Article 1 - Applicability of the General Terms and Conditions

All sales through our online store or physical store are subject to these terms and conditions. By placing an order, the customer fully and unreservedly accepts these terms and conditions.

1. All sales through our webshop or store are subject to our terms and conditions. Any buyer placing an order through us accepts these terms and conditions.

Article 2 - Orders and Quotations

1. Orders can be placed through our website or by email. An order is only considered final after confirmation by the seller and payment by the buyer.
2. Product descriptions and images in the webshop are as accurate as possible, but may differ from actual product information. Images are not contractual and are for illustrative purposes only.
3. Quotes are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated and are subject to product availability.
4. By confirming an order, the customer accepts without reservation all provisions of these general terms and conditions, including prices and product details.
5. All contractual data is stored and can be accessed by the customer after logging in with a personal password.

Article 3 - Prices

1. The prices in the webshop include VAT and are valid at the time of ordering.
2. Shipping costs are calculated separately and clearly stated with the order.
3. Any promotions or discounts cannot be combined/cumulated unless explicitly stated.
   Loyalty cannot be combined with sales or other discount promotions.
   

Article 4 - Payment

1. When placing an order, Ruitersport Maddelin offers various payment options. Payment information is not processed through our website.
2. If a quote or order is not paid within the agreed period, Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to charge an administrative fee of €25. This fee will be added to the amount due.
3. Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to delay or cancel orders if payment is not received on time. This can be done without prior notice.

Article 5 - Delivery and Transport

1. Packages are shipped from Belgium and shipped on working days, except Monday.
2. The customer must report any damage or problems with the delivery within 2 working days of receipt.
3. Maddelin Horse Riding is not liable for damage or loss during transport. All packages are insured up to a value of €500 (unless otherwise stated).
4. If a package is not received, the customer must notify us within 14 days of the track and trace being unavailable. We will then initiate an investigation. This investigation may take several days, as we work with an external delivery service. Please understand that it may take some time before we hear further developments.

Article 6 - Returns and Exchanges

1. The right of withdrawal applies only to products purchased through the webshop by consumers (non-professional customers). This right does not apply to purchases in our physical store or to custom-made products.
2. Products purchased through the webshop can be returned within 14 days for exchange or financial compensation.
3. Return costs are the responsibility of the customer, unless the error lies with Ruitersport Maddelin.
4. Returns will only be accepted if the products are new, unwashed, and unused. After inspection, the refund will be processed within 5 business days.
5. The right of withdrawal does not apply to: Products that are custom-made or personalized, such as custom-made boots. Products that have been purchased specifically to the customer's order. Items that were delivered sealed and of which the seal has been broken. Items that were purchased on sale or under promotional offers (as stated in Article 6).
6. In case of an error by us, the return shipment will be taken care of by us.
7. Returns should be sent to:
   Maddelin Equestrian Sports
   National Highway 62
   8820 Torhout, Belgium

Article 7 - Warranty

1. Warranty terms vary by manufacturer and product. Be sure to inquire about the specific warranty conditions.

Article 8 - Riding boots

1. Custom-made boots : Sizing can be disputed up to one week after receipt. New boots must be picked up within 30 days. After that, the warranty expires, but alterations are possible at the customer's expense.
2. Maintenance tips : Boots should be maintained regularly with suitable care products. For patent leather boots, we recommend using patent leather oil twice a week, even when not in use, to prevent cracking. Patent leather boots are not covered by a warranty. Suede and nubuck boots should be treated with a water repellent to prevent staining. Ask our experts about the right products for your boots.
3. Zippers : The warranty on zippers is two months. Extended warranty is possible.
4. Good maintenance extends the lifespan and increases wearing pleasure.

Proper maintenance ensures a longer lifespan and more enjoyment from your boots. Never store the boots near a heat source. Even boots that are rarely used require regular maintenance. To extend their lifespan, it's a good idea to let the boots rest for a day after use, preferably with a shoe stretcher. This allows perspiration to evaporate. If the boots are wet, they should be dried thoroughly.

