Version: 2025
These terms and conditions apply to all quotations, orders and agreements between Tea Unlimited | De Theefabriek, located at Hoofdstraat 15–25, 9973 PD Houwerzijl (Chamber of Commerce 02046427), and business customers (hereinafter: "customer").
1. Applicability
1.1 These terms and conditions apply to all sales and deliveries to business customers (B2B), whether via the online shop, email, telephone or other channels.
1.2 Deviations are only valid if agreed in writing.
1.3 De Theefabriek reserves the right to refuse offers or orders.
2. Offer & availability
2.1 All offers are without obligation and subject to availability.
2.2 Orders are only binding after confirmation by De Theefabriek.
2.3 In the event of insufficient stock, De Theefabriek may, in consultation with the customer:
- (partially) deliver,
- Maintain a backorder, or
- (Partially) credit/restitute.
2.4 Prices may vary per product batch due to market developments and harvest fluctuations.
3. Natural variations (tea, herbs, spices and fruits)
3.1 The customer acknowledges that products of natural origin may vary in colour, smell, taste and structure.
3.2 If De Theefabriek observes visual variations, the product photo in the webshop will be updated where possible.
3.3 Such variations do not constitute a defect and do not entitle the customer to a discount or return, unless there is a demonstrable quality problem.
4. Private label
4.1 Recipes, blends or mixing instructions provided by the customer will be treated confidentially and used exclusively for the manufacture of the relevant product(s).
4.2 The customer is responsible for correct labelling, ingredient declaration, allergen information and other legal requirements for products sold under their own brand, unless otherwise agreed.
5. Delivery and transport
5.1 Deliveries will be made to the address specified by the customer.
5.2 The risk of damage or loss is transferred to the customer at the time of transfer to the carrier, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5.3 Any additional costs incurred in the event of a failed delivery (e.g. incorrect address) will be borne by the customer.
5.4 The customer must check shipments for damage or discrepancies within 24 hours of receipt and report these in writing (by email).
6. Inspection & complaints
6.1 The customer must inspect delivered products within a reasonable period of time for quantity, quality and specifications.
6.2 Complaints regarding quality, content or packaging must be reported within 24 hours of receipt.
6.3 Complaints about invoices must be reported within 14 days of the invoice date.
6.4 Submitting a complaint does not suspend the payment obligation.
7. Payment
7.1 Orders must be paid for in advance as standard.
7.2 After three fully prepaid orders, De Theefabriek may allow the customer to pay by invoice, subject to assessment.
7.3 Payment by invoice is subject to the following conditions:
- Payment term: 30 days;
- Surcharge: 5% on the invoice amount.
- Upon the first reminder, the option to pay by invoice automatically expires.
7.4 Other payment options may include surcharges, which will be shown during the ordering process.
7.5 If the payment term is exceeded:
- the customer is in default without notice of default;
- statutory commercial interest is payable;
- All extrajudicial collection costs will be charged in full.
8. Returns
8.1 Returns will only be accepted with prior written permission from De Theefabriek, and only if the return request is submitted within 14 days of delivery. After this period, returns will no longer be accepted due to quality and shelf life risks. Accepted returns must then be actually returned within 14 days.
8.2 Foodstuffs, tea, herbs, spices and fruits can only be returned if the original seal applied by De Theefabriek is completely intact and the packaging is unopened, undamaged and in saleable condition.
8.3 Products whose packaging has been opened, damaged or whose seal has been broken (partially or completely) will not be taken back, unless there is a demonstrable quality or delivery defect that has been confirmed by De Theefabriek.
8.4 Since the majority of our products are assembled, mixed or packaged to order, De Theefabriek reserves the right to refuse a return request if it is disproportionate or leads to excessive costs or loss of value.
8.5 In situations where De Theefabriek allows returns for products that are made or packaged per order, a restocking fee (compensation for handling, packaging and processing costs) may be charged. The amount of this fee will be communicated in advance.
8.6 Private label blends, customised products, products manufactured based on recipes or specifications provided by the customer, and samples are always excluded from return.
8.7 The costs and risk of return shipment are borne by the customer, unless otherwise agreed in writing, for example because a quality problem has been identified.
9. Warranty & liability
9.1 De Theefabriek guarantees that products comply with the specifications stated on the invoice or product page.
9.2 Liability is always limited to the invoice amount of the product in question.
9.3 De Theefabriek is not liable for:
- Consequential damage;
- loss of profit;
- damage due to incorrect use or storage;
- Errors in recipes or data provided by the customer.
- damage caused by resale or processing by the customer.
9.4 Advice on use, blends or applications is non-binding and does not constitute a guarantee.
10. Retention of title
10.1 All goods delivered remain the property of De Theefabriek until the customer has fully met all obligations.
10.2 As long as ownership has not been transferred:
- The customer may not pledge goods as security.
- The customer may not resell goods, unless in the context of normal business use.
11. Force majeure
11.1 De Theefabriek is not liable for delays or shortcomings due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to: import delays, raw material shortages, port closures, transport problems or government measures.
12. Applicable law
12.1 All agreements are governed exclusively by Dutch law.
12.2 The competent court in Groningen has exclusive jurisdiction.
12.3 The Vienna Sales Convention is excluded.