General Terms of Cooperation for Custom Model Builds with STModels Ltd

These terms set out the general rules of cooperation between STModels Ltd and the client for the design, production, restoration, and delivery of custom-made models and related services.

1. Custom-Made Model Orders

1.1 Order Approval and Payment Terms

For custom-made and bespoke model orders, a deposit of 50% to 75% of the total order value is payable upon approval of the order.

The exact deposit amount will depend on the type of build, the level of restoration required, the estimated production time, and the complexity of the work.

The remaining balance must be paid in full before delivery or collection of the completed model.

1.2 Non-Refundable Custom Work

As custom-made models are produced to the client’s specific requirements, all payments made will be retained if the client decides they no longer wish to proceed with the order after production has started.

This is because time, materials, research, planning, and specialist labour may already have been committed to the project.

1.3 Model Maker’s Brief and Production Order

All specifications required for a custom-made model will be documented in either a Model Maker’s Brief, also known as an MMB, or a Production Order.

This document forms part of the agreement between the client and STModels Ltd. It will be used to confirm the details of the model, the approved specifications, and the estimated timescale for completion.

The MMB or Production Order must be checked and approved by the client before production begins. Once approved, it will form the basis of the model build and will outline what STModels Ltd has agreed to deliver.

1.4 Changes After Production Has Started

If the client requests changes to the model after production has started, these changes may result in additional costs and extra build time.

Any requested changes will be reviewed by STModels Ltd before work continues. Where additional costs apply, these will be discussed with the client and agreed before the additional work is carried out.

1.5 Client Responsibility for Information Supplied

It is the client’s responsibility to check all research material, drawings, plans, photographs, reference images, measurements, specifications, and other information supplied for the purpose of making the model.

Any documents, drawings, photographs, or reference material provided by the client will be treated as part of the information used to produce the model.

If the client does not carefully check the MMB, Production Order, drawings, plans, photographs, measurements, specifications, or any other information used for the build, this may result in additional costs and extra build time at a later stage.

1.6 Additional Costs

Additional costs that were not foreseen at the point of order may be chargeable to the client.

This may include, but is not limited to, additional drawings, further research, revised specifications, specialist materials, or extra work required due to incomplete or inaccurate information.

If such costs arise, they will be discussed with the client before the work continues. STModels Ltd will not proceed with additional chargeable work until the cost has been agreed by both parties.

1.7 Exclusivity of Custom Models

Prices quoted for custom-made models are generally based on the possibility that similar or related models may be produced in the future.

If the client requires exclusivity, meaning that the model is to be made only for them and not reproduced for any other client, this must be confirmed in writing at the time of order.

Exclusive model rights may affect the price and will be quoted separately.

1.8 Client Drawings and Intellectual Property

If a model is produced using drawings, plans, photographs, designs, or specifications supplied by the client, the client may hold certain rights as the original author or rights holder of those materials.

Where STModels Ltd requires the right to reproduce, adapt, photograph, display, promote, or use the model or related design work in future, this must be agreed separately in writing.

If the client does not wish to grant STModels Ltd any such rights, the price may need to be adjusted accordingly.

1.9 Progress Updates and Client Approval

STModels Ltd may provide photographs of the model at different stages of construction.

All models are handmade, and every reasonable effort will be made to follow the approved drawings, plans, photographs, and specifications as accurately as possible.

The client is responsible for reviewing all progress photographs and providing feedback promptly.

If no response or feedback is received within 5 working days of the photographs being sent, STModels Ltd will assume that the client is satisfied with the progress shown and the model build will continue.

1.10 Corrections and Late Changes

Corrections or changes that should reasonably have been identified from earlier information, photographs, or approval stages may not always be possible later in the build.

As the model progresses, some changes may become difficult, impractical, or impossible to carry out without significant extra work.

Clients are therefore asked to check all information, approval documents, and progress photographs carefully and to raise any concerns as early as possible.

2. Restoration Work

2.1 Restoration Assessment

Details of any restoration work required will be discussed with the client before work begins.

As the restoration progresses, photographs may be sent to the client for review and approval.

2.2 Restoration Quotes

Restoration quotes can only be fully confirmed once STModels Ltd has received the model and the model maker has assessed it in person.

The standard non-refundable assessment fee is £30, or the equivalent amount in foreign currency.

Any additional restoration charges will require the client’s authorisation before further work is carried out.

