Customer Terms and Conditions
Our terms
- These terms
- What these terms cover. These are the terms and conditions on which we supply goods to you.
- Why you should read them. Please read these terms carefully before you submit your order to us. These terms tell you who we are, how we will provide goods to you, how you and we may change or end the contract, what to do if there is a problem and other important information. If you think that there is a mistake in these terms or require any changes, please contact us to discuss.
- Information about us and how to contact us
- Who we are. https://www.thecaratshop.co.uk is a site operated by The Carat Shop Limited ("We"). We are registered in England and Wales under company number 05719733 and have our registered office and main trading address at The Studio Grasslands, Pye Corner, Gilston, Herts CM20 2RB. Our VAT number is 989588812GB.
- Contacting us. To contact us, please email info@thecaratshop.co.uk or telephone our customer service line on 01279 442 528.
- How to contact us. You can contact us by telephoning our customer service team at 01279 442 528 or by writing to us at info@thecaratshop.co.uk.
- How we may contact you. If we have to contact you we will do so by telephone or by writing to you at the email address or postal address you provided to us in your order.
- "Writing" includes emails. When we use the words "writing" or "written" in these terms, this includes emails.
- Our contract with you
- How we will accept your order. Our acceptance of your order will take place when we email you to accept it, at which point a contract will come into existence between you and us.
- If we cannot accept your order. If we are unable to accept your order, we will inform you of this in writing and will not charge you for the goods. This might be because the goods are out of stock, because of unexpected limits on our resources which we could not reasonably plan for, because we have identified an error in the price or description of the goods or because we are unable to meet a delivery deadline you have specified.
- Your order number. We will assign an order number to your order and tell you what it is when we accept your order. It will help us if you can tell us the order number whenever you contact us about your order.
- We sell globally. Our website is for the promotion of our goods globally.
- Our goods
- Goods may vary slightly from their pictures. The images of the goods on our website are for illustrative purposes only. Although we have made every effort to display the colours accurately, we cannot guarantee that a device's display of the colours accurately reflects the colour of the goods. Your goods may vary slightly from those images. Although we have made every effort to be as accurate as possible, because our goods are handmade, all sizes, weights, capacities, dimensions and measurements indicated on our website have a 2% tolerance.
- Goods packaging may vary. The packaging of the goods may vary from that shown in images on our website.
- Making sure your measurements are accurate. If we are making the goods to measurements you have given us you are responsible for ensuring that these measurements are correct. You can find information and tips on how to measure on our website or by contacting us.
- Your rights to make changes
If you wish to make a change to the goods you have ordered please contact us. We will let you know if the change is possible. If it is possible we will let you know about any changes to the price of the goods, the timing of supply or anything else which would be necessary as a result of your requested change and ask you to confirm whether you wish to go ahead with the change. We will do our best to change the order for you however we will not be able to change your order once the goods have been dispatched. If we cannot make the change or the consequences of making the change are unacceptable to you, you may want to end the contract (see clause 8- Your rights to end the contract). - Our rights to make changes
- Minor changes to the goods. We may change the goods:
- to reflect changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements. These changes will not affect the use of the goods; and
- to implement minor technical adjustments and improvements, for example to improve its quality These changes will not affect your use of the goods.
- More significant changes to the goods and these terms. In addition, as we informed you in the description of the goods on our website, we may make the following changes to these terms or the goods, but if we do so we will notify you and you may then contact us to end the contract before the changes take effect and receive a refund for any goods paid for but not received.
- Minor changes to the goods. We may change the goods:
- Providing the goods
- Delivery costs. The costs of delivery will be as displayed to you on our website. Charges incurred outside of the displayed shipping by us, such as taxes and duties on International orders, are the responsibility of the receiver.
- When we will provide the goods. We will deliver the goods to you as soon as reasonably possible. If your order is accepted before 1pm we will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that your goods will be sent on the same working day. If your order is accepted after 1pm then we will use reasonable endeavours to ensure that your order will be sent on the next working day following the order. We will then contact you with an estimated delivery date based on the estimated delivery times of the courier/ postal services used. We will not deliver the Goods to a Royal Mail Post Office Box.
