Guidelines of Responsibilities

By Andrea Daley

The following are three sets of information that can be used for the restorer who takes in art objects on location, through the mail or completes work at a resident. (POLICIES, PRICE GUIDE for mail order customers), IN-HOME RELEASE)

The price guide is what I use for my business as Restorers of America Inc. It is not intended as a suggested pricing guide. It will need to be adjusted to your own specifications.

Over the years of working on all sorts of art objects, I have dealt with situations that have compelled me to compile a list guarantees and disclaimers regarding my responsibility of items that are left in my care. During the Palm Beach Restorers Convention, this topic was brought up and I promised I would share the information that I use. The first is a list that is titled POLICIES: Feel free to use the information in its entirety or just part. I attach it to my estimate and ask the customer to sign.

POLICIES:

1.) All work is guaranteed for appearance not for function or structure.

2.) All guarantees are void when sold or given to another party.

3.) Items are repaired with durable air-dry finishes and will not discolor as long as they are not subjected to extreme sunlight or heat .

4). Items are not guaranteed to be used for food related purposes, including eating, drinking, serving and cooking. It is suggested you use your own discretion.

5.) WARNING: Insurance is not provided for your item(s). It is your responsibility to insure each item, for its full value while in transit and on our premises.

6.) Merchandise is to be paid for when work is completed.

7.) No merchandise leaves our premise with out being paid in full.

  - A 1 ½ per month interest fee will be charged on all unpaid balances after 30 days.

Or

8.) All items being mailed are to be prepaid.

9.) Merchandise may be picked up within thirty days after being notified. Thereafter, a storage charge of $1.00 per day will be charged. After ninety days it will be presumed that you have abandoned the merchandise and it will be disposed of, unless prior written arrangements have been made.

The above statements will prevent any misunderstandings with your customers. I usually give them the list to read and sign while I am estimating their item.

The following is the information I give to customers who inquire about my service through the mail:

  (for mail order customers)

PRICE GUIDE

In order to provide an estimate, the item needs to be seen. Then depending on the amount of time involved, an exact estimate of costs can be given.

BRIEF OUTLINE OF PRICES:

Minimum charge of any object no matter what the extent of damage is $75.00.

Break at neck, arm, hand, handle, etc * ………….$65.00 - 125.00

Small part missing – large chip, finger, bow * .…. 45.00 - 75.00

Large part missing – hand, branch, bird …………. 75.00 - 150.00

Small flakes and chips * ………………………… 20.00 - 45.00

Hairline cracks * (per inch) ……………………… 20.00 – 45.00

(depending on length, color, finish, design)

*NOTE: An item broken in several parts may not be charged the full amount of a single break (i.e. an area with three breaks may run $95.00 – 150.00, rather than $65.00 – 125.00 per break.)

Work is invisible to the naked eye, unless stated in the estimate. All work is guaranteed for appearance only and i0f sold or given, guarantee becomes void. All items are repaired with durable air-dry finishes and will not discolor as long as they are not subjected to extreme sunlight or heat. (I.e. dishwasher)

Please thoroughly inspect the item for any pre-existing damage or other damaged areas that may have been over looked. Items need to be CLEANED before we can provide accurate estimate. There may be an additional charge for cleaning.

Items being mailed need to be double boxed with two inches of fill between the inner and the outer box. If item is of high value, then insure. After we receive your merchandise an estimate will be mailed. Mail back one copy with changes (if necessary), sign, date and mail with remittance.

The last is the least complicated. This I use when I do on location repairs. I always have the person who is responsible for approval of my work to sign a release that reads as follows.

RELEASE FORM

DATE

NAME

WORK ORDER

ITEMS:

The above work has been completed to the customers’ satisfaction. The item needs to be undisturbed for 24 hours while the repair cures.

SIGNATURE

Sometimes a repair needs more curing time, for example if a top was French polished, then I would tell the customer not to put anything on the top for a minimum of 30 days. Any special instructions or notes I list on the short release.