GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE

1. Purchase and Payment

• Pricing: Prices are indicated in Euros (€).
• • For EU Private Customers: Prices are inclusive of French VAT (20%).
  • For EU Professional Customers: Sales are processed Net of VAT, provided a valid Intra-Community VAT number is supplied.
  • For Non-EU Customers (Export): Sales are processed Ex-Tax (Net of VAT). Any local customs duties, import taxes, or processing fees in the country of destination are the sole responsibility of the purchaser.
• Reservation: A piece is considered reserved only upon receipt of a 30% deposit. The remaining balance must be paid in full and cleared prior to shipping or at the time of collection.
• Payment Methods: Bank transfer (SEPA/SWIFT) or Credit Card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, Discover, and China Union Pay). Checks are not accepted.
• Security Protocol: For security reasons, any shipping or collection will only take place after a 48-hour business day verification period following the effective receipt of funds in the Atelier's account.
• Retention of Title: The Atelier Frédéric Moulin remains the legal owner of the piece until the invoice is paid in full.

2. Shipping and Handling

• Delivery: We arrange worldwide shipping through specialized fine art and antique furniture carriers. Packaging, crating, and shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer and are subject to a separate estimate.
• Collection: Items may be collected directly from the Atelier Frédéric Moulin (Dourdan, France) by appointment, after full payment has been received and cleared.
• Transport Risks: Goods travel at the risk of the purchaser. We recommend opting for "Ad Valorem" insurance, which can be included in the shipping estimate upon request. If the Atelier mandates the carrier, the Atelier remains responsible until the delivery to the purchaser.

3. Authenticity and Condition

• Authenticity: Each piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Artisan, detailing the period of the frame and the nature of the traditional restoration work performed (upholstery, materials, and fabrics).
• Condition: As these are antique pieces, the wood frames may show a natural patina, minor structural repairs, or signs of age related to their history. These elements contribute to the unique character and soul of the piece.
• Legal Warranties: The Atelier provides a 24-month warranty for new upholstery work. For the antique frame (second-hand good), the warranty period is 12 months. Statutory warranties against hidden defects apply in accordance with French law.

4. Right of Withdrawal (Distance Selling)

• Period: For any sale concluded without a prior physical visit to the Atelier (online or catalog sale), the purchaser has a 14-day cooling-off period after delivery to exercise their right of withdrawal.
• Costs and Conditions: Secure return shipping and crating costs are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. The piece must be returned in its original condition.
• Exception: This right does not apply to personalized projects or bespoke creations made according to the purchaser's specific instructions.

5. Disputes and Governing Law

• Online Dispute Resolution (EU): For customers within the European Union, in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 524/2013, the European Commission provides an Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform.
• Mediation: In the event of a dispute, the client may contact the consumer mediator associated with the Atelier: [Insert Mediator Name].
• Jurisdiction: In the absence of an amicable settlement, any dispute arising from the sale shall be brought exclusively before the Commercial Court of Evry, France.
• Governing Law: All transactions and contracts are governed by French law.