Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy

Last updated: 12/08/2026

1. Business Information and Scope

Artist Inez Michiels operates this website and online shop.

Address Domaine des Nobertins 61, 5670 Viroinval, Belgium
Email inez.michiels@ik.me
VAT number BE0501.251.854

These Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy apply to all purchases made through this online shop. By placing an order, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy. These terms apply to the purchase of original artworks and other objects offered through the shop.

2. The Artworks

All artworks offered through this shop are original works made by the artist, unless explicitly stated otherwise. As handmade and individually produced works, slight variations in colour, texture, surface, dimensions or finish may occur. Such variations are inherent to the nature of handmade artwork and should not be considered defects. Every effort is made to represent the artworks accurately through photographs and descriptions. However, colours may appear slightly different depending on your screen, device and display settings. The physical artwork may therefore differ subtly from its appearance on screen.

Condition and Surface Characteristics

Some ceramic artworks may show cracks, fissures, crazing, and variations in texture, colour, surface, or shape. These characteristics may occur naturally during the making and firing process and are integral to the artwork's appearance and character. Such cracks and surface irregularities should not, in themselves, be considered damage or defects. The photographs of the artwork may show some of these characteristics, but they may not necessarily show every individual crack or surface variation. For the purposes of these Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy, damage refers to physical deterioration that materially affects the integrity of the artwork, such as a piece being broken off, a substantial break, or other physical damage that was not present at the time of purchase. Where an artwork has particularly visible or distinctive surface characteristics, we will indicate these in the individual artwork description where appropriate. By purchasing an artwork, the buyer acknowledges the handmade and material nature of the work and accepts that minor cracks, fissures and other surface irregularities may be present.

3. Prices and VAT

All prices are stated in euros (€) and are initially displayed without VAT. VAT is calculated according to the applicable rate for the buyer's country of delivery and is added at checkout. The final price, including applicable VAT, will be clearly shown before payment is completed. The seller reserves the right to change prices at any time. Any price change will not affect an order that has already been accepted. For deliveries within the European Union, customs duties are normally not applicable. The applicable VAT is calculated and added at checkout according to the destination country.

4. Orders and Payment

Payment can currently be made by:

Bank transfer
PayPal

When paying by bank transfer, please include the item number or title of the artwork as the payment reference. An order is considered accepted only once the full payment has been received in the seller's bank account. Until payment is received, the artwork remains for sale. The seller reserves the right to refuse or cancel an order where there are reasonable grounds to suspect fraudulent, unauthorised or otherwise suspicious activity. In such cases, any payment already received will be refunded.

5. Shipping and Delivery

At present, orders are shipped within the European Union only. The buyer is responsible for the shipping costs. These costs will be indicated before the order is completed. Orders are normally dispatched after full payment has been received. The expected delivery time is approximately 15 days from receipt of payment. This is an estimated delivery period and may vary due to circumstances beyond the seller's control, including delays caused by the carrier. The buyer is responsible for providing a complete and accurate delivery address. The seller cannot be held responsible for delays or failed delivery resulting from an incorrect or incomplete address provided by the buyer.

6. Loss or Damage During Delivery

The artwork will be carefully and appropriately packed before dispatch. If an artwork is lost or damaged during delivery, the seller will take responsibility and will, where appropriate, arrange a replacement, repair or refund depending on the circumstances and availability of the artwork. Because the works are original and unique, a replacement may not always be possible. In such cases, the seller will consult the buyer to find an appropriate solution. The buyer should notify the seller of any visible damage to the package or artwork as soon as possible after delivery and, where possible, provide photographs of the packaging and the artwork. This information may be required to make a claim with the carrier.

7. Return, Right of Withdrawal and Refunds

For purchases made by consumers online, the statutory right of withdrawal applies where required by applicable consumer law. Unless a legal exception applies, the buyer is entitled to withdraw from the purchase within 14 days of receiving the artwork, without having to provide a reason.

