All contracted business is with Blackwater Studios. Your statutory rights are not affected by these terms and conditions.
Communication by email or fax is legally binding, therefore an acceptance of quotation or of finished artwork is the customers’ responsibility.

General Terms for Services

For terms related specifically to our Online Store, see further down.

Liability

Blackwater Studios tries to ensure that the information available on the website at any time is correct and accurate but cannot guarantee that it will be error-free. Blackwater Studios does not accept liability for any errors and omissions either in any quotation or website material and reserves the right to change information, specifications and descriptions of listed goods, products and services.

Prices and Payment

  1. Quotations are valid for 14 days.
  2. Blackwater Studios reserves the right to alter prices and garment specifications without prior notice.
  3. Goods remain the property of Blackwater Studios until paid for in full.
  4. Returned cheques will be charged at £15.00 per representation.

Exempt Products and Taxation Terms

  1. Some of the products we offer are tax-exempt, including most kids’ clothing. However, some larger sizes may not be exempt.
  2. Customizations applied to exempt products during the purchasing process are taxed at the standard rate.
  3. If an order contains both standard and exempt products, each item will be taxed based on its tax category. However, the shipping charges for the entire order will be taxed at the standard rate.

Artwork

Supplied Artwork

Artwork supplied should be at least 300DPI or vector format, and sized as you require it. Although we will try to spot issues in artwork and inform you, Blackwater Studios will not accept responsibility for them on the final product if the art has been approved. This includes, but is not limited to, spelling, unintentional artifacts, low resolution / pixelated areas, etc.

Colours

If Solid Coated Pantones or physical references for colours are not supplied, we will try to match Pantones based on screen reference. These can only ever be approximate, as colour representation will vary between monitors. If accurate colour is required, it is the customer’s responsibility to supply their own Pantones. If demonstration artwork is approved, we will assume that the Pantone has been checked against a physical guide, or that the customer accepts our discretion.

Copyrighted Material

Blackwater Studios respects the intellectual property rights of others, and we expect our customers to do the same. If we suspect a possible infringement, we may politely ask for you to provide us with confirmation that you have the rights to reproduce or distribute the copyrighted material. Or, alternatively provide a valid defence for “fair dealing” (for the purpose of criticism, review or satire, etc). If we’re not satisfied with the proof or do not feel comfortable with a given “fair dealing” defence, we will not reproduce the material.

Unfortunately, we are unable to be aware of every intellectual property. If you believe someone has had infringing material reproduced through us, please let us know.

Artwork Retention

Artwork film and digitised embroidery files are the property of Blackwater Studios. These files are kept on system. Although we usually retain artwork files you provide us with for future convenience, we do not guarantee this – we will periodically tidy up and clear out old files. Where files you supply us are still available, we can return these if requested (in case of loss of data, stolen computer, etc). Artwork processing costs are flat rate – therefore art that has been previously processed (and hasn’t been altered) will not incur screen or digitisation costs if a repeat order is made.

Garments

Construction / Defects

Blackwater Studios does not manufacture the products on offer. Although we always try to spot any defects in the garments as we receive them. If we spot an item with a defect (such as a hole), we will remove it from the batch and replace it if stock availability and time constraints allow (see Misprints / Shortages below). Sometimes defects may not be spotted and slip through – if you find items with defects, please see our Returns section below.

Sizing

As size measurements between brands can vary a lot, it is always a good idea to check the measurements of a product before ordering it. Our product pages have size charts for each garment. If you have concerns or queries about the fitting of an item, this should be raised with us before confirming your order. This gives us an opportunity to offer suggestions or supply you with a sample item.

If an order has been signed off, we will assume that the specifications of the product have been checked by the customer. Personalised garments cannot be returned or exchanged because they are ‘ill-fitting’ – only the customer can know their own needs/demographics, and we cannot be held responsible for the customer’s choice of sizes.

Colour

Sometimes manufacturers may makes changes to their products, such as a subtle altering the dye for a colour, or even re-dying their old stock. This can affect both the consistency of the garment colour (for a batch), and also the print colour (where discharge inks are used). Although we try to look out for these kinds of changes (they are generally rare), we cannot be held responsible for colour inconsistencies (against prior orders of you may have had of this product, for example). If recent batches of a product we receive appears to have been re-dyed, we may suggest either using an alternative type of ink (if discharge will not provide the correct results), or an alternative product.

Order Proofing

It is important that all details within the documentation (pro forma invoice and demonstration artwork) are checked thoroughly – this includes colours, sizes, positioning, artwork details, etc. This is the purpose of these documents, and they represent the final product that you will receive. Blackwater Studios will not be held responsible for errors in the final product that have been approved by the customer during the order proofing stage.

If an alteration to an order is required, the documentation will need updating and to be re-approved. This may result in a delayed turnaround of your order and any previously confirmed delivery dates will have to be re-confirmed in writing.

Payment alone is not considered approval of order. If order approval is not received within 24 hours of receipt of documents, this may also delay your order.

Turnaround

Turnaround Times and Delivery Dates

Our turnaround times, and the delivery dates that accompany them, are just estimations and not guaranteed. Each service we offer has its own approximate turnaround, and combining services will typically extend the total turnaround time of an order. Turnaround begins at the point of order confirmation and payment, not when initial contact is made. Paying before seeing the proforma and proofs for your order will not speed up turnaround time. Generally this just complicates the order and is discouraged.

This means delayed approval and/or payment will also delay the start of your turnaround. Any changes to your order after approval and payment will likely extend the turnaround time (at this point changes will also potentially incur a fee).

Stock Shortages

Although we always try to make sure stock is available from suppliers before you confirm your order, stock availability is constantly changing. If a shortage occurs, this may affect turnaround time. If this is the case, we will keep you informed and talk you through available options. For this reason, if you’re happy with the quote and proof mock-up, we recommend approving and paying for your order as soon as possible. This can make a difference to whether we can secure your stock in time or not.

Deadlines

If you have a deadline for your order, no matter how far away, it is essential that you inform us during the initial enquiry. If you do not advise us of a deadline until later, there is no guarantee we’ll be able to accommodate it. As mentioned above, delays in approval and payment, changes to your order and stock shortages, are all factors can affect turnaround time and delay your order.

Delays and Missed Deadlines

Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances can and will sometimes happen. Where these will affect the turnaround of production/delivery, we will do our best to keep you informed of changes as they happen. However, if you have deadlines, we cannot be held liable for any loss of sales or consequential costs if this date is missed. Where we’ve been made aware of deadlines in advance, we will always do our best to make sure the chances of these circumstances are as slim as possible. However, some factors are outside our control (see Courier Delays and Handling below).

Delivery

For more in-depth delivery information, please visit our delivery page.

Temporary Addresses

We do not recommend using a temporary or time sensitive address for deliveries. If there is a courier delay (see below) and the address becomes no longer appropriate, it can lead to complications in redirecting (or relocating) parcels.

Courier Delays and Handling

For orders with deadlines, we always strive to complete production in good time to ensure a prompt dispatch. This includes factoring in the time required for a courier to complete delivery. However, once an order dispatches, we have very limited control over the parcel/s. If there is an issue in transit, we will do our best to try correcting the course of delivery, where possible.

Blackwater Studios will not be held accountable for any shipping delays or failures caused by the courier. If the courier is at fault for missing a deadline, we will not refund nor accept returns of a perfectly good order of custom-made items. Nor will we accept any consequential loss incurred by the customer for the missed deadline.

If you decide to move forward with an order that has a tight window, you must accept the possibility of delays and if appropriate, prepare your own contingency plan for this.

Cancellations

Cancellations made after payment and order confirmation will incur charges based on the specific services requested:

  • Screen Printing: The cost of screens will still be charged, as most of the work involved has been completed by that point.
  • Embroidery: The digitising fee is non-refundable due to the nature of the work already completed.
  • Returning Stock: If the stock has already been ordered, there will be a restock charge based on the rates charged to us by our suppliers.

We begin processing your order promptly to ensure a quick turnaround for your benefit. However, this means the window for cancellations after payment and order confirmation is limited. We believe this policy is fair, as it does not account for the significant time investment required for administration, artwork proofing, and other preparatory tasks.

Misprints / Shortages

Unfortunately due to the nature of screen printing, misprints can happen. There may also be manufacturer defects in the garments we receive, which can cause a shortage that may not be replaceable due to stock or time constraints. When this happens, we will inform you of what is short from the order. You’ll have a choice to either have those items refunded, or have the value as credit to be taken off your next order. A shortage must be more than 10 items to be eligible for a reprint.

We cannot be held liable for any loss of sales or consequential costs due to shortages – only the value of the item as it was sold to you by us. It is generally a good idea to order extra stock – and we highly advise against only ordering what is required to fulfil pre-orders you may have.

Quality Assurance and Receipt of Goods

We always do our best to check each item before it is sent out, however in any environment that handles a large amount of stock, sometimes things slip through. As stated above, if there are misprints / faulty items in your order, we will always try to remove these and inform you of the shortage (see above).