Collection and delivery costs are charged separately.

3. Display Cases

The exact size of any display case will be decided by the client.

STModels Ltd may provide recommendations regarding suitable display case sizes. However, the measurements supplied or approved by the client will be used to produce the case.

The client is responsible for checking and approving all measurements before production begins.

4. Website Terms of Use

4.1 Access to the Website

Access to the STModels Ltd website is provided subject to these terms and conditions.

Any orders placed through the website, by email, or through direct communication with STModels Ltd will be governed by the relevant terms and conditions in place at the time of order.

4.2 Information Provided by the Client

The client confirms that any personal information provided to STModels Ltd is accurate, current, and truthful.

The client agrees to inform STModels Ltd of any changes to their personal information that may affect their order, delivery, communication, or account details.

4.3 Privacy and GDPR

STModels Ltd handles personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including UK GDPR where relevant.

Further information about how personal data is collected, stored, and used can be found in the STModels Ltd Privacy Policy.

4.4 Website Content

STModels Ltd reserves the right to amend, update, remove, or temporarily withdraw any part of the website without prior notice.

STModels Ltd shall not be liable to the client or any third party for any modification, suspension, or withdrawal of the website or any part of its content.

4.5 Changes to Terms and Conditions

STModels Ltd may update these terms and conditions from time to time.

Continued use of the website following any changes will be treated as acceptance of the updated terms.

It is the client’s responsibility to check the terms and conditions regularly. If the client does not agree with any updated terms, they should stop using the website immediately.

Any client who has already entered into a contract with STModels Ltd will be bound by the terms in place at the time their order was agreed. Later changes to the terms will not affect existing contracts unless agreed in writing.

5. Third-Party Links

The STModels Ltd website may include links to third-party websites or resources.

These links are provided for convenience only. STModels Ltd does not control, review, or endorse third-party websites and is not responsible for their availability, content, privacy practices, advertising, products, services, or materials.

The client acknowledges that they access third-party websites at their own discretion and risk.

STModels Ltd shall not be liable for any damage, loss, offence, or issue caused, or alleged to be caused, by the use of or reliance on any third-party website, content, product, service, or resource.

6. Cancellation of Standard Orders

STModels Ltd hopes that all clients are happy with their orders.

For standard, non-custom orders, the client may have the right to cancel within 14 days of receiving the item.

If the client chooses to cancel a standard order, they must contact STModels Ltd within the cancellation period. The client will be responsible for returning the item safely and for covering the return delivery costs, unless otherwise required by law.

All cancellations will be handled in accordance with the STModels Ltd refund policy.

Please note that this cancellation right does not apply to custom-made orders.

7. Custom-Made Orders

7.1 Cancellation of Custom-Made Orders

If the client wishes to cancel a custom-made order, they must contact STModels Ltd immediately.

As custom-made models are produced to the client’s individual requirements, cancellation may not be possible once work has started.

If the project has not yet been completed, the amount payable will be calculated based on the stage reached in the build. This may include materials, labour, research, planning, design work, and any other costs already incurred.

For the period 2026 to 2028, additional work will be charged at £20 per hour, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Any remaining balance due must be paid before the order is closed or before any completed work is released.

7.2 Completed or Received Custom Orders

For completed or received custom-made orders, STModels Ltd does not accept returns due to the bespoke and personalised nature of the work.

No refund can be made for custom-made models once the order has been completed and supplied in accordance with the approved specification.

 

8. Faulty or Damaged Orders

8.1 Reporting Damage or Faults

If an item delivered by STModels Ltd arrives damaged or faulty, the client must inform STModels Ltd as soon as the damage or fault is discovered and no later than 24 hours after delivery.

The client agrees to provide photographs of the packaging, box, and damaged or faulty item so that an insurance claim or investigation can be made.

8.2 Repairs and Resolution

STModels Ltd reserves the right to assess the issue and, where appropriate, attempt a repair in the first instance.

Where a repair is required, STModels Ltd will arrange the collection and return of the damaged item once the repair has been completed.

Delivery, collection, repair, or replacement costs will be handled in accordance with the client’s statutory rights and the circumstances of the damage or fault.

 

9. Jurisdiction

These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

This is because the head office of STModels Ltd is based in the United Kingdom.

Any disputes arising in connection with these terms, an order, or any work carried out by STModels Ltd shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless otherwise required by law.