Terms of sale
BELFORTI INSTRUMENTS General Terms and Conditions of Sale and Service
Effective: April 2026
ARTICLE 1 — Scope and Acceptance
These General Terms and Conditions of Sale and Service (hereinafter "Terms") govern all transactions between Belforti Instruments (hereinafter "the Workshop") and the client, including the purchase of new instruments, and all repair, maintenance, setup, restoration, conservation, and modification services performed on stringed instruments entrusted to the Workshop.
By placing an order or entrusting an instrument to the Workshop, the client confirms having read and understood these Terms and agrees to be bound by them in full. These Terms shall prevail over any other provisions.
PART I — INSTRUMENT SALES
ARTICLE 2 — Custom Orders and Pricing
All pricing is subject to change without notice. Prices are inclusive of applicable taxes and exclude delivery charges unless otherwise stated.
Following the consultation process, the Workshop will provide a detailed estimate encompassing all specifications of the custom instrument. Upon the client's agreement, an invoice will be issued for a non-refundable deposit constituting 30% of the total cost. Prices quoted in the estimate are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Wood selection: only after receipt of a complete order and the non-refundable deposit will the Workshop hand-select tonewood for the instrument. Any samples of premium woods shown to the client may, at the Workshop's discretion, be sold to other customers until an order and corresponding deposit have been received.
ARTICLE 3 — Production and Delivery Timelines
Given the complexities involved in the crafting process, exact completion dates cannot be guaranteed. Production duration varies significantly based on each instrument's unique attributes, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and projected dates may extend well over a year. The Workshop reserves the right to redo any part of the instrument that does not meet its standards; the paramount priority is the delivery of top-quality craftsmanship.
Production is organized in batches to streamline workflow. Once the instrument is assigned a batch, the client will receive confirmation a few weeks before production begins. The batch number is definitive unless a spot is freed in a previous batch, in which case the client will be notified. Modifications to the build specifications will be accepted until 14 days before production starts.
Initially projected starting and delivery dates may shift between the time of order placement and the beginning of the build. Enforcing strict deadlines could compromise quality, as every instrument requires its own unhurried time to reach completion.
ARTICLE 4 — Cancellation of Custom Orders
Upon payment of the 30% deposit, the client retains the option to cancel the order. However, the deposit remains non-refundable and will be retained by the Workshop to offset costs related to the consultation process, parts ordered, and the unoccupied slot in the production batch.
ARTICLE 5 — Returns and Refunds
If for any reason the client is not satisfied with a purchase, the Workshop must be contacted within 14 days of receipt. Returns will be accepted for items in their original condition and packaging. A full refund, excluding shipping costs, will be issued upon receipt and inspection of the returned item.
Custom-made instruments are not eligible for returns or refunds unless a manufacturing defect is identified.
ARTICLE 6 — Instrument Warranty
All Belforti instruments come with a five-year fixed, non-transferable warranty covering manufacturing defects. This warranty may be extended indefinitely provided the instrument is returned to the Workshop annually for technical inspection and general care. This service is free of charge, with the exception of shipping costs for international clients.
If a covered defect is identified, the Workshop will, at its discretion, repair the instrument provided it is sent within a reasonable timeframe with freight and insurance prepaid. All warranty repairs include labor, material costs, and standard ground shipping for the return.
The warranty does not cover:
- Damage caused by negligence, abuse, or accidents
- Instruments repaired, serviced, or modified by the client or any unauthorized party
- Normal wear and tear, including finish discoloration, worn frets, strings, tuners, hardware, and plating
- Shipping damage or fall damage of any kind
- Exposure to extremes of humidity, heat, or temperature
- Damage resulting from incorrect setup or configuration
- Instruments purchased secondhand or from an unlicensed merchant
- Instruments with altered serial numbers
- Third-party parts presenting an undetected defect within 3 months of delivery (electronics, hardware, case)
- Subjective issues regarding tone, playability, aesthetics, or perception bias
ARTICLE 7 — Shipping
Full payment for the instrument and any accessories, inclusive of shipping charges, must be received before dispatch. Shipping costs are not included in the instrument price and vary based on weight and destination. The instrument will be delivered to the address provided by the client; the client is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the delivery address.
Compliance with import and export regulations and payment of relevant duties and taxes is the sole responsibility of the client. The Workshop is not responsible for delays caused by the shipping provider.
PART II — REPAIR AND SERVICE
ARTICLE 8 — Nature of Services
The Workshop performs the following categories of work on instruments entrusted by clients:
Restoration: based on the preservation of original materials and style, following internationally established standards. The estimate includes a phase of historical research and instrument study.
Conservation: follows the same principles as restoration, without the objective of returning the instrument to playable condition. This applies to instruments of historical interest that are too damaged for functional restoration.
Repair: allows the instrument to be returned to working condition. If circumstances arise in which an instrument cannot be repaired, the Workshop will inform the client.
Maintenance: ensures the continued proper function of the instrument under regular playing conditions.
The Workshop will perform only the services, repairs, and improvements requested by the client. While the Workshop is committed to providing honest, reasonable, and careful work of the highest quality, specific results cannot be guaranteed.
ARTICLE 9 — Estimates
Estimates are provided free of charge and without obligation. Prices quoted are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. By approving an estimate, the client accepts these Terms.
Deemed acceptance: once an instrument is deposited at the Workshop and the estimate has been transmitted, the estimate is deemed accepted unless the client expressly objects within 48 hours of receipt.
Price variance: the price ranges indicated on the estimate are approximations and do not constitute a binding commitment. Hidden problems, actual labor, and billable shop time cannot be predicted with precision. If the final cost exceeds the estimate by 25% or more, the Workshop will make every effort to contact the client to obtain authorization to continue or to stop at the estimated limit. If the client cannot be reached, work will cease until contact is established.
