Terms of Service

Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and Ashen Glide ("Company," "we," "our," or "us") regarding your use of our services and website.

By engaging our services, visiting our website, or communicating with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these Terms, please do not use our services.

About Our Business

We are a professional antique appraisal, restoration, and consulting business operating in South Australia since 1985.

Services Offered

Ashen Glide provides the following professional services:

Appraisal Services

• Professional valuations for insurance, estate, donation, and personal purposes
• Authentication and provenance research
• Condition assessments and damage evaluations
• Market analysis and comparative studies

Buying and Selling Services

• Direct purchase of quality antiques
• Consignment sales and auction placement
• Item sourcing and acquisition services
• Estate and collection evaluations

Restoration Services

• Conservation and restoration of antique items
• Repair and refinishing services
• Preservation consultations
• Maintenance and care guidance

Educational Services

• Collector education and consulting
• Research and historical documentation
• Workshops and presentations
• Expert witness services

Client Responsibilities

As our client, you agree to:

• Provide accurate and complete information about items and services requested
• Disclose any known defects, repairs, or relevant history of items
• Ensure legal ownership or proper authorization for items presented
• Pay fees and charges as agreed upon
• Handle items with reasonable care during examination periods
• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Maintain confidentiality of proprietary methods and trade secrets

Pricing and Payment Terms

Service Fees

• Consultation fees are quoted based on service complexity and time required
• Travel charges apply for on-site services beyond our local area
• Rush services may incur additional fees
• All prices are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable

Payment Terms

• Initial consultations are complimentary
• Written estimates will be provided before commencement of paid services
• Payment is due within 30 days of invoice date unless otherwise agreed
• Late payment fees of 1.5% per month may apply to overdue accounts
• We reserve the right to retain items until payment is received in full

Cancellation Policy

• Services may be cancelled with 24 hours notice without penalty
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice may incur a cancellation fee
• Work in progress may be charged on a pro-rata basis

Appraisal Terms

Appraisal Standards

• All appraisals conform to Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) where applicable
• Valuations are based on current market conditions and available comparable sales data
• Appraisals reflect our professional opinion at the time of examination
• Values may fluctuate due to market conditions, new discoveries, or changing tastes

Appraisal Limitations

• Appraisals are for the specific purpose stated in the report
• Values are effective as of the date of appraisal
• Internal mechanisms of clocks, watches, or complex items may not be examined unless specifically requested
• Scientific analysis or laboratory testing is additional if required
• We cannot guarantee future values or investment performance

Restoration Terms

Restoration Process

• Written estimates and treatment plans will be provided before work begins
• Progress updates will be provided for major restoration projects
• Additional work discovered during restoration requires client approval
• Original components will be preserved where possible
• Before and after photography will be provided

Restoration Risks

• All restoration work carries inherent risks
• We will discuss potential risks before proceeding
• Client assumes risk of damage during restoration process
• Some damage may not be discoverable until work begins
• Results cannot be guaranteed due to age and condition variables

Liability and Insurance

Professional Liability

• We maintain professional indemnity insurance for our services
• Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific service
• We are not liable for market fluctuations or investment losses
• Consequential or indirect damages are excluded

Item Insurance and Care

• Client items in our possession are covered by our business insurance
• Coverage is limited to the agreed value or our assessment of fair market value
• Clients should maintain their own insurance coverage
• Items left with us for more than 90 days may incur storage fees
• Unclaimed items may be disposed of after 12 months following written notice

Confidentiality

We understand the sensitive nature of antique ownership and maintain strict confidentiality regarding:

• Client identity and contact information
• Item details, values, and locations
• Personal or family history related to items
• Financial or estate planning information
• Security arrangements and collection details

Information may only be disclosed with your written consent or as required by law.

Intellectual Property

Our Intellectual Property

• Website content, images, and design are protected by copyright
• Business name, logo, and branding are our trademarks
• Professional methodologies and processes are proprietary
• Reports and documentation remain our intellectual property

Use of Our Content

• Website content may not be reproduced without permission
• Appraisal reports may not be altered or misrepresented
• Our name and credentials may not be used without authorization
• Educational materials are for personal use only

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are strictly prohibited:

• Misrepresenting the ownership or provenance of items
• Attempting to obtain fraudulent appraisals or documentation
• Using our services for money laundering or illegal activities
• Harassment or inappropriate behavior toward staff
• Unauthorized access to our systems or confidential information
• Interfering with our business operations or client relationships
• Violating any applicable laws or regulations

Disclaimers

Service Disclaimers

• Services are provided on an "as is" basis
• We make no warranties regarding specific outcomes
• Market values are opinions based on available information
• Authentication is based on examination and available research
• New discoveries or research may affect previous conclusions

Website Disclaimers

• Website information is for general guidance only
• Content may not always be current or complete
• Links to third-party websites are provided for convenience
• We are not responsible for third-party content or services

Dispute Resolution

Complaint Process

If you have concerns about our services:

1. Contact us directly to discuss the issue
2. We will investigate and respond within 14 business days
3. If unsatisfied, you may escalate to relevant professional bodies
4. Mediation through industry associations is available

Governing Law

• These Terms are governed by South Australian law
• Australian Consumer Law protections apply where applicable
• Disputes will be resolved in South Australian courts
• Alternative dispute resolution is encouraged before litigation

Consumer Rights

Under Australian Consumer Law, you have certain rights that cannot be excluded:

• Services must be provided with reasonable care and skill
• Services must be fit for purpose and as described
• You may seek remedies for major failures in service
• Compensation may be available for foreseeable loss
• Unfair contract terms may be void

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies rights you may have under Australian Consumer Law.

Term Modifications

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting on our website. We will notify clients of material changes via:

• Website notice
• Email notification (if subscribed)
• Direct communication for ongoing services

Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

Termination

Termination by Client

• Services may be terminated with reasonable notice
• Payment for completed work will be required
• Items in our possession must be collected promptly
• Confidentiality obligations continue after termination

Termination by Us

We may terminate services if:

• Payment terms are not met
• Client breaches these Terms
• Illegal or unethical conduct is suspected
• Professional conflicts arise

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or our services, please contact us: