Policy
Privacy and Security Policy
Seating Masters is dedicated to safeguarding your privacy. This Privacy and Security Policy outlines the information we collect when you visit our website, Seatingmasters.com, the reasons for collecting it, and its usage. Additionally, this policy details our data security practices, the choices available to you for accessing and managing your personally identifiable information, and other relevant matters.
We may need to collect personal information from you for specific purposes, such as providing requested information. This information may include your name, address, telephone number, fax number, and/or email address. Additionally, we may collect information generated through the purchase of a product or service, such as your payment method. We use this information to process your order and to analyze and support your use of the Seating Masters website. This information will be disclosed only to our staff and third parties involved in completing your transaction, delivering your order, or analyzing and supporting your use of the Seatingmasters.com website.
How do we protect information we collect?
We offer secure web pages to collect certain kinds of user information and we store certain kinds of data in encrypted form. We maintain strict physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized or inappropriate access. While no computer system is completely secure, we believe the measures implemented by our website reduce the likelihood of security problems to a level appropriate to the type of data involved. Seating Masters servers use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), an encryption technology that works with any modern web browser, so that only Seating Masters can read a customer's personal information.
We may share the personal information you provide with other companies we have hired to provide services for us. These companies - our vendors - are contractually bound to use personal information we share with them only to perform the services we have hired them to provide. We do not share, sell, or lease personal information about you to any third-parties for their marketing use. We will release information about you if you direct us to do so, if we are required by law to do so, or in other legally limited circumstances (for example, to protect your account from fraud).
Access to Collected Information
You may review and update the information that you provide to us through this website by contacting us as described below.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please visit our Contact Us page. We welcome your inquiries and suggestions regarding our privacy policy. We may update our Privacy and Security Policy by posting a new version on this page, and it is your responsibility to review it regularly.
Changes to This Policy
Please check this privacy policy periodically to inform yourself of any changes. Although we reserve the right to modify or supplement this privacy policy, we will provide notice to you on this website of any major changes for at least 30 days following the change.
Special Note About Minors
This website is not intended for persons under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal information from or about minors, and we do not knowingly market our products or services to minors.
Your Consent to This Policy
By using the Seatingmasters.com website, you implicitly agree to this Privacy and Security Policy. This is our entire and exclusive Privacy and Security Policy and it supersedes any earlier version.
Shipping Policy
At Seating Masters we provide the highest quality furniture at the lowest online prices. All our items are brand new and come in original manufacturer-sealed boxes. Please review our policies below and contact us for further information.
Delivery Time
Unless otherwise stated, all our items ship out in 14-21 business days. Business days are Monday through Friday, not including weekends or public holidays. Custom orders may require a longer lead time of 8 -10 weeks, depending on the specific items. If time is a concern please contact us for an approximate shipping date. In some cases we may be able to also assist you with "time critical" orders. This depends on the order size, product and cost. We ship nationwide using independent freight carriers. Seller will not be liable for any damage, loss, fault, or expenses arising out of delays in shipment or other non-performance of this Policy, including any claim of consequential or incidental damages.
Shipping Cost
Shipping is not our business! We get the best rates in the industry and pass them over to you, the client, with no hidden costs. Our prices are determined (not estimated) so you can be sure of what the total cost is. Since every computerized system has errors, Seating Masters reserves the right to change the shipping charges even after the order was made. In that case the customer will have to approve the new shipping charge before the order had been finalized. In some instances it may not be possible to receive a shipping quote on the site. Depends on the product, size of the order and destination zip code - a customer service representative will contact you with the best possible freight rate.
Orders shipped via a trucking company are delivered "tailgate" when sent to a business with dock-height facilities. If there is no dock on the premises, the truck will park in a designated loading zone nearby. The customer is responsible for unloading the freight from the truck within 30 minutes of its arrival.
Lift gate service, Limited Access Delivery, Residential Delivery, "inside delivery" are available in most cases. Please remember to ask for it when placing an order since these services have to be scheduled with the freight company. Extra charges WILL apply for these services.
We reserve the right to bill you for shipping charges on refused shipments and any extra shipping charges as mentioned in our shipping appendix.
Shipping Damages and Freight Claims
When a carrier (UPS or common) takes possession of a shipment, they sign and acknowledge receiving the product in good order. Once they take possession, we are no longer responsible for the condition of the product(s) at time of delivery. All common carrier deliveries require a signature. It is the customer's responsibility to inspect the shipment prior to acceptance. If there is visible damage (i.e. Forklift punctures; shrink wrap is broken, torn, and cases are missing) then the customer must note the damage on the bill of lading. If you have no time to inspect the boxes upon delivery, please note the following on the Bill of Lading: "Boxes are subject to inspection at time of delivery. Customer will notify the carrier of pending damage within 24 hours." This gives you time to look over the product, yet allows the carrier to know that possible damage may have occurred before you took possession of it. It is the responsibility of the customer to fill a damage claim with the carrier, Seating Masters can help you file the claim on your behalf. The carrier will reimburse the customer for their loss.
Shipping Appendix
The definition of freight accessories or fees you may encounter are as follows:
- Lift Gate: The truck will be equipped with a platform to bring your delivery to the ground. This is recommended if you have no commercial dock or forklift.
- Inside Delivery: The freight company will bring your order to the threshold of your establishment. They will not traverse stairs. In case of stairs they will bring your order to your flight of stairs and no further.
- Limited Access Delivery: Limited access in this case refers to places with traditionally limited access- Schools, hospitals, churches, and other institutions of this sort may apply. If you are unsure if your delivery will incur this fee, please ask.
- Residential Delivery: If you are a residential customer or living in a residential neighborhood, this charge is required for delivery. This charge may also be levied if your business is primarily in a residential neighborhood, or surrounded by houses.
- White Glove Service: This service is when the delivery company will not only bring all items into your store, but will unpack and assemble the items if required. This service is never offered unless specifically requested and paid for in advance. This service CANNOT be added to orders already in transit.
- Detention Fee: If the driver is detained past your allotted time for delivery functions you may be liable for a detention fee. In agreeing to this policy you agree to this fee, if required.
- Redelivery Fee: If an order must be redelivered for any reason you may be liable for a delivery fee. In agreeing to this policy you agree to this fee, if required.
- Re consignment Fee: If you are changing the delivery address of an order that is already in transit, you may be liable for a re consignment fee. In agreeing to this policy you agree to this fee, if required.
- Storage Fee: If your order must be stored at any point during the delivery outside of the expected delivery schedule you may be liable for storage fees. In agreeing to this policy you agree to this fee, if required.
- Paras Fail: For international orders, if your custom documents are not in proper order you may be charged this fee. It arises when customs documents are incorrect, not in proper order, or missing entirely. In agreeing to this policy you agree to this fee if required.
- Appointment Fee: The making of a specific drop off appointment may cost extra, depending on the shipping company. Should an appointment be placed with the shipping company they will usually charge this fee.
As mentioned elsewhere in this policy, it is the customer’s responsibility to inform us of any and all required shipping accessories at time of purchase. The customer understands that shipping accessories and fees are pre-approved if required at any point during the shipping process.
Shipments into Canada
While we ship to Canada daily, our shipping rates cover only the freight charges. These rates do not include broker fees or Canadian taxes. It is your responsibility to provide us with a customs broker before shipping. We will communicate directly with your broker to supply all the necessary paperwork for customs clearance.
Returns and Cancellations
Cancellation of order is possible prior to the production or packaging of the items ordered. Custom made products (using custom upholstery materials, special stains or finishes, size or shapes for example booths) cannot be returned or canceled at any point because they were manufactured based on your specifications. You may be able to cancel or return items that are "stock items" within 14 days of delivery.
Returning or canceling an order with "stock-items", involves a restocking fee of 30%. This also applies on orders which were packaged but were canceled prior to shipping. In case of a return, you will forfeit all shipping expenses paid by you. All items must be returned in the original manufacturer's boxes and will be inspected at time of arrival. You will also be responsible for packing the items, and all costs of doing so. Therefore, it is your responsibility to keep the original manufacturer's boxes and packing materials. In case of damage to the returned product, you will be charged the item's full price as appears on the original order. Shipping back the furniture is the responsibility of the customer and on his expense. Even if we mistakenly ship the wrong product, you are still responsible for packing the items on pallets for the return shipment. In these cases we will pick up the furniture.
Color/Texture Disclaimer: Stains may appear different on certain browsers and colors may not be accurate and textures may not be properly visualized as a result of photographic, Internet & computer inaccuracies and many other factors beyond our control. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the product colors, textures and stains & grains you see displayed on this site are perfectly accurate. Furthermore, in natural wood products there is no offer of warranty when it comes to wood-grain or any effect it may cause in terms of pattern, texture, or color even with the receipt of a sample. We, unfortunately, have no control over natural wood grain.
WHEN YOU PLACE AN ORDER, you accept the limitations inherent in not directly viewing samples. If you have not received samples, your approval of the order constitutes a waiver of any claims due to dissatisfaction with the product colors, textures, stains, and grains. If you would like to see firsthand materials (fabrics, vinyl, wood finishes, and metal swatches), please contact us, and we will be happy to provide samples. For more information, please contact customer service.
Re-Ordering: We reserve the right to update our color panels periodically. If you are placing a re-order, it is the customer's responsibility to re-confirm the color by ordering a swatch. We will not be held liable for any color variations. Upon request, the swatch will be provided free of charge.
Terms & Conditions
Limited Warranty(s) are non-transferable. The following Limited Warranty is given to the original purchaser.
LIMITED WARRANTY. Seller warrants goods manufactured by it will be free from defects upon delivery to Buyer. If any of the goods are found by Seller to be defective, Seller at its option will replace such Goods or credit Buyer for the Purchase Price for such Goods. THE FORGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR IMPLIED INCLUDING THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE NOT EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN. NO AFFIRMATION OF SELLER, BY WORDS OR ACTIONS, OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL CONSTITUTE A WARRANTY.
Upon Buyer's receipt of shipment, Buyer shall immediately inspect the goods. Unless Buyer provides Seller with written notice of any claim of shortages or defects in the goods within three (3) days after receipt of the shipment, such goods shall be deemed finally inspected checked and accepted by Buyer. In absence on shipping and packing instruction, Seller shall use its own discretion in choice of carrier and method of packing.
TERMINATION, CANCELLATION AND CHANGES. Orders cannot be terminated, canceled or modified after acceptance of Buyer's order by Seller without Seller's written consent. Any modification of the order once accepted by the Seller shall be subject to additional shipping fees and restocking fees. If you want to cancel an order you must do it in writing via email.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. Our liability (whether under the theories of breach of contract or warranty, negligence or strict liability, or any other claim under any theory of law customer may bring against Seating Masters) shall be limited to replacing the goods sold to customer by us or, at our option, to crediting or paying customer an amount equal to the purchase price of such goods. In no event shall we be liable for consequential, incidental damages, lost profits, loss of use, diminution of value, or punitive damages.
APPLICABLE LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed exclusively by the laws of the State of Illinois. In addition, Seller and Buyer irrevocably and unconditionally agree that they will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind whatsoever against one another in any way relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in any forum other than the courts of the State of Illinois sitting in Cook County, Illinois or the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, or any appellate court from any thereof. Seller and Buyer further irrevocably and unconditionally submit to the jurisdiction of such courts and agree that any such action, litigation or proceeding must solely and exclusively be brought in any such courts as stated above, and waive and agree not to plead or to make any claim that: (a) venue is improper; (b) the forum is improper or otherwise inconvenient; and/or (c) such court lacks personal jurisdiction over it.
