Terms & Conditions of Sale

Bridges Trading Co Ltd (trading as Handles4u.co.uk)

1. General Information & Privacy

• Privacy: We are committed to protecting your privacy. Any personal information provided will not be shared with third-party agents. Your data is stored safely and securely.
• Payment: We use Sagepay (Opayo), an industry-leading merchant payment system, to process payments securely via credit card, debit card, and PayPal.
• Typographical Errors: In the event a product is listed at an incorrect price, we reserve the right to refuse or cancel any orders placed for the product listed at the incorrect price, whether or not the order has been confirmed or charged. If charged, we will issue a full refund for the incorrect amount.

2. AI Chatbot & Automated Advice

• Nature of Service: Our website utilizes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot to assist with general enquiries and product navigation. Please be aware that this is an automated system and not a human technical expert.
• Accuracy: While we strive to train the AI to be helpful, it may occasionally provide incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information.
• Verification: Any technical advice, dimensions, or compatibility information provided by the chatbot is for guidance only. You must verify all details against the official product description, technical data sheets, or by contacting our human customer service team before placing an order or commencing installation.
• Liability: Bridges Trading Co Ltd (Handles4u.co.uk) accepts no liability for errors, damage, or costs (including labour or return shipping) resulting from reliance on advice provided solely by the AI chatbot. The written information on the product page always supersedes information given by the AI.

3. Orders & Amendments

• Order Acknowledgements: Upon receiving an order acknowledgement, please check that all details are correct. We cannot be held responsible if the data inputted by the customer is incorrect. If amendments are required, please email us immediately before the order is processed.
• Amending an Order: We allow 24 hours (working hours) from the time the order is placed to make amendments. Outside of this window, orders may already be packed and consigned, and changes may not be possible.
• Promo Codes: We only accept Promo Codes listed on our official website or official social media channels. We do not honour codes found on third-party voucher sites.
• Stock Availability: We aim to hold high stock levels. If an item is out of stock, we will order it from our suppliers (usually arriving the next working day). If an item is unavailable for a long period, we will contact you to offer options. We reserve the right to substitute an unavailable item with an appropriate alternative of equal value.

4. Delivery

• Lead Times: Delivery lead times are estimates (working days, excluding Bank Holidays) and are not guaranteed.
• Split Orders: If you order multiple items with different lead times, the longest lead time will apply to the entire order (e.g., if Item A takes 2 days and Item B takes 4 days, the order will be dispatched in 4 days).
• Dispatch: We dispatch and deliver Monday to Friday. Saturday/Sunday deliveries are at the discretion of the courier and beyond our control.

5. Returns & Cancellations Policy

• Your Right to Cancel: Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel your contract within 14 days of receiving your goods.
• Notification Period: You must notify us in writing (email or letter) within 14 days of receipt if you wish to return items for a refund. You then have a further 14 days to ensure the goods are received by us.
  • Total window: You have a maximum of 28 days from receipt of goods to complete the return process.
• Conditions for Return:
  • Goods must be in a re-sellable condition, in original packaging, and unfitted.
  • We cannot accept returns on items that have been fitted, modified, damaged, or are special order items made to specification.
  • Discontinued lines are non-returnable.
• Return Costs: It is the customer's responsibility to pay for return carriage (unless the item is faulty/incorrect). We recommend using a "Signed For" service as we are not liable for items lost in transit.
• Refunds: Refunds are for the cost of goods only; original delivery charges are not refunded. Refunds are processed within 5–10 days of inspection.
• Late Returns & Restocking: Returns made outside the 28-day window may be refused or subject to a restocking fee of up to 25%.

6. Damaged, Incorrect, or Faulty Goods

• Items Damaged in Transit: You must notify us via email with photographic proof within 7 calendar days of arrival. This must be done before fitting. We cannot accept liability for damaged items once they have been fitted.
• Incorrect Items Received: You must notify us via email with photographic proof within 7 calendar days. Do not fit incorrect items; we cannot accept them back once fitted.
• Missing Items: You must notify us in writing with proof within 7 calendar days of receipt.
• Faulty on Arrival: If items have a mechanical fault upon arrival, you have 14 days to inform us. We will test returned items; if faulty, we will issue a replacement or refund and reimburse reasonable return carriage costs. If found not faulty, you are liable for return carriage.
• Warranty Period Faults: If a fault develops after 28 days but within the warranty period, you are entitled to a manufacturer's warranty repair or replacement.

7. Product Guarantees

• Mechanical Guarantee: Moving products (e.g., lever handles) are covered by a supplier’s mechanical guarantee only where specified. This covers the mechanical spring. It does not cover the finish.
• Finish Guarantee: There is no warranty on product finishes unless explicitly specified.
• Heritage Brass Electrical: Guaranteed for 5 years (Dimmers 1 year) provided they are installed by a qualified electrician according to current regulations and have not been altered.
• Coastal/External Use: We do not recommend using products externally in coastal areas due to salt air, which will rust/tarnish most finishes. We cannot guarantee products used in these environments.

8. Installation & Material Disclaimers

• Fitting Before Plastering: Do not fit hardware in newly plastered or painted rooms until fully cured. Moisture will tarnish or rust most finishes.
• Installation: We are not liable for incidental damages, labour charges for removal/reinstallation, or carriage costs. We recommend waiting until goods are received and checked before booking tradespeople.
• Images & Descriptions: Images are for guidance only. Colours may vary due to photography and manufacturing processes. Dimensions are approximate due to manufacturing tolerances.
• Price Increases: Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in material and manufacturing costs.

9. Product Care & Finish Specifics

• Lacquered Finishes (Brass, Nickel, Bronze): Lacquer will break down over time, especially externally. Clean with a non-abrasive cloth. Do not use metal cleaners/aerosols. No warranty available.
• Living Finishes (Bronze, Antique Brass, Polished Nickel): These are designed to age and change colour (oxidise) over time. No warranty is available on the finish consistency or longevity.
• Black Iron: Prone to rusting if exposed to humidity. Wipe with oil occasionally to prolong life.
• Beeswax:
  • Internal: Re-coat with wax periodically. If surface rust appears, use 00-grade wire wool and re-wax.
  • External: Offers strong protection but requires periodic re-waxing. Avoid coastal areas.

10. VAT

• UK: VAT is applied to all orders with a UK billing address.
• International: VAT is removed for orders shipped outside the EU, or within the EU to customers with a valid VAT number.