Non-negotiable pricing: the Workshop's rates are firm and non-negotiable. Prices are expressed in euros and exclude delivery charges. Rates applied are those in effect at the time the order is accepted.
Additional work or modifications requested by the client during the course of an intervention may be subject to a supplementary estimate.
ARTICLE 10 — Timelines
Completion dates indicated on the estimate are provided for informational purposes only. The time required to service or repair an instrument cannot be predicted with certainty. Due to workload, order processing times, and drying times for finishes and adhesives, the actual completion date may be earlier or later than the date specified on the estimate.
Stated timelines do not constitute a contractual commitment and shall not give rise to compensation, price reduction, or cancellation of the service. The client will be informed promptly of any significant delay.
ARTICLE 11 — Service Guarantee
The Workshop guarantees its repair and maintenance work as follows:
- Setups (action, neck relief, intonation, pickup height): 15 days from the date of return.
- Electronic components (potentiometers, switches, wiring, pickups): 3 months from the date of return.
- Refrets and fret leveling: 6 months from the date of return.
Exclusions: the guarantee does not cover defects resulting from mishandling, poor maintenance, inappropriate use, modifications carried out by a third party after the intervention, or normal wear and tear (scratches, fret wear, impact damage). Instruments are sensitive to extreme temperatures and thermal shock; the guarantee does not cover damage caused by exposure to very low humidity, dry heat sources, proximity to radiators, or storage in a vehicle exposed to direct sunlight.
Enforcement of the guarantee requires presentation of the instrument to the Workshop within a reasonable timeframe following the appearance of the defect.
ARTICLE 12 — Deposit and Return of Instruments
The instrument must be deposited in a suitable case or gig bag. The Workshop declines all responsibility for damage caused by insufficient packaging during transport by the client. The client is invited to report any pre-existing cosmetic or functional defects at the time of deposit.
Return: when the requested work is complete, the Workshop will attempt to notify the client by phone, email, or SMS. The client has 30 days to collect the instrument.
Failure to collect: after 30 days, storage fees of €5.00 per day will be added to the invoice and all liability on the part of the Workshop for the instrument's security shall expire. Any instrument left for more than 90 days without notification from the client and without additional storage arrangements will be subject to sale to cover repair costs, after which the Workshop shall bear no responsibility for the instrument or its value.
PART III — GENERAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 13 — Payment
Full payment is due upon completion of the service or, in the case of instrument sales, before dispatch, unless alternative billing arrangements are made prior to the start of work. The Workshop accepts cash, bank transfers, and major credit and debit cards. All services and instruments delivered within or shipped to Europe are subject to VAT.
A deposit may be required for repair interventions estimated at over €300 or requiring the order of specific parts.
Late payment: in the absence of prior agreement, any payment received after the agreed due date will be subject to a penalty of 7% per month of delay from the due date. This penalty constitutes a liquidated damages clause pursuant to Articles 1226 and 1229 of the French Civil Code.
Right of retention: instruments entrusted to the Workshop will not be returned until full payment has been received. In the event of legal proceedings, the invoice will be increased by 15% as a penalty clause, in addition to any court costs.
ARTICLE 14 — Cancellation of Repair Work
The client may request cancellation of work in progress. In such case, all work already performed and all parts ordered or installed remain due.
If the Workshop discovers a previously unidentified issue that renders the repair impractical or disproportionate, the client will be notified. Should the client decide not to proceed, only diagnostic fees will be charged.
ARTICLE 15 — Replacement Parts
Unless otherwise requested by the client, replaced parts become the property of the Workshop and will not be returned.
The client may supply their own parts. In such case, the Workshop does not guarantee the quality or compatibility of said parts and declines all responsibility for their failure.
ARTICLE 16 — Liability
The Workshop is committed to exercising the greatest care with all instruments entrusted to it. Instruments are stored in controlled conditions (temperature and humidity monitored).
The Workshop's liability is limited to damages directly caused by a proven fault in the performance of its services. In all cases, the Workshop's liability shall not exceed the amount invoiced for the service in question.
The Workshop shall not be held liable for latent defects, hidden flaws, or pre-existing fragilities revealed or aggravated by the intervention, provided the client has been informed beforehand. The Workshop is not liable for any indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use any instrument.
It is strongly recommended that the client maintain insurance coverage for their instrument.
ARTICLE 17 — Intellectual Property and Right of Image
The Workshop reserves the right to photograph instruments before, during, and after any intervention for purposes of internal documentation, communication, and promotion (website, social media, portfolio). No personal client information will be disclosed.
The client may object to the use of photographs of their instrument by notifying the Workshop in writing at the time of deposit.
ARTICLE 18 — Privacy
Personal information collected (name, contact details, instrument information) is necessary for the processing of orders and services. Data is retained in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and will not be disclosed to third parties except as required for transaction processing and delivery. The client has the right to access, rectify, and delete their personal data upon request.
ARTICLE 19 — Force Majeure
The Workshop shall not be held liable for any delay or inability to perform resulting from an event of force majeure as defined by Article 1218 of the French Civil Code.
ARTICLE 20 — Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by French law. Belforti Instruments certifies that it holds professional liability insurance with a recognized insurer and will provide proof of coverage upon request.
Complaints and disputes will always be received with good faith and care. In the event of a dispute, the client shall first contact the Workshop to seek an amicable resolution. Failing agreement, the Commercial Court of Nanterre shall have sole jurisdiction, regardless of the place of delivery or the method of payment used.
ARTICLE 21 — Amendments
The Workshop reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. The applicable conditions are those in effect on the date the order is placed or the instrument is deposited.
Belforti Instruments — Montrouge & Rueil-Malmaison, France Last updated: April 2026