Terms of Service for Custom Commissions

The following sections outline the Terms of Service for all custom commissions.
Please read these terms carefully, as commissioning CloverCat means you agree to them.

Preface

  • The following Terms of Service apply exclusively to custom commissions. The Terms of Service for premade items, sold at the Dealer's Den, are different and can be found within that shop's info.
  • Throughout this document, "CloverCat" refers to the creator and service provider, and "the client" refers to the individual commissioning a project.

General

  • By purchasing a commission (personalized custom costume artwork) from CloverCat, the client confirms their agreement to these Terms of Service.
  • CloverCat reserves the right to alter or update these Terms of Service at any time.
  • CloverCat reserves the right to decline or cancel a commission for any reason.

Age Requirement

  • The client must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a commission from CloverCat.
  • While the intended recipient of the commission may be a minor, a parent or legal guardian must act as "the client" for all purposes of this agreement. This adult is responsible for all payments, communications, and decisions regarding the commission. CloverCat will not sell a commission directly to any person under the age of 18.

Quotes and Pricing

  • Price estimates from the Custom Commission Prices page are for reference only and do not represent the final cost of a commission.
  • The complexity of a character (e.g., colors, patterns, features) can impact commission pricing. Any price adjustments due to complexity are at CloverCat's sole discretion.
  • The client may request a personalized quote and obtain additional information by contacting CloverCat. When requesting a quote, the client must provide information and reference images of the character for which they desire a costume. Requesting a quote does not commit the client to a purchase.
  • A quote provided to the client (e.g., via email, direct message) represents the final offer price. Haggling is strictly prohibited. Any attempt to negotiate pricing after a quote is provided will result in CloverCat's refusal to work with the client on any present or future projects.
  • The client may request reasonable changes to the commission throughout the process, provided these changes do not fundamentally alter the nature of the commission. Any such changes (e.g., addition or removal of parts or details) may result in a price adjustment, at CloverCat's discretion, and the client will be informed beforehand.

Style and Design

  • By commissioning CloverCat, the client acknowledges they have reviewed the Gallery page and find CloverCat's well-established and distinct art style suitable for their project. The client must not commission CloverCat with the expectation that the result resembles or copies another creator's work.
  • CloverCat is always eager to explore new fields and deviate from the norm. Clients with unconventional ideas are strongly encouraged to ask for more information. Inquiries about unique projects can be discussed directly on a case-by-case basis.

Payment

  • Once a quote is accepted, the client agrees to pay the full amount by the specified date. CloverCat in turn agrees to create the custom artwork.
  • Payment is made exclusively through PayPal. Other forms of payment are not accepted at this time.
  • All payments must be made in USD or converted to USD. Any currency conversion fees are the sole responsibility of the client.
  • Payment can be made in full upfront, or via a personalized payment plan. Please be aware that an additional payment for shipping costs will be required once the commission nears completion.
  • If the client fails to make a payment within 30 days of the due date, or if the client is unresponsive to direct contact from CloverCat for 60 consecutive days when approval or critical information is required, the project will be considered abandoned. In such cases, any progress made on the commission may be scrapped or repurposed, and a refund may or may not be issued at CloverCat's discretion.

Payment Plans

  • Payment plans are available to break down large commission costs, removing the requirement for a full upfront payment. The terms of each payment plan will be mutually discussed and agreed upon by the client and CloverCat. CloverCat reserves the right to accept or deny a client's request for a payment plan for any reason.
  • By choosing a payment plan, the client agrees to pay each installment by the set due date. Failure to meet a payment deadline may result in the cancellation of the commission.

Payment Milestones

  • A non-refundable 10% deposit of the total commission cost is required to secure the client's slot in the queue.
  • When at least 30% of the total commission cost has been paid, work will begin once it is the client's turn in the queue. This 30% portion is non-refundable as it is used to purchase the necessary supplies.
  • CloverCat will ship the completed commission only after the total commission cost has been paid in full (100%).
  • Paying the total commission cost does not alter the client's position in the queue. Work on the commission will begin only when it is the client's turn.
  • As the commission nears completion, a separate invoice for shipping costs will be sent to the client. Shipping costs are not included in the commission cost and must be paid in full before the item will be shipped.

