Terms of Service

a. Who You Are Buying From

When you purchase on Boutique des Arts, you are buying directly from an independent artist or vendor ("Vendor"). The Platform facilitates the transaction but the Vendor is the seller of the goods.

b. Our Role

The Platform acts as marketplace facilitator and merchant of record. This means:

• We process all payments on behalf of Vendors via Stripe
• We collect and remit applicable taxes (GST/QST) on Canadian sales
• We facilitate dispute resolution between buyers and vendors
• We are your primary point of contact for any transaction issues

c. Guest Checkout

You may purchase without creating an account via guest checkout. Guest purchases are subject to these Terms. Without an account you will not be able to track orders through the Platform dashboard — all communications will be via email.

a. Placing an Order

By clicking "Purchase" or completing checkout, you are making a binding offer to purchase the listed item at the listed price. Your order is confirmed when you receive an order confirmation email from the Platform.

b. Pricing

All prices are set by individual Vendors. The Platform does not set or negotiate product prices. Prices are displayed in the Vendor's chosen currency. If you are purchasing in a different currency, your bank or card issuer will apply their exchange rate and may charge a conversion fee — this is outside the Platform's control.

c. Taxes

GST and QST are collected on all sales to Canadian buyers and are included in the total displayed at checkout. The applicable tax rate is determined by your province of delivery:

International buyers are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes applicable in their country.

d. Payment

All payments are processed securely by Stripe. The Platform does not store your credit card information. By completing a purchase you agree to Stripe's terms of service. Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards and any additional methods made available at checkout.

e. Custom Commissions and Deposits

For custom commissioned work, a deposit may be required to confirm the commission. Deposits are non-refundable once the Vendor has commenced work, as disclosed at the time of purchase. Buyers should review commission terms carefully before paying a deposit.

a. Vendor Responsibility

Vendors are solely responsible for shipping and delivering your order. Shipping methods, timelines, and costs are set by individual Vendors and displayed on product listings.

b. Shipping Times

Estimated delivery times are provided by Vendors and are not guaranteed by the Platform. Handmade and custom items may have longer processing times than mass-produced goods.

c. Tracking

Tracking information is provided where available. For lower-value items, some Vendors may ship without tracking. If your order has not arrived within the Vendor's stated delivery window, contact the Vendor first through the Platform's messaging system.

d. Studio Pickup

Some Vendors offer studio or local pickup. If you select this option, no shipping address is required. You will coordinate pickup directly with the Vendor. Receipt of goods in person constitutes delivery for dispute purposes.

e. International Shipping

The Platform ships to international destinations where Vendors have enabled international shipping. International buyers are responsible for:

• Import duties and customs fees
• Compliance with local import regulations
• Any delays caused by customs processing

a. Vendor Return Policies

Each Vendor sets their own return policy, displayed on their store profile. Review the Vendor's policy before purchasing. In the absence of a stated vendor return policy, the Platform's default policy applies.

b. Platform Default Return Policy

Where no Vendor policy is stated:

c. Quebec Buyer Rights

As a Quebec resident purchasing online (distance sale), you have rights under the Loi sur la protection du consommateur that may exceed the Platform's default policy, including:

• The right to cancel a distance contract within 7 days of receiving the goods without providing a reason, where applicable under the LPC
• The right to a refund if goods are not delivered within 30 days of the agreed delivery date
• Protection against misleading representations

These rights apply regardless of any Vendor's stated return policy. If you believe your LPC rights have been violated, you may contact the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) at opc.gouv.qc.ca or 1 888 672-2556.

d. How to Request a Return or Refund

• Contact the Vendor through the Platform's messaging system within the applicable return window
• Describe the issue and provide photos if the item is not as described
• Allow the Vendor 5 business days to respond
• If unresolved, escalate to the Platform at [email protected]

e. Refund Processing

Approved refunds are processed within 5–10 business days. Refunds are returned to your original payment method. Shipping costs are non-refundable unless the return is due to Vendor error or misrepresentation.

a. Internal Resolution Process (Track 1)

For disputes where no chargeback has been filed:

• Contact the Vendor directly through the Platform messaging system
• Allow 5 business days for the Vendor to respond
• You agree not to file a chargeback with your bank while this process is active
• If unresolved after 5 business days, escalate to the Platform at [email protected]
• The Platform will review evidence from both parties and issue a determination within 10 business days
• The Platform's determination is final with respect to the internal process

b. Chargeback Process (Track 2)

If you have filed a chargeback directly with your bank or card issuer:

• The Platform will be notified by Stripe and will contact the Vendor for evidence
• Filing a chargeback without first attempting internal resolution may be noted as evidence in the dispute process
• Your rights under the LPC and your card network's chargeback rules remain unaffected by this clause

c. Platform Dispute Framework

d. External Recourse

Nothing in these Terms prevents you from seeking recourse through:

• The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) — opc.gouv.qc.ca
• Quebec Small Claims Court (Division des petites créances) for amounts up to $15,000
• Your credit card issuer's chargeback process
• Any other applicable consumer protection authority

a. Account Creation

Creating an account is optional — guest checkout is available. If you create an account you are responsible for maintaining the security of your password and for all activity under your account.

b. Account Accuracy

You agree to provide accurate information when creating an account or completing a purchase. False information, including false shipping addresses, may result in account suspension.

c. Account Deletion

You may request deletion of your account at any time by contacting [email protected]. Order history required for tax purposes will be retained per our Privacy Policy retention schedule.