Refund policy
Terms & Conditions of Sale
Change of mind will not be accepted.
Antiques are naturally aged and carry imperfections, and returns for such will not be accepted.
Should goods arrive broken or damaged due to transit and clearly proven as different to the images shown at point of sale, we will accept returns with sufficient proof.
Founders of Rome will have the opportunity to make repairs to goods, and if not able to be repaired the client will be advised and a full refund issued.
Any requests for return of goods must be made within 5 days of receipt of item/s.
Should in any circumstance, goods be returned and accepted by Founders of Rome as an exception to the rule, the client must pay all transport costs and a restocking fee of 20% of the sale of goods retained by Founders of Rome.
1. The Nature of Antique & Vintage Pieces
The items we source and offer are antique, vintage or previously owned unless otherwise stated.
By purchasing, you acknowledge that:
• Age-related wear, patina, historic repairs, timber movement, oxidation, foxing and minor irregularities are part of the character and authenticity of such pieces.
• Variations in tone, surface and structure are not faults but evidence of age.
• Descriptions, measurements and photographs are provided in good faith.
We are always happy to provide additional images or detail prior to purchase.
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2. Title & Risk
Ownership of goods transfers to the purchaser once full payment has been received.
Responsibility (risk) transfers upon the earlier of:
• Collection by you or your nominated representative
• Delivery to you
• Delivery to any third party nominated by you (including freight providers or storage facilities)
• Dispatch where freight is arranged at your request
From that point, the goods are held at your risk and we recommend appropriate insurance is in place.
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3. Delivery & Storage
Where a purchaser nominates a freight company, consolidator, or storage facility, delivery to that party constitutes completed delivery.
Any such third party is deemed to be acting on your behalf.
We cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage, environmental exposure, movement or handling once goods have been delivered as instructed.
If items remain in storage at your request, they do so at your risk.
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4. Inspection & Transit Claims
We kindly ask that all items are inspected promptly upon delivery or collection.
Any concern regarding transit damage must be notified to us in writing within 48 hours of delivery and supported by photographs of:
• The external packaging
• The item itself
• Any visible impact or disturbance
Due to the nature of third-party handling and storage environments, we are unable to assess or accept responsibility for concerns raised after goods have been stored, unpacked, moved, or handled by others.
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5. Packaging
All items are packaged using methods appropriate to their material and age, including original or specialist packing where available.
While every reasonable care is taken, once goods leave our control, we cannot be responsible for handling, stacking, environmental conditions or movement within third-party facilities.
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6. Shipping & Insurance
Transit insurance is not automatically included unless agreed in writing.
We strongly recommend insurance for all shipments, particularly for international or consolidated freight.
Where insurance is arranged, coverage is subject to the carrier or insurer’s policy terms.
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7. International Purchases & Importation
For goods purchased overseas and shipped to New Zealand (or elsewhere), responsibility transfers at the point of dispatch unless otherwise agreed.
Customs inspections, quarantine processes, duties, GST and clearance procedures are outside of our control and remain the purchaser’s responsibility.
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8. Returns
Due to the unique and one-of-a-kind nature of antique pieces, all sales are final.
We do not accept returns for change of mind.
Nothing in these terms limits rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 where applicable.
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9. Limitation of Liability
To the extent permitted by New Zealand law:
• Liability is limited to the purchase price paid.
• We are not responsible for indirect or consequential loss.
• We are not liable for damage resulting from storage conditions, humidity variation, structural movement, natural ageing, or handling after delivery.