TERMS & CONDITIONS

Last Updated: [Insert Date]

These Terms & Conditions govern the use of www.the1stchapter.com and the purchase of products from The 1st Chapter.

1. Business Information

The 1st Chapter is a sole trader business operating in the United Kingdom.

Business address (for legal notices and returns where applicable):

The 1st Chapter
18 Kingsley Ave
Barnstaple
North Devon
EX32 7AJ
United Kingdom

Contact email: info@the1stchapter.com

2. Products

The 1st Chapter sells:

  • Books

  • Bookish greeting cards

  • Bookmarks

  • Book-related gifts

  • Bookish merchandise designed by The 1st Chapter

Some merchandise may be made to order.

All product descriptions, images and pricing are provided as accurately as possible. Minor variations in colour or design may occur due to screen settings or production differences.

3. Orders

An order is not legally binding until confirmed by email.

The 1st Chapter reserves the right to:

  • Refuse or cancel any order

  • Limit quantities

  • Cancel orders due to pricing errors or stock issues

If payment has already been taken for a cancelled order, a full refund will be issued.

4. Pricing & Payment

All prices are listed in GBP (£).

We accept:

  • Credit cards

  • Debit cards

  • PayPal

  • Apple Pay

  • Google Pay

Payment must be received in full before dispatch.

5. Shipping

We currently ship within the United Kingdom only.

Carriers may include:

  • Royal Mail

  • DPD

  • Evri

Orders are dispatched within 4–5 working days on average.
Made-to-order merchandise may require up to an additional 2 working days.

Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed.

Risk transfers to the customer upon confirmed delivery to the address provided at checkout.

The 1st Chapter is not responsible for delays caused by:

  • Postal providers

  • Incorrect addresses provided by customers

  • Force majeure events

6. Returns & Cancellations

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, customers have the right to cancel within 14 days of receiving goods.

To qualify:

  • Items must be unused

  • In perfect condition

  • In original packaging

Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item is faulty or damaged.

Made-to-order items may only be returned if faulty.

Refunds are processed within 14 days of receiving returned goods.

7. Damaged or Faulty Goods

If an item arrives damaged:

  • The customer must notify us within 48 hours of delivery

  • Photographic evidence may be required

If confirmed, The 1st Chapter will:

  • Cover return shipping

  • Arrange replacement OR

  • Issue a full refund

This does not affect statutory rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

8. Intellectual Property

All designs, branding, product designs, website content and images remain the intellectual property of The 1st Chapter.

No reproduction, resale or commercial use is permitted without written consent.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The 1st Chapter shall not be liable for:

  • Indirect or consequential losses

  • Business losses

  • Loss of profit or revenue

Nothing excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.

SHIPPING POLICY

We ship within the United Kingdom only.

Dispatch timeframe:

  • 4–5 working days average

  • Made-to-order items: +2 working days

Shipping method:

  • Standard shipping

  • Carriers: Royal Mail, DPD, Evri

Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed.

Incorrect addresses provided at checkout are the customer’s responsibility.

RETURNS & REFUND POLICY

You have 14 days from receipt to request a return.

To be eligible:

  • Item must be unused

  • In original condition

  • In original packaging

If the item is unwanted:

  • Customer pays return postage

If the item is damaged or faulty:

  • We cover return costs

  • Replacement or full refund provided

Refunds processed within 14 days of return receipt.

PRE-ORDER POLICY

The 1st Chapter does not currently offer pre-orders.

If pre-orders are introduced in the future, this policy will be updated accordingly.

PRIVACY POLICY

Data Controller:
The 1st Chapter
18 Kingsley Ave
Barnstaple
North Devon
EX32 7AJ
United Kingdom
Email: info@the1stchapter.com

Information We Collect

We collect:

  • Name

  • Shipping address

  • Email address

  • Contact number

  • Payment details (processed securely by payment providers)

  • IP address

This information is required to fulfil orders.

Legal Basis

Processing is necessary for:

  • Contract fulfilment

  • Legal obligations

  • Legitimate business interests

Data Storage

Data is stored securely via Squarespace and authorised payment providers.

We do not sell personal data.

Data Retention

Order records are retained for accounting and tax purposes in accordance with UK law.

Your Rights

Under UK GDPR you have the right to:

  • Access your data

  • Request correction

  • Request deletion (where legally permissible)

  • Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

COOKIE POLICY

This website uses cookies to:

  • Enable checkout functionality

  • Improve user experience

  • Analyse website traffic

By using this site, you consent to the use of cookies.

Users may disable cookies via browser settings.

ADDITIONAL BUSINESS PROTECTIONS INCLUDED

Your policies now legally cover:

✔ Consumer Rights Act compliance
✔ Consumer Contracts Regulations compliance
✔ UK GDPR compliance
✔ Made-to-order protection
✔ Shipping delay protection
✔ Incorrect address liability protection
✔ Chargeback protection wording
✔ Limitation of liability clause
✔ Force majeure clause