Polish your boots with a damp cloth after each ride to remove salt and horse oil. Leather is a natural product that requires frequent maintenance with the appropriate care products. Therefore, discoloration can always occur with use. To prevent discoloration, we recommend polishing the boots once a month with shoe polish in the same color as the boots.

Patent leather boots are sensitive to strong temperature fluctuations and moisture. Therefore, maintain your boots with patent leather oil twice a week, even if you're not using them, to prevent cracking. We cannot offer a warranty on patent leather boots.
For suede and nubuck boots, you can spray them with a water repellent to prevent stains. Repeat this regularly.

Article 9 - Collection of Goods

1. Custom work, orders, or repairs must be collected within 6 months of the initial contact. After this period, the right to the goods expires, without refund.

Article 10 - Loyalty Program

1. Loyalty points and other benefits from the loyalty program remain valid for 6 months after the last purchase. After that, they expire.
2. Loyalty benefits cannot be combined with other promotions or campaigns.
3. Loyalty cannot be saved if there are other purchasing benefits.

Article 11 - Cancellation of Orders by the Customer

1. Cancellation policy :
   An order can only be cancelled by the customer after approval by Ruitersport Maddelin. If the cancellation is approved, an administrative fee of 10% of the total order amount, with a minimum of €25, may be charged to cover costs incurred.
2. Exceptions : Custom-made products, such as riding boots, helmets, and other personalized items, cannot be canceled after order confirmation unless otherwise agreed in writing. In the event of cancellation, the customer remains obligated to pay the full amount. Orders placed specifically with suppliers at the customer's request are also covered by this exception.
3. Right of withdrawal :
   If the order was placed via the webshop, the right of withdrawal as stipulated in Article 6 remains applicable, provided that the conditions stated therein are met.
4. Cancellation by Ruitersport Maddelin :
   Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to cancel an order in the event of unforeseen circumstances, such as delivery problems with the supplier, incorrect pricing, or insufficient availability. In that case, the customer will be notified and, if applicable, any amounts already paid will be fully refunded without any additional costs to the customer.

These terms and conditions are designed to ensure transparent and fair handling of cancellations.
If you have any questions regarding cancellations, please feel free to contact us.

Article 13 - Warranty and Prepayment of Products

1. Guarantee on specific orders:
   For products that are custom-ordered or made to measure (such as custom-made boots or products ordered from suppliers), a deposit or security deposit may be required. The deposit amount is agreed upon in advance and is usually at least 50% of the total order amount (unless otherwise agreed between both parties). The order will only be processed after receipt of the deposit.
2. Prepayment:
   For certain products or large orders, Ruitersport Maddelin may require full prepayment. In that case, the customer will be notified in a timely manner.
3. Cancellation of guarantee orders:
   In case of cancellation of an order by the customer, the paid deposit will not be refunded, unless otherwise agreed in writing. If the cancellation by Ruitersport Maddelin is made for reasons beyond the customer's control (for example, delivery problems), the deposit will be fully refunded.
4. Exceptions:
   For standard products that are available directly from stock, no guarantee is required unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
5. Non-payment of deposit or prepayment:
   If the customer does not pay the deposit or advance payment within the agreed period, Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to cancel the order and charge an administrative fee with a minimum of €25.
6. Other provisions:
   When collecting custom-made products, the remaining amount must be paid in full before the product is delivered. Uncollected custom-made products after 6 months (as stated in Article 9) are subject to Ruitersport Maddelin's right to process them without refunding the deposit.