If you receive items or an order you are not happy with, we must be informed immediately and in writing within 3 days of receipt of goods. Damaged or opened cartons should be checked or refused on delivery. It is your responsibility as the customer to check your items. We will not be responsible for any loss of sales or consequential costs as a result of you using or sending out defective goods.

Returns

In the event you’re unhappy with what you have received, you should inform Blackwater Studios immediately and in writing via email within 3 days of receipt of the goods. Please describe the fault with your order – photos can be extremely helpful. On agreement with Blackwater Studios, you should return the order or faulty items to us at the address below. If a fault is already clear, we may offer to collect the parcel.

Blackwater Studios
East Hill, Blackwater
Truro, TR4 8HW

If we are responsible for a fault, we will offer to either refund or credit the items. However if there are more than 10 faulty items in your order, we will offer a reprint. If a fault is found and you arranged the return yourself, we will also refund the delivery cost. This does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. Customised goods cannot be returned or exchanged due to incorrect fitting, or if goods have been worn or washed.

Terms and Conditions for Online Store Purchases

For purchases made from our Sample Store.

Delivery

For store delivery information, please visit our Delivery page.

Online Store Payments

Once an order has been placed, you will receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, please contact us. If you’d like to cancel your order, please do so before the item has been dispatched (you will receive an email when your order is dispatched).

Payments are processed either via Paypal or through our secure SagePay gateway. All of our transactions are encrypted to the highest global standards. Our payment systems are monitored and audited regularly by a world leading Qualified Security Assessors (QSA), so you can be confident our services are completely secure.

Transactions processed using SagePay go through powerful fraud prevention tools to check if your card details have previously been compromised somewhere else online or to prevent the illegal use of a card by an unauthorised person.

Claiming Credit Off Printing Order

The £10 credit to have off your next printing order, applies to one Sample Store order – not per product within one order. E.g., if you order three printed t sample store shirts, the total amount of credit off your next order will by default still be limited to £10 (see ‘further sampling’ below).

There are two types of product in our Sample Store. Some are specifically designed for sampling prior to a larger order. Others are collaborations intended to help support artists, who get a cut of the sale. In either case, the products are not sold ‘at a profit’ to ourselves.

If further sampling is required, you may purchase more, but offering additional credit for these is at our discretion.

Sample Store Returns

The terms for item returns may be different for certain parts of your order, if you have requested blank t shirt items.

Printed Samples

We only accept refunds for printed samples from our store if they are considered faulty or incorrect, and within 14 days of receipt. In event of receiving a faulty or wrong item, please contact us via admin@blackwaterstudios.co.uk or using our quick contact form. You will receive the refund cost of the item, this excludes shipping and handling. You can also choose to have the item replaced with another (of the same purchase price).

Blank Samples

Blank samples can only be returned to us to use as part of your screen printing or embroidery order. We do not offer refunds on blank samples (even for minor faults), as these are intended for viewing / trying / sampling purposes and not as a product itself. In the unlikely event you receive a blank item you have not requested, let us know immediately and the correct one will be sent to you.

Processing Returns

Once we’ve approved your request for a return, please allow up to 10 working days for us to receive your items, process your return and confirm your refund amount via email. It may take up 4 weeks for your refund to be returned to you from the date that you post your item/s back to us, and will vary for international returns.

If you’re having any problems returning the item or it has been more than 4 weeks since you sent it, please contact admin@blackwaterstudios.co.uk.

Privacy Policy

By using this website, you consent to your data being processed in the manner described here.

Data Collection

When you make an enquiry, sign up to a newsletter or complete a transaction on our website, we may collect and process data about you such as your name, address, email address and phone number. Blackwater Studios does not store credit card details or payment information. We may at times use Zendesk/Zopim Chat (indicated by a message box in the lower right corner of screen when active) on the site which collects IP addresses / approximate location and requires cookies. We also use Google Analytics for monitoring site usage and improving site features. Data we keep on file locally (such as name, numbers, addresses) will be held to speed up the repeat order process and maintain a clear history with you as a customer. As stated in our terms, files created from your artwork is generally held indefinitely, incase of re-orders. This may contain elements that are considered personal data.

We will always protect your personal information, and will never sell or pass on data to any third parties. We respect your confidentiality as a customer, and will request permission before posting photographs of your work to our website or social media platforms. If you’d like us to remove your data from our files, please inform us. You may also request what data we have on you, at any time.

Any data stored by Blackwater Studios is kept in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.

Site Security

All sensitive information (such as online transactions) are encrypted through the use of our SSL-Secured Server. You can see which pages are protected by SSL, by locking for the padlock icon in your browser. This website may contain links to external sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content of any external sites.