Measurements and DTD

  • The client is responsible for providing accurate measurements and a good quality Duct Tape Dummy (DTD), made according to the instructions provided by CloverCat. The fit of the final costume is directly dependent on the accuracy of the measurements and the DTD.
  • A properly-made DTD is an essential part of the costume-making process. Therefore, any DTD that is poorly constructed or does not meet the specifications provided by CloverCat will require repair before work on the commission can begin. The client will be notified of the associated repair fee and is responsible for this cost.
  • Alterations can be performed to correct any fitting issues arising from incorrect measurements or a poorly-made DTD. In this event, the client is responsible for all associated costs, including labor, materials, and shipping both ways.

Completion Estimate

  • An estimated completion date will be provided to the client when the commission begins. This tentative completion date is a good-faith estimate from CloverCat but not a guarantee. The actual completion may be earlier or later than this estimate.
  • Should a significant delay arise due to unforeseen circumstances on the part of CloverCat (e.g., illness, emergency), the client will be notified. In such cases, the client may choose to wait for completion or request a refund as defined in the "Cancellations and Refunds" section.
  • To maintain an efficient workflow and ensure a steady pace for all projects, the order of the commission queue may be adjusted from its general first-come, first-served basis. This flexibility means a commission's spot may be shifted to best suit the overall production schedule and is already accounted for in the client's estimated completion date.

Design Alterations

  • Requests for significant changes to the approved design after work has begun (e.g., color, shape, character) will incur additional fees. The amount will be based on the cost of new materials and the additional labor required. A quote for these changes will be provided to the client, which must be approved and paid in full before the new work begins.
  • Standard design choices and minor details (e.g., handpaw pattern, hair tuft style, nose size) are considered part of the normal collaborative process and do not incur additional fees. The 'Design Alterations' section applies only to significant modifications that deviate from the initial, approved design.

Shipping

  • The client is responsible for all shipping costs. A separate invoice for shipping will be sent as the commission nears completion. This invoice must be paid before the item will be shipped.
  • All packages will be fully insured for the commission's value, and a tracking number will be provided to the client.
  • CloverCat is happy to offer worldwide shipping from a home base in the USA. For any international order, the client is solely responsible for any and all customs fees, import duties, VAT, or other taxes levied by their country. Please note that CloverCat is not responsible for shipping delays caused by customs processing.
  • As an alternative to shipping, local pickup in or near Michigan (USA) or in-person delivery at a convention (notably Anthrocon) may be available. All such arrangements must be discussed with CloverCat well in advance.

Delivery and Maintenance

  • As each commission is a unique, handmade item, minor variations or imperfections are a natural part of the artistic process and are to be expected. Rest assured that CloverCat is committed to creating durable, lasting costumes through skilled craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials.
  • If the client discovers a significant flaw in the costume upon delivery that appears to be a fault of construction, they must notify CloverCat with clear photographs of the issue within 48 hours of the package being delivered. If the flaw is determined to be a defect in craftsmanship, CloverCat will work with the client to remedy the issue.
  • All handmade costumes require regular upkeep over time. Normal wear and tear, such as a popped seam, is to be expected with use and is not considered a defect in craftsmanship.
  • The client is responsible for the proper care and maintenance of the costume after delivery. Damage resulting from improper use, storage, or general neglect is not considered a defect in craftsmanship and is not the responsibility of CloverCat.
  • A guide detailing proper care and maintenance of the costume will be provided with every commission. In addition to this guide, clients are encouraged to reach out directly to CloverCat with any questions about how to best care for their costume.

Cancellations and Refunds

  • The initial 30% of the total commission cost is non-refundable. This is because these funds, which include the 10% queue deposit, are allocated for the purchase of materials for the project.
  • The client may request to cancel their commission by contacting CloverCat directly. However, as commissions are considered a serious commitment, the client is expected to be certain of their decision before placing an order.
  • In the event of a cancellation, the outcome is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the commission's progress. The client may choose to either have any completed parts sent to them (at their own shipping expense), or forfeit all work-in-progress materials to CloverCat, who may then alter, repurpose, or dispose of them as deemed appropriate.
  • The amount of any potential refund is calculated based on the project's progress at the time of cancellation. The cost of all purchased materials and labor performed will be deducted from the total amount paid by the client. The remaining balance, if any, will be refunded.