Article 14 - Liability

1. Limitation of Liability :
   Ruitersport Maddelin is not liable for any direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of the supplied products, unless there is intent or gross negligence.
   This includes, but is not limited to: Damage due to misuse or lack of maintenance of the products. Damage to personal property, loss of profits, or any other consequential damages.
2. Product information and use :
   Products are supplied with instructions and/or maintenance instructions, where applicable. It is the customer's responsibility to inform themselves sufficiently about the properties, use, and maintenance of the products prior to purchase. Any questions regarding use or maintenance should be submitted to Ruitersport Maddelin in a timely manner, preferably before purchase. For specific products such as riding boots (as mentioned in Article 8), incorrect application, use, or insufficient maintenance can not only lead to damage but also affect the warranty terms. The customer is expected to strictly follow the instructions to ensure the lifespan and quality of the product. Ruitersport Maddelin cannot be held liable for damage or defects resulting from failure to comply with the instructions for use or maintenance instructions.
3. Transport and delivery :
   Once an order leaves our warehouse, the carrier assumes responsibility for its transport. Any damage or loss during transit is covered by our transport insurance (up to a value of €500). Ruitersport Maddelin is not responsible for any delays caused by the carrier.
4. Third party liability :
   If a product proves to be defective due to a manufacturing error, Ruitersport Maddelin will mediate with the manufacturer. Ruitersport Maddelin's liability remains limited to the manufacturer's warranties.
5. Exceptions to liability :
   Maddelin Equestrian is not liable for color variations, minor damage, or natural characteristics of products inherent to the materials used (such as leather or suede). For patent leather boots and other delicate materials that are susceptible to wear and tear, no liability is accepted for damage resulting from use.
6. Force majeur :
   Ruitersport Maddelin is not liable for damage or delays caused by force majeure, including, but not limited to, natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, transport problems or supplier disruptions.

Article 15 - Copyright and Intellectual Property

1. Images and content :
   All images, videos, text, logos, product descriptions, and other content on Ruitersport Maddelin's webshop, social media, and other communication channels are protected by copyright and intellectual property rights. These may not be copied, shared, modified, distributed, or used in any other way without the express written permission of Ruitersport Maddelin.
2. Use by third parties :
   It is prohibited to use Ruitersport Maddelin's images or text for commercial or personal purposes without prior written permission. In the event of violation, Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to take legal action and claim damages.
3. Customer Submissions :
   If customers submit images, videos or other media (for example via reviews, social media or emails), the customer automatically grants Ruitersport Maddelin the right to use these for commercial or promotional purposes, unless explicitly agreed otherwise.
4. Infringement and Liability :
   Ruitersport Maddelin is not liable for any unauthorized use of the images by third parties without permission. However, we do take appropriate measures to protect our material.

Article 16 - Final provisions

1. Acceptance of the general conditions :
   By placing an order, whether through the webshop or in our physical store, the customer fully agrees to these terms and conditions. No deviation from these terms and conditions is binding unless agreed in writing with Ruitersport Maddelin.
2. Changes to the terms and conditions :
   Ruitersport Maddelin reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. The amended terms and conditions will apply to all new orders from the date of publication. For existing orders, the terms and conditions in effect at the time of the order will continue to apply.
3. Applicable law and disputes :
   These terms and conditions are governed exclusively by Belgian law. In the event of disputes, only the courts of the district where Ruitersport Maddelin is located have jurisdiction, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.
4. Other provisions :
   If one or more provisions of these terms and conditions are declared invalid or void, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The invalidated provision will be replaced by a provision that most closely reflects the original intent.

Article 17: Addition - Razor Blade Sharpening Service

1. Service description
   Our sharpening service is an additional service that professionally sharpens razor blades to extend their lifespan. The sharpening service is always carried out with care and allows customers to get the most out of their razor blades.
2. Customer Responsibility
   It is the customer's responsibility to check the condition of the blades before offering the sharpening service. Razor blades that have already been sharpened multiple times can be more fragile, and the risk of breakage or wear during or after sharpening cannot be ruled out.
3. Razor blade lifespan
   On average, razor blades can be sharpened three times, depending on the brand, usage, and original quality. Customers can choose to preventatively replace blades after a few sharpenings or have them sharpened further, understanding that additional sharpenings will make the blades more fragile.
4. Payment obligation
   The sharpening service is a paid service that is billed based on the service provided, regardless of the condition of the blades after sharpening. The risk of breakage due to natural wear and tear during the sharpening process lies with the customer.
5. Check upon collection
   Customers can inspect the sharpened blades upon collection. Any comments must be reported immediately. After collection, it is assumed that the customer approves of the sharpened blades.
6. Disclaimer
   Maddelin Equestrian is not liable for damage to razor blades resulting from normal wear and tear, breakage due to repeated sharpening, or reduced functionality due to product age.