Terms of Service

1. Partnership Scope

Cerado operates as a B2B ceramic solutions provider, specializing in design-led, lifestyle-oriented product systems. Our services are exclusively available to:

• Registered businesses, brands, and commercial entities
• Partners seeking long-term collaboration in ceramic product development
• Organizations with clear brand positioning and aesthetic standards

We do not engage in retail sales to individual consumers. All partnerships are established through formal agreements specifying project scope, deliverables, and timelines.

2. Order Rules

2.1 Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)

To ensure production efficiency and maintain quality standards, Cerado enforces the following MOQ requirements:

• Standard Collections: 500 units per SKU (color/size variant)
• Custom Development: 1,000 units per SKU for new molds or unique glazes
• Sampling Orders: 50-100 units for market testing (subject to sampling fees)

MOQ may be negotiated for multi-category orders or long-term partnership commitments.

2.2 Payment Terms

Standard payment structure for confirmed orders:

1. 30% deposit upon order confirmation and production scheduling
2. 70% balance before shipment, upon quality inspection approval

For established partners with proven track records, Net 30 or Net 60 terms may be available upon credit review. All payments are processed via wire transfer or approved international payment platforms.

2.3 Delivery & Lead Time

Standard production timelines (from deposit confirmation):

• Existing Designs: 45-60 days
• Custom Development: 60-90 days (including sampling and mold creation)
• Rush Orders: Available with 20% surcharge, subject to capacity

Delivery terms are FOB (Free on Board) from our manufacturing facility unless otherwise agreed. Shipping and customs clearance are the responsibility of the buyer.

3. Customization Terms

3.1 Sampling & Development Fees

To initiate custom product development, the following fees apply:

• Initial Sampling: $300-$800 per design (refundable upon bulk order confirmation exceeding MOQ)
• Mold Development: $1,500-$5,000 per unique shape (one-time cost)
• Glaze Matching: $200-$500 per custom color formula

Sampling fees cover material costs, kiln firing, and artisan labor. Samples are typically delivered within 20-30 days.

3.2 Mold & Intellectual Property Ownership

Mold Ownership: Molds created for custom designs remain the property of Cerado unless otherwise specified in a separate IP transfer agreement. Clients retain exclusive usage rights for the duration of the partnership.

Design Exclusivity: Upon request and additional fee, clients may purchase full mold ownership and design exclusivity. This ensures the design will not be reproduced for other clients.

Client-Provided Designs: If the client provides original CAD files or design blueprints, intellectual property rights remain with the client. Cerado will not reproduce such designs for third parties.

4. Quality Assurance & After-Sales

4.1 Inspection & Quality Standards

All Cerado products undergo rigorous quality control:

• Visual inspection for glaze consistency, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy
• Compliance testing for FDA, LFGB, and EU food contact regulations
• Third-party inspection available upon request (costs borne by client)

Clients are encouraged to conduct pre-shipment inspections. Final approval must be provided within 7 business days of inspection notification.

4.2 Warranty & Defect Policy

Cerado guarantees that all products are free from manufacturing defects under normal use conditions. Our warranty covers:

• Material Defects: Cracking, warping, or glaze peeling due to production errors
• Workmanship Issues: Misaligned handles, uneven bases, or structural flaws

Warranty Period: 90 days from delivery date.

Exclusions: Damage caused by improper handling, shipping, misuse, or normal wear and tear is not covered.

4.3 Return & Replacement

For confirmed defects within the warranty period:

1. Client must provide photographic evidence and detailed description within 7 days of receipt
2. Cerado will assess the claim and approve replacement or credit within 10 business days
3. Replacement products will be shipped at Cerado's expense

Defect rates exceeding 3% of total order quantity will trigger a full batch review and potential remanufacturing at no additional cost.

5. Liability & Dispute Resolution

5.1 Limitation of Liability

Cerado's liability is limited to the total value of the specific order in question. We are not liable for:

• Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages (e.g., lost profits, business interruption)
• Delays caused by force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions)
• Third-party claims arising from client's use or resale of products

5.2 Breach of Contract

By Cerado: If we fail to deliver within the agreed timeline without valid cause, clients are entitled to a 5% discount per week of delay, up to a maximum of 20% of the order value.

By Client: If the client cancels a confirmed order after production has commenced, a cancellation fee of 30-50% of the order value applies (depending on production stage).

5.3 Dispute Resolution

In the event of a dispute, both parties agree to:

1. Negotiation: Attempt resolution through good-faith discussions within 30 days
2. Mediation: Engage a neutral third-party mediator if negotiation fails
3. Arbitration: Submit to binding arbitration under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Governing Law: These terms are governed by the laws of [Jurisdiction], without regard to conflict of law principles.