arranged otherwise. Please be aware however, that all products are bespoke and therefore the size of the order and busy times may mean that this estimated time may change.

Fitting – We do provide a fitting service, all our fitters are experienced, insured and fully qualified which guarantees that the job will be performed with diligence and precision.

Curtain Hanging – We provide a curtain hanging service for £60. Curtains are delivered, hung and dressed in your home.

Final payment – Final payment is due upon delivery of the completed items. A written invoice will be provided which details the cost of each item, the total order cost and the amount of any deposit or interim payment already received, plus the final balance to be paid.

Your Right To Cancel – If you wish to cancel your order, you must do so within 24 hours of paying your deposit. Cancelled orders will be entitled to a full refund provided fabric has not been ordered and work on the bespoke curtains or roman blinds has not started. Once fabric has been ordered and/or work has commenced, it is not possible to cancel your order.

Making Up – Please note that curtains are pattern matched from the bottom up and for blinds from the top down, if you require anything different from this please let us know prior to any work commencing - any changes as a result of failing to communicate your preferences will be charged at the standard rate of £25 per hour. Any items that require more than one width of fabric will have joins and seams. Note, all pattern repeats vary, they can be mirrored image, side matched or half dropped across the width of the fabric. Every effort is made to ensure that the seams are pattern matched. Please be aware at the time of selection the type of pattern repeat within the design you have selected. All roman blind head rails are fitted and supplied with child safety features in accordance with EN 13120 guidelines.

Returns Policy – We are confident that you will be happy with the quality and the fit of your curtains and blinds. In the unlikely event that you are not happy please contact us immediately and we will be happy to resolve any problems you have. Returns and refunds will only be accepted when we have failed to make goods to your provided specification or they are faulty.

In situations where items fail to match the specification provided by you, you must contact me within 7 days of receipt of items and they must be returned to us for investigation. On return of the goods we will inspect them. Where the item is faulty or incorrect we will repair or alter - if this is not possible, a refund will be given. Note all returned items must be in the same condition that they were supplied. Any items that have been altered by a third party or independently cannot be returned or refunded. Therefore it is important that you are sure of your order details before you place an order with us

Refund Policy – Where a refund has been agreed, the amount of this refund will be communicated to you in writing and you will receive your refund no later than 30 days after agreement of such. All refunds are deemed full and final settlement in respect of any order and no further charge may be made by you in respect of such order.