- We are not responsible for delays outside our control. If our supply of the goods is delayed by an event outside our control then we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know and we will take steps to minimise the effect of the delay. Provided we do this we will not be liable for delays caused by the event, but if there is a risk of substantial delay you may contact us to end the contract and receive a refund for any goods you have paid for but not received.
- If you are not at home when the goods is delivered. If no one is available at your address to take delivery and the goods cannot be posted through your letterbox, the courier should leave you a note informing you of how to rearrange delivery or collect the goods from a local depot.
- If you do not re-arrange delivery. If you do not collect the goods from us as arranged or if, after a failed delivery to you, you do not re-arrange delivery or collect them from a delivery depot we will contact you for further instructions and may charge you for storage costs and any further delivery costs. If, despite our reasonable efforts, we are unable to contact you or re-arrange delivery or collection we may end the contract and clause 10.2 will apply.
- When you become responsible for the goods. The goods will be your responsibility from the time the goods are delivered to the address you gave us.
- When you own goods. You own the goods once we have received payment in full.
- What will happen if you do not give required information to us. We may need certain information from you so that we can supply the goods to you, for example, your full name, address, contact details and payment details. If so, this will have been stated in the details required from you when placing an order with us. If you give us incomplete or incorrect information, we may either end the contract (and clause 10.2 will apply) or make an additional charge of a reasonable sum to compensate us for any extra work that is required as a result. We will not be responsible for supplying the goods late or not supplying any part of them if this is caused by you giving us incomplete or incorrect information.
- Reasons we may suspend the supply of goods to you. We may have to suspend the supply of the goods to:
- deal with technical problems or make minor technical changes;
- update the goods to reflect changes in relevant laws and regulatory requirements;
- make changes to the goods as requested by you or notified by us to you (see clause 6).
- Your rights if we suspend the supply of goods. We will contact you as soon as possible to tell you we will be suspending supply of the goods. If we have to suspend delivery of the goods for more than 14 days you may contact us to end the contract and we will refund any sums you have paid in advance for the goods in respect of the period after you end the contract.
- Your rights to end the contract
- You can always end your contract with us. Your rights when you end the contract will depend on what you have bought, whether there is anything wrong with it, how we are performing and when you decide to end the contract:
- If what you have bought is faulty or misdescribed you may have a legal right to end the contract (or to get the goods repaired or replaced or a service re-performed or to get some or all of your money back), see clause 11;
- If you want to end the contract because of something we have done or have told you we are going to do, see clause 8.2;
- If you have just changed your mind about the goods, see clause 8.3. You may be able to get a refund if you are within the cooling-off period, but this may be subject to deductions and you will have to pay the costs of return of any goods;
- In all other cases (if we are not at fault and there is no right to change your mind), see clause 8.6.
- Ending the contract because of something we have done or are going to do. If you are ending a contract for a reason set out at (a) to (d) below the contract will end immediately and we will refund you in full for any goods which have not been provided and you may also be entitled to compensation. The reasons are:
- we have told you about an upcoming change to the goods or these terms which you do not agree to (see clause 6.2);
- we have told you about an error in the price or description of the goods you have ordered and you do not wish to proceed;
- there is a risk that supply of the goods may be significantly delayed because of events outside our control; or
- you have a legal right to end the contract because of something we have done wrong.
- Exercising your right to change your mind (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013). For most goods bought online you have a legal right to change your mind within 14 days and receive a refund. These rights, under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, are explained in more detail in these terms.
- When you don't have the right to change your mind. You do not have a right to change your mind in respect of:
- all earrings due to hygiene reasons;
- all rings as they are made to order; and
- any other goods that we personalise at your request.
- How long do I have to change my mind? You have 14 days after the day you (or someone you nominate) receives the goods, unless your goods are split into several deliveries over different days. In this case you have until 14 days after the day you (or someone you nominate) receive the last delivery to change your mind about the goods.
- Ending the contract where we are not at fault and there is no right to change your mind. Even if we are not at fault and you do not have a right to change your mind (see clause 8.1), you can still end the contract before it is completed, but you may have to pay us compensation. A contract for goods is completed when the goods are delivered. If you want to end a contract before it is completed where we are not at fault and you have not changed your mind, just contact us to let us know. The contract will end immediately and we will refund any sums paid by you for goods not provided but we may deduct from that refund reasonable compensation for the net costs we will incur as a result of your ending the contract.
