These Terms of Service ("TOS") apply to all commissions accepted by Sterling Fox Taxidermy LLC ("the Artist"). By placing a commission, the client ("the Customer") agrees to the following terms.

Payment Terms

• A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure a commission slot.
• The remaining balance is due within 30 days of completion notice. This date will be provided on your invoice.
• If final payment is not received within 30 days, the piece (and associated materials) becomes the property of Sterling Fox Taxidermy LLC and may be resold without reimbursement.
• Payment plans may be arranged on a case-by-case basis. Any payments made beyond the deposit may be refundable if the order is canceled, at the Artist’s discretion.
• Customers agree they are at least 18 years of age or are having a parent or guardian who is 18 years or older placing the commission on their behalf.

Cancellations & Abandonment

• The Customer may cancel their commission at any time; however, the deposit (exact amount is noted in your invoice) is non-refundable.
• Additional payments beyond the deposit may be partially refunded depending on project progress, materials used, and labor completed.
• Lack of communication for more than 14 days after attempted contact will be considered abandonment.
• In cases of abandonment, the Customer forfeits all payments and ownership of the piece, including any supplied materials.
• Customers may be blacklisted from the shop for abandoning a commission (become ineligible for commissions in the future).

Ownership & Resale Rights

• Until full payment is received, all works remain the property of the Artist.
• If a commission is canceled or abandoned, the Artist reserves the right to complete, modify, or resell the piece.
• Customer-supplied pelts may be returned only if they have not been significantly altered, minus material and labor costs. Pelts tanned on behalf of the customer can be returned minus the tanning cost.

Turnaround Time

• All completion dates are estimates only and not guaranteed.
• Taxidermy is a highly variable process; delays may occur due to pelt condition, complexity, or third-party (tannery) services.
• Early completion does not accelerate payment deadlines beyond agreed terms.

Revisions & Changes

• Requests for changes or additions may result in increased cost and extended turnaround time.
• The Artist will communicate any pricing or timeline changes before proceeding.

Artistic Interpretation

• The Artist will make every reasonable effort to match requested designs and references.
• Exact replication, especially for companion animals, is not guaranteed.
• Refunds will not be issued for stylistic differences if the final product reflects the Artist’s demonstrated skill level.

Shipping & Delivery

• Completed commissions will only be shipped after full payment is received.
• The Customer is responsible for providing an accurate shipping address.
• The Artist is not responsible for delays, damage, or loss once the package is in the carrier’s possession.

Customer-Supplied Pelts & Materials

• Customers are responsible for proper handling, storage, and shipment of all pelts prior to arrival.
• Improper care (including freezer burn, rot, or contamination) may affect the final result.
• The Artist is not liable for damage caused by... Improper field care, Shipping delays, or Failure to properly package a pelt sent by the Customer.

Tanning & Third-Party Services

• Pelts may be sent to a commercial tannery at the Artist’s discretion.
• Turnaround times for tanning are outside of the Artist’s control.
• While rare, damage during tanning is an inherent risk. Compensation or solutions will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Legal Compliance

• The Customer must provide all required documentation for regulated species before shipment.
• Failure to provide proper documentation will result in refusal or return of the specimen at the Customer’s expense.
• The Customer is responsible for complying with all local, state, and federal wildlife laws.

Liability Limitations

• The Artist is not liable for: Pre-existing damage to pelts, Natural imperfections in the animal, Unavoidable damage during tanning or processing.
• All work involves inherent risk due to the nature of biological materials.

Communication

• The Artist will provide periodic updates throughout the process.
• Customers are encouraged to respond promptly to approval requests to avoid delays and reach out with any questions they may have.

Refunds & Returns (Post-Delivery)

Due to the custom, made-to-order nature of taxidermy work, all completed and delivered commissions are considered final sale. However, the following policies apply:

Eligibility for Refunds or Repairs

• Refunds are not guaranteed and are handled on a case-by-case basis.
  
• A refund, partial refund, or repair may be offered only if:
  
  The mount arrives significantly damaged due to packaging or craftsmanship issues, OR The final piece substantially deviates from the agreed-upon design beyond reasonable artistic interpretation.
  

Non-Refundable Situations

Refunds will not be issued for:

• Minor cosmetic differences or natural variations in fur, color, or anatomy
  
• Dissatisfaction based on personal preference or expectations
  
• Issues resulting from improper handling, display, or storage after delivery
  
• Damage caused by pets, environmental conditions (humidity, heat, sunlight), or accidents
  
• Perceived lack of exact likeness in pet recreations
  

Damage Claims

• Any damage claims must be reported within 48 hours of delivery.
  
• The Customer must provide: Clear photographs of the damage. Photos of the packaging and shipping box.
  
• Failure to provide documentation within this timeframe may void eligibility for compensation.
  

Repairs & Returns

• If a repair is approved:
  
  The Customer is responsible for safely returning the mount unless otherwise agreed. The Artist will cover repair labor; shipping responsibility will be determined case-by-case.
  
• Unauthorized alterations or repairs made by the Customer will void any eligibility for refunds or repairs.
  

Refund Limitations

• Refunds, if issued, will not exceed the original amount paid.
  
• Shipping costs are non-refundable unless the issue is determined to be the fault of the Artist.

Chargebacks & Disputes

• By agreeing to these terms, the Customer agrees not to initiate chargebacks or payment disputes without first contacting the Artist to resolve the issue.
  
  Filing a chargeback in violation of this agreement may result in legal action.

Agreement

By placing a commission and/or submitting payment, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.

Contact

Sterling Fox Taxidermy LLC
Email: sterlingfoxtaxidermy@gmail.com