Our bespoke approach offers flexibility, so we ask you to please note these two clear distinctions:

1. Online (Distance) Sales: For any item purchased online without a prior in-person viewing, you are fully protected by the UK’s Consumer Contracts Regulations. This includes the 14-day “cooling-off” period.

1. In-Person Viewing or Collection: If you view an item in person before purchase (even if you pay later) or collect an item in person, the transaction legally becomes an “on-premises sale.” For these sales, the 14-day “change of mind” cooling-off period does not apply.

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Items subject to a high-value bespoke service fall outside the scope of a standard return:

Bespoke Commissions & Curated Installations: Items that are subject to a bespoke commission (e.g., custom sourcing, specialized framing, or client-specific conservation work) or items that are fully integrated into a finalized curated installation are considered final sale and non-returnable.

The acceptance of the final curatorial installation or the agreement on the bespoke commission terms serves as the final confirmation of the acquisition and waives all rights to a subsequent return.

For items acquired online (Distance Sales) where the 14-day cooling-off period applies:

A. Notification and Security Requirements

• Mandatory Notification: The buyer must notify the seller of the intent to return via email within the 14-day cooling-off period.
• Security Fob Requirement: All collection items are secured with a safety fob bearing a unique identification number. The returned item must include this safety fob intact and untampered with to be eligible for processing.

B. Return Process, Costs, and Risk

• Return Timeframe: 14 days from the date of delivery.
• The buyer is responsible for all costs associated with return shipping, including insurance. Furthermore, the buyer assumes all risk of loss or damage during the return transit until the item is officially received and inspected by De Middel.

• Condition Requirement: Item must be returned in its original, unused, and undamaged condition and packaging, with the security fob intact.
• Refund Deduction for Diminished Value: Returns are subject to a deduction from the refund for any diminished value resulting from handling the item beyond what was necessary to establish its nature, characteristics, and functioning. Original shipping costs are refundable, but return shipping costs are borne by the buyer.