- You can always end your contract with us. Your rights when you end the contract will depend on what you have bought, whether there is anything wrong with it, how we are performing and when you decide to end the contract:
- How to end the contract with us (including if you have changed your mind)
- Tell us you want to end the contract. To end the contract with us, please let us know by doing one of the following:
- Phone or email. Call customer services on 01279 442528 or email us at info@thecaratshop.co.uk. Please provide your name, home address, details of the order number and, where available, your phone number and email address.
- Online. Print off, complete and return the Cancellation of Order Form/ Return Order From available on our website.
- Returning goods after ending the contract. If you end the contract for any reason after goods have been dispatched to you or you have received them, you must return them to us. You must post them back to us at The Studio Grasslands, Pye, Corner, Gilston, Herts CM20 2RB. Please call customer services on 01279 442528 or email us at info@thecaratshop.co.uk if you would like any further information. You must return the goods in their original condition and in their original presentation box with suitable packaging. Wherever possible we ask that you return the goods in their original packaging. If you are exercising your right to change your mind you must send off the goods within 14 days of telling us you wish to end the contract.
- When we will pay the costs of return. We will pay the costs of return:
- if the goods are faulty or misdescribed;
- if you are ending the contract because we have told you of an upcoming change to the goods or these terms, an error in pricing or description, a delay in delivery due to events outside our control or because you have a legal right to do so as a result of something we have done wrong; or
In all other circumstances (including where you are exercising your right to change your mind) you must pay the costs of return
- How we will refund you. If the item is in its original condition and in its original presentation box with suitable packaging, we will process the refund for you. We will refund you the price you paid for the goods including delivery costs, by the method you used for payment. However, we may make deductions from the price, as described below.
- Deductions from refunds if you are exercising your right to change your mind. If you are exercising your right to change your mind:
- We may reduce your refund of the price (excluding delivery costs) to reflect any reduction in the value of the goods, if this has been caused by your handling them in a way which would not be permitted in a shop. If we refund you the price paid before we are able to inspect the goods and later discover you have handled them in an unacceptable way, you must pay us an appropriate amount.
- The maximum refund for delivery costs will be the costs of delivery by the least expensive delivery method we offer. For example, if we offer delivery of any goods within 3-5 days at one cost but you choose to have the goods delivered within 24 hours at a higher cost, then we will only refund what you would have paid for the cheaper delivery option.
- When your refund will be made. We will make any refunds due to you as soon as possible. If you are exercising your right to change your mind then your refund will be made within 14 days from the day on which we receive the goods back from you or, if earlier, the day on which you provide us with evidence that you have sent the goods back to us. For information about how to return a goods to us, see clause 9.2.
- Tell us you want to end the contract. To end the contract with us, please let us know by doing one of the following:
- Our rights to end the contract
- We may end the contract if you break it. We may end the contract at any time by writing to you if:
- you do not make any payment to us when it is due; and
- you do not, within a reasonable time of us asking for it, provide us with information that is necessary for us to provide the goods, for example, if your name, address or payment details are incorrect and we have to requested correcting information from you.
- You must compensate us if you break the contract. If we end the contract in the situations set out in clause 10.1 we will refund any money you have paid in advance for goods we have not provided but we may deduct or charge you reasonable compensation for the net costs we will incur as a result of your breaking the contract.
- We may end the contract if you break it. We may end the contract at any time by writing to you if:
- If there is a problem with the goods
- How to tell us about problems. If you have any questions or complaints about the goods, please contact us. You can telephone our customer service team at 01279 442528 or write to us at info@thecaratshop.co.uk.
- Summary of your legal rights. We are under a legal duty to supply goods that are in conformity with this contract. See the box below for a summary of your key legal rights in relation to the goods. Nothing in these terms will affect your legal rights.
Summary of your key legal rights
This is a summary of your key legal rights. These are subject to certain exceptions. For detailed information please visit the Citizens Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk or call 03454 04 05 06.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says goods must be as described, fit for purpose and of satisfactory quality. During the expected lifespan of your goods your legal rights entitle you to the following:
a) Up to 30 days: if your goods are faulty, then you can get an immediate refund.
b) Up to six months: if your goods can't be repaired or replaced, then you're entitled to a full refund, in most cases.
c) Up to six years: if your goods do not last a reasonable length of time you may be entitled to some money back.
