Last Updated: January 15, 2025
Overview
At Art Conservation Associates, we are committed to providing the highest quality conservation services. Due to the unique, customized nature of conservation work and the specialized materials and time invested in each project, our refund policy reflects the specific characteristics of professional conservation services.
Service Agreement and Authorization
All conservation work is performed under a written service agreement that includes:
- Detailed condition assessment
- Treatment proposal and methodology
- Timeline and cost estimates
- Client authorization and approval
By signing the service agreement, clients acknowledge understanding of the treatment plan and associated costs.
Deposit and Payment Terms
Initial Deposits
Projects may require a deposit to begin work, which covers:
- Initial examination and condition reporting
- Securing specialized materials
- Studio scheduling and preparation
- Administrative costs
Progress Payments
For extensive projects, progress payments may be required at specific milestones. These payments reflect work completed to date and are generally non-refundable once services have been rendered.
Refund Eligibility
Before Work Begins
If you need to cancel your project before conservation work begins:
- Consultation fees are non-refundable
- Deposits may be refunded minus administrative costs and any materials already purchased
- Written notice must be provided within 48 hours of signing the service agreement
After Work Has Started
Once conservation work begins:
- Payments for completed work are non-refundable
- Specialized materials purchased for your project are non-refundable
- Refunds may be considered for work not yet completed, minus applicable costs
Project Completion
After project completion and client acceptance:
- All payments are considered final
- Refunds are not available for completed conservation work
- Any concerns must be addressed within 30 days of completion
Special Circumstances
Service Provider Issues
If we are unable to complete your project due to circumstances within our control:
- We will provide full refund for work not completed
- We will work with you to find alternative solutions
- No charges will apply for time spent on incomplete work
Client-Requested Changes
If you request significant changes to the agreed treatment plan:
- Additional work will be charged separately
- Previous work completed remains billable
- New timeline and cost estimates will be provided
Unforeseen Conditions
Conservation work sometimes reveals unexpected conditions requiring additional treatment:
- We will notify you immediately of any significant discoveries
- Additional work requires your written authorization
- You may choose to halt treatment at that point
- Charges apply for work completed to the point of discovery
Exclusions from Refunds
The following are generally not eligible for refunds:
- Custom materials purchased specifically for your project
- Time spent on research and documentation
- Consultation and examination fees
- Work performed according to approved treatment plans
- Changes in client preferences after work begins
- Market value fluctuations of treated objects
Warranty and Satisfaction
Quality Guarantee
We guarantee that all work will be performed according to professional conservation standards. If work fails to meet these standards due to our error:
- We will correct the issue at no additional charge
- Additional treatment will be provided if necessary
- Refunds may be considered if corrections are not possible
Material Warranty
We use only museum-quality, archival materials. If materials fail due to manufacturing defects:
- We will replace or retreat the affected area
- Costs will be borne by Art Conservation Associates
- Extended warranties may apply to specific treatments
Refund Process
To request a refund consideration:
- Submit a written request explaining the circumstances
- Provide documentation supporting your request
- Allow 10-15 business days for review and response
- Approved refunds will be processed within 30 days
- Refunds will be made to the original payment method when possible
Dispute Resolution
If you disagree with a refund decision:
- We encourage direct communication to resolve concerns
- Mediation services may be utilized for complex disputes
- Professional arbitration is available as specified in our Terms of Service
Contact for Refund Requests
All refund requests must be submitted in writing to:
Art Conservation Associates
109 Webster St
Boston, MA 02128
Phone: (617) 567-7950
Email: siennamorrow@artconassc.com
Policy Updates
This refund policy may be updated from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website and will apply to new service agreements signed after the effective date. Existing agreements will remain under the terms agreed upon at the time of signing.