Condition of the Artwork

The artwork may be carefully inspected at home to establish its nature, characteristics and condition. The buyer must handle the artwork with the same care that they would reasonably expect when inspecting it in a gallery or shop. The buyer is responsible for any diminished value resulting from handling or use that goes beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and condition of the artwork. Because the artworks offered through this shop are original and unique pieces, any damage, alteration, staining, breakage or other deterioration may result in a significant reduction in value. In the case of substantial damage, the resulting loss in value may be up to 100% of the purchase price, where justified by the condition of the artwork upon its return.

Return Packaging and Transport

The buyer is responsible for returning the artwork safely and securely. The artwork must be packed with appropriate care and protection to minimise the risk of damage during return transport. Where possible, the original, undamaged transport packaging should be reused. If the original packaging is no longer available or is unsuitable, the buyer must use packaging that provides an equivalent level of protection. The direct cost of returning the artwork is borne by the buyer, unless applicable law provides otherwise or the seller has expressly agreed to bear these costs. The buyer remains responsible for the artwork until the seller has safely received it, subject to any mandatory consumer rights that may apply.

Damage During Return Transport

If the artwork is damaged during return transport due to inadequate packaging or handling by the buyer, the buyer may be liable for the decreased value according to consumer law. Damage during return transport does not automatically cancel the buyer's statutory right of withdrawal. However, any legally established reduction in the artwork's value may be deducted from the refund amount. Where damage is so substantial that the artwork has lost all or virtually all of its value, the resulting reduction in value may be as much as 100% of the purchase price.

Insured Return Shipping

The buyer is strongly advised to return the unique and valuable artwork using a trackable shipping service and to insure it for its full purchase value. The buyer bears the cost of return shipping, tracking, and any optional insurance. The seller may withhold the refund until the returned artwork has been received or the buyer has provided evidence that it has been sent back, whichever occurs first, in accordance with applicable law.

Refunds

Once the returned artwork has been received and inspected, the seller will process any refund due to the buyer in accordance with applicable consumer law. Nothing in these Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy limits or excludes any mandatory rights available to consumers under applicable Belgian or European law. If an artwork arrives damaged, is lost in transit, or is otherwise materially different from the artwork described and purchased, please contact the seller as soon as possible so that the matter can be resolved.

8. Copyright and Intellectual Property

All artworks, photographs, drawings, texts, designs and other visual material displayed on this website remain the intellectual property of the artist unless explicitly stated otherwise. The purchase of an original artwork transfers ownership of the physical object only. It does not transfer copyright or any other intellectual property rights. Copyright remains with the artist.

The buyer may not reproduce, copy, scan, photograph, print, publish, modify or otherwise reproduce the artwork, in whole or in part, for commercial purposes without the prior written permission of the artist. This process includes making prints, posters, digital reproductions or derivative works based on the purchased artwork. The artist retains the right to photograph and reproduce images of sold artworks for purposes including exhibitions, publications, portfolios, archives, social media and promotion of the artist's work.

9. Website Content

This website provides images, texts and other content for information and presentation purposes. The artist reserves the right to correct errors, update information and modify or remove website content without prior notice.

10. Privacy Policy

Personal information provided when placing an order will be used only as necessary to process the purchase, receive payment, arrange delivery and communicate with the buyer regarding the order, in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.

11. Changes to These Terms

The seller reserves the right to update or amend these Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy from time to time. The Terms, Conditions & Privacy Policy applicable to a purchase are those in force at the time the order is placed.

12. Applicable Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Belgium, without prejudice to any mandatory consumer protection provisions that may apply in the buyer's country of residence. Any disputes will, where possible, first be resolved amicably between the buyer and the seller.

Contact

If you have any questions about an artwork, an order, payment or delivery, please contact:

Inez Michiels
Domaine des Nobertins 61
5670 Viroinval
Belgium
inez.michiels@ik.me