See also clause 8.3.
See also Exercising your right to change your mind (Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013).
- Your obligation to return rejected unopened goods. If you wish to exercise your legal rights to reject goods you must either post them back to us unopened or (if they are not suitable for posting) allow us to collect them from you. We will pay the costs of postage or collection. Please call customer services on 01279 442528 or email us at info@thecaratshop.co.uk for a return label.
- Price and payment
- Where to find the price for the goods. The price of the goods (which includes VAT) will be the price indicated on the order pages when you placed your order. We take all reasonable care to ensure that the price of the goods advised to you is correct. However please see clause 12.3 for what happens if we discover an error in the price of the goods you order.
- We will pass on changes in the rate of VAT. If the rate of VAT changes between your order date and the date we supply the goods, we will adjust the rate of VAT that you pay, unless you have already paid for the goods in full before the change in the rate of VAT takes effect.
- What happens if we got the price wrong. It is always possible that, despite our best efforts, some of the goods we sell may be incorrectly priced. We will normally check prices before accepting your order so that, where the correct price of the goods at your order date is less than our stated price at your order date, we will charge the lower amount. If the goods’ correct price at your order date is higher than the price stated to you, we will contact you for your instructions before we accept your order. If we accept and process your order where a pricing error is obvious and unmistakeable and could reasonably have been recognised by you as a mispricing, we may end the contract, refund you any sums you have paid and require the return of any goods provided to you.
- When you must pay and how you must pay. We accept payment with Paypal, Visa, Mastercard, Switch, Delta and JCB. You must enter your payment details to pay for the goods when submitting your order. We will not charge your debit or credit card until we accept your order.
- Our responsibility for loss or damage suffered by you
- We are responsible to you for foreseeable loss and damage caused by us. If we fail to comply with these terms, we are responsible for loss or damage you suffer that is a foreseeable result of our breaking this contract or our failing to use reasonable care and skill, but we are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it is obvious that it will happen or if, at the time the contract was made, both we and you knew it might happen, for example, if you discussed it with us during the sales process.
- We do not exclude or limit in any way our liability to you where it would be unlawful to do so. This includes liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence or the negligence of our employees, agents or subcontractors; for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation; for breach of your legal rights in relation to the goods as summarised at clause 11.2 and for defective goods under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
- We are not liable for business losses. We only supply the goods for domestic and private use. If you use the goods for any commercial, business or re-sale purpose we will have no liability to you for any loss of profit, loss of business, business interruption, or loss of business opportunity.
- How we may use your personal information
- How we may use your personal information. We will only use your personal information as set out in our Privacy Policy detailed on our website www.thecaratshop.co.uk.
- Other important terms
- We may transfer this agreement to someone else. We may transfer our rights and obligations under these terms to another organisation. We will always tell you in writing if this happens and we will ensure that the transfer will not affect your rights under the contract.
- You need our consent to transfer your rights to someone else. You may only transfer your rights or your obligations under these terms to another person if we agree to this in writing. We may not agree if we do not think that the person you wish to transfer your rights and obligations to is suitable.
- Nobody else has any rights under this contract. This contract is between you and us. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms. Neither of us will need to get the agreement of any other person in order to end the contract or make any changes to these terms.
- If a court finds part of this contract illegal, the rest will continue in force. Each of the paragraphs of these terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
- Even if we delay in enforcing this contract, we can still enforce it later. If we do not insist immediately that you do anything you are required to do under these terms, or if we delay in taking steps against you in respect of your breaking this contract, that will not mean that you do not have to do those things and it will not prevent us taking steps against you at a later date. For example, if your payment details are incorrect and we do not chase you, but we continue to provide the goods, we can still require you to make the payment at a later date.
- Which laws apply to this contract and where you may bring legal proceedings. These terms are governed by English law and you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the goods in the English courts. If you live in Scotland, you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the goods in either the Scottish or the English courts. If you live in Northern Ireland, you can bring legal proceedings in respect of the goods in either the Northern Irish or the English courts.
Download Cancellation/Return of Order Form
(Complete and return this form if you wish to cancel your order or return an order)