UpholsteryConnect – Terms and Conditions

CONTRACT FORMATION

A contract is formed between UpholsteryConnect (“UpholsteryConnect”) and the Client named on the written quotation or estimate once the Client confirms acceptance of the quotation, including payment of any required deposit. The contract shall consist only of:

• the written quotation or estimate

• any documents expressly incorporated within it

• these Terms and Conditions

These Terms supersede any prior discussions or representations unless agreed in writing.

1. SCOPE OF WORK

UpholsteryConnect agrees to carry out upholstery and related services as described in the written quotation or estimate. All quotations are based on visible inspection and information reasonably available at the time of quoting. Hidden defects may only become apparent once existing upholstery has been removed.

2. ADDITIONAL WORK AND DISCOVERY OF DEFECTS

Additional repairs including frame repairs, loose joints, springs, webbing, fillings or structural reinforcement may be required once furniture is stripped and inspected. Where additional work is identified:

• UpholsteryConnect will inform the Client

• an additional quotation may be provided

• written approval will be required before proceeding

If the Client declines recommended repairs after stripping has commenced, UpholsteryConnect cannot guarantee the structural integrity of the furniture or reinstate original materials. Charges may apply for work already undertaken.

3. CLIENT INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions must be confirmed in writing (email acceptable). UpholsteryConnect cannot accept responsibility for errors resulting from unclear or verbal instructions not confirmed in writing.

4. TIMESCALES

Completion dates are estimates only and are dependent upon:

• material availability

• Client decision times

• complexity of work

• specialist processes

• third party suppliers

• events outside reasonable control

UpholsteryConnect will make reasonable efforts to meet estimated completion dates but cannot guarantee specific delivery dates.

5. REMOVAL OF EXISTING MATERIALS

Existing upholstery materials will normally be removed and disposed of unless the Client requests return in writing before work commences. Removed materials may be unsuitable for reuse due to age, hygiene or damage.

6. FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE

Domestic upholstery work must comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended). Where UpholsteryConnect supplies fabric, compliance will be ensured through:

• inherently compliant fabric

• treated fabric

• compliant interliner systems

Client-supplied fabrics must comply with relevant fire regulations. Responsibility for compliance of Client-supplied fabric rests with the Client. Commercial furniture may require compliance with BS 7176 or other applicable standards.

7. CLIENT-SUPPLIED FABRIC AND MATERIALS

Where the Client supplies materials: The Client is responsible for:

• fabric suitability

• durability

• quantity supplied

• dye batch consistency

• pattern repeat allowance

• compliance with regulations

UpholsteryConnect accepts no responsibility for performance of Client-supplied materials. A 15% surcharge may apply to reflect additional handling risk and administrative time.

8. FABRIC QUANTITY AND PATTERN MATCHING

Fabric quantities provided by UpholsteryConnect are estimates based on standard industry allowances. Additional fabric may be required for:

• large pattern repeats

• stripes or directional designs

• fabric flaws or damage

• future repairs

Perfect pattern alignment cannot always be guaranteed due to the shape and construction of furniture.

9. DELIVERY OF CLIENT MATERIALS

Fabric delivered directly to UpholsteryConnect must include the Client’s name and project reference. UpholsteryConnect cannot accept responsibility for delays caused by late delivery or incorrect supply of materials by third parties.

10. FABRIC CHARACTERISTICS

Variations in colour, shade, texture and finish may occur due to:

• dye batches

• lighting conditions

• fabric composition

• natural fibres

• manufacturing tolerances

Natural materials may display irregularities which are not considered defects.

11. CREASING AND MARKING

UpholsteryConnect will take reasonable care to minimise creasing. However, fold marks, pressure marks or shading may occur and may settle over time with use. Complete removal cannot be guaranteed.

12. FOAM AND FILLINGS

New fillings and foam may soften during initial use. Comfort levels are subjective and cannot be guaranteed. Feather, fibre and foam fillings will naturally settle with use.

13. NOTIFICATION OF ISSUES

The Client must notify UpholsteryConnect of any concerns within 7 days of delivery or collection. After this period, corrective work may be chargeable. This does not affect statutory rights.

14. THIRD PARTY WORK

UpholsteryConnect cannot accept responsibility for work altered or repaired by third parties.

15. STORAGE

Furniture must be collected or delivered within 14 days of completion notification unless otherwise agreed. Storage charges may apply after this period. Risk in stored goods passes to the Client once work is completed.

16. ABANDONED GOODS

Furniture not collected within 90 days may be considered abandoned. UpholsteryConnect reserves the right to recover outstanding costs through sale or disposal where reasonable notice has been provided.

17. INSURANCE WORK

Where work is carried out as part of an insurance claim. The Client remains responsible for payment unless the insurer confirms direct settlement in writing.

18. GUARANTEE

Workmanship is guaranteed for 5 years from completion. The guarantee excludes:

• normal wear and tear

• fading or fabric wear

• structural movement in frames

• misuse or abnormal use

• pet damage

• commercial use unless agreed

• Client supplied materials

• fillings compression

Commercial work carries a 12 month workmanship guarantee unless agreed otherwise. The guarantee is in addition to statutory rights.

19. TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

UpholsteryConnect will take reasonable care during collection and delivery. The Client must ensure safe access. UpholsteryConnect cannot accept responsibility for damage caused by:

• narrow access routes

• restricted stairways

• inadequate lifting clearance

• weakened furniture frames

• pre-existing damage

20. PAYMENT TERMS

A deposit of one-third (1/3) is required to secure a booking. Deposits are generally non-refundable as costs are incurred upon acceptance. The balance must be paid prior to delivery or collection. Where work is cancelled after inspection or commencement: Labour charges of up to 50% may apply together with material costs incurred. Interest of 1.5% per month may be charged on overdue accounts. Accepted payment methods include bank transfer, card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Android Pay.

Ownership of goods remains with UpholsteryConnect until payment is received in full.

21. WORK SCHEDULE

Priority scheduling requests may incur a 15% surcharge. Production slots are estimates and may change.

22. DELIVERY

Delivery is free within 10 miles of SN16 9PL. Charges apply outside this area. Delivery is to ground floor locations unless agreed otherwise.

23. CLIENT DELAYS

Missed appointments or delays caused by the Client may incur additional charges.

24. COMPLAINTS AND ADR

Complaints should be raised promptly. Disputes may be referred to: Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers or the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman.

25. PHOTOGRAPHY

UpholsteryConnect may photograph work for portfolio and marketing use. Clients may opt out in writing prior to commencement.

26. REUSE REWARD SCHEME

Eligible domestic Clients may receive a discretionary discount of up to £250. Discounts are based on UpholsteryConnect’s internal assessment of environmental benefit achieved through reuse. The scheme:

• applies to domestic projects only

• has no cash alternative

• cannot be applied retrospectively

• may be amended or withdrawn

27. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for:

• death or personal injury caused by negligence

• fraud or misrepresentation

• statutory consumer rights

Subject to this: UpholsteryConnect shall not be liable for:

• indirect or consequential losses

• loss of profit or opportunity

• failure of ageing furniture structures

• performance of Client supplied materials

• fading or wear of fabrics

• supplier delays

• circumstances beyond reasonable control

Total liability shall not exceed the amount paid for the services.

28. FORCE MAJEURE

UpholsteryConnect shall not be liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control including:

• supplier failure

• transport disruption

• fire or flood

• illness

• industrial action

• material shortages

29. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the Client and UpholsteryConnect.

30. SEVERABILITY

If any clause is found unenforceable, remaining clauses remain valid.

31. GOVERNING LAW

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.