1. Scope
AlelBiben — Atelier de métallerie (the workshop) makes bespoke metalwork and steel-and-wood furniture: railings, gates, stairs, tables, luminous ceilings, braseros, pivot bars, glazed partitions, sculptures and welding work. These terms govern sales concluded remotely, by phone or at the workshop, with consumers or professionals.
Any order implies full acceptance of these terms. The version applicable is the one in force on the date of the order request. The client confirms having read the essential characteristics, price and lead time before validating the request.
2. Bespoke pieces and measurements
Dimensions, materials and finishes are agreed together. Where a home survey is required, it is carried out during a dedicated appointment. The client provides the relevant information: intended location, access constraints, applicable standards and any permissions.
Measurements supplied by the client and used unchanged by the workshop are deemed correct. Any change requested after fabrication has started may adjust the price and lead time, subject to the client’s written acceptance.
3. Prices and VAT
Prices are shown in euros, including French VAT at 20%. The confirmation details the amount excluding tax, the VAT and the total payable.
A price configured online is valid for thirty days from the date the quote is issued. Beyond that, the workshop may revise it, in particular if steel, wood or surface-treatment costs change.
Transport, handling and fitting are not included unless stated otherwise and are quoted separately. The survey call-out fee is €19.99 incl. VAT up to 30 km, then €0.90 incl. VAT per additional kilometre up to 200 km; it is fully deducted from the order if the client has the piece made.
4. Order request and confirmation
The website does not take online payments. Submitting the order form is a request to the workshop, which reviews it, checks the measurements and availability, then confirms price and lead time within 48 working hours.
The sale becomes final only after the workshop’s written confirmation. Until then, the client may cancel the request free of charge.
5. Deposit and payment
For bespoke pieces, a 30% deposit of the price incl. VAT is requested upon confirmation. The balance is due before collection, delivery or fitting, as stated in the confirmation.
Payments are accepted by bank transfer or any other method agreed with the workshop. Late payment may suspend fabrication or delivery after formal notice.
6. Lead times
Lead times (usually one to four weeks depending on the family of pieces) run from confirmation of the order, receipt of the deposit and final approval of measurements.
Lead times are given in good faith and depend on supplies and workshop load. A reasonable delay does not justify cancellation. If the delay exceeds thirty days, the client may, after written formal notice remaining unanswered for fifteen days, cancel the order and be refunded the sums paid for the relevant piece.
Force majeure events suspend lead times for their duration. The workshop informs the client without delay.
7. Delivery and fitting
Delivery takes place in mainland France at the address stated in the confirmation. The client checks the apparent condition of the piece on receipt and reports any reservation in writing within three days, keeping the packaging.
Where fitting is entrusted to the workshop, it covers a 200 km radius around Saumur. The client guarantees clear access and safe conditions. Existing supports must be sound; otherwise the workshop may propose additional, quoted work.
Structural work, connections and administrative permissions remain outside the workshop’s scope unless otherwise agreed in writing.
8. Right of withdrawal (consumers)
Under the French consumer code, consumers have fourteen days from receipt of the piece to withdraw, without giving reasons and without penalty, by writing to the workshop with the order references.
However, under article L. 221-28, 3° of that code, the right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for goods made to the consumer’s specifications or clearly personalised. The workshop tells the client, before confirming the order, whether the piece falls within this exception given its dimensions, shade or specific finishes.
Where withdrawal is valid, the refund is made within fourteen days of receiving the request, after the piece is returned in its original condition and packaging. Return costs are borne by the client unless the law provides otherwise.
9. Legal warranties
Consumers benefit from the legal warranty of conformity (articles L. 217-3 et seq. of the French consumer code) and from the warranty against hidden defects (articles 1641 et seq. of the French civil code), in the conditions and time limits provided by law.
Outdoor steel pieces are hot-dip galvanised and powder coated. Regular, gentle care conditions the durability of the finish. Solid wood is a living material: variations in shade and grain are not defects.
10. Complaints, mediation and disputes
Any complaint must be sent in writing to the workshop with the order references and, where relevant, photographs. The workshop replies within fifteen working days.
If no amicable solution is found, consumers may use the competent consumer mediator free of charge. The mediator’s contact details appear in the order confirmation and can be obtained at contact@alelbiben.fr.
These terms are governed by French law. The parties seek an amicable solution before any court action. Failing that, the dispute is brought before the competent courts, without prejudice to the protective rules applicable to consumers.