PARTIAL SHIPMENTS. Seller will attempt to deliver all Goods in a single shipment. However, Seller at times may make partial shipments of Buyer's Goods. Delay in delivery of any Goods shall not relieve Buyer of its obligation to accept the remaining shipments.
Miscellaneous
Purchase Orders
Purchase orders will be accepted on case by case basis. Seating Masters reserves the right to decline offers based on her sole judgment. All P.O. must be made in writing using company letterhead.
Samples
We understand that the fabrics and colors displayed on your monitor may differ from their appearance in real life. To ensure a more accurate evaluation, we offer samples. If you require wood swatches or fabric samples, please contact us. These samples will be sent via UPS ground service and should arrive within 2-3 business days.
Booth Orders, Sizes and Shapes
We take great pride in our custom work and strive to ensure that your order is as accurate as possible. However, because all custom items are handmade, we reserve the right to allow for a margin of error of up to 3% in any dimension. Please take this potential 3% variance into account when placing your order.
We reserve the right to manufacture custom booths, shapes, and lengths to accommodate shipping restrictions. This may involve splitting linear (wall benches, singles, doubles) and nonlinear shapes (rounded booths, U-shaped booths, etc.) into multiple pieces when necessary. Generally, linear segments of 72” and longer or nonlinear segments over 48” will be produced in sections. For instance, if you order a 150” booth, it will not be delivered as a single piece. Instead, it may be divided into two 75” pieces or three 50” pieces, depending on shipping requirements. Similarly, a U-shaped booth measuring 48" x 90" x 48" will likely be split into two segments of 48" x 45".
Product Warranty
In the event of a warranty claim, we reserve the right to repair the product at our expense, offer a partial or full refund, or provide a replacement. All warranties, whether express or implied, cover only normal usage. No warranty, express or implied, applies to conditions resulting from misuse, abuse, delivery or transportation damage, or inadequate maintenance, cleaning, or care.
Modifications to Products
Product Warranty does not apply to any products that have been altered by any person, or company without the express written authorization of Seating Masters
Claim Procedure
If you encounter an issue that you believe is covered by our Limited Warranty, please contact customer service immediately. Ensure that any warranty service claim is accompanied by the necessary information to meet the warranty requirements, including relevant pictures and documentation. Seating Masters reserves the right to request the return of defective parts.
Warranty by Category
Wood Chairs & Stools - Imported | 1 year |
Wood Chairs & Stools - American Made | 3 years |
Metal Chairs & Stools (non Swivel) | 7 years |
Metal Chairs & Stools (Swivel) | 1 year |
Laminate and Resin Table Tops, Indoor Table Bases, Booths | 1 year |
Solid Wood Tables | 1 year |
Patio Furniture: Chairs, Tables, Stools | 1 year |
Solid Wood Tables Disclaimer
Solid wood tables, such as butcher block, plank, and live edge, inherently "move" over time in areas with insufficient or excessive humidity. This movement may cause the wood to crack or warp, which are not considered manufacturing defects and, therefore, are not covered under the standard warranty. As a manufacturer, we take measures to prevent these issues, but we have no control over natural wood products and their response to humidity conditions.
Payment methods
We accept credit cards including Visa or MasterCard. We also accept checks or money wire payments mailed to us. Unfortunately, we are not able to take check by phone, e-checks, or PayPal at this time.
Payment Terms
Unless noted on the invoice all orders must be pre-paid before delivery. On custom orders a 40% deposit is required. The balance must be remitted before the delivery begins. If you are receiving multiple shipments, your order must be paid in full before the first shipment goes out, regardless of the time between subsequent shipments.
Minimum Order
Due to freight restrictions, the minimum items per order are 8. You can mix and match any item on the si We reserve the right to modify this minimum order for specific items or to specific shipping destinations as we see fit.