Stage 2: Securing Your Dedicated Design Time

Your Action: Pay the Non-Refundable Custom Consultation Fee ($250 USD).

This fee is required to move forward and is a commitment to the bespoke process. It compensates for the specialized time dedicated to design and material sourcing, and it locks in a firm price range for your unique commissioned handbag.

• This fee ensures that the conversation is highly efficient and focused, respecting both the artisan’s time and your final investment.

Van Zyl Action: This stage includes two critical deliverables:

1. The Design Brief Meeting (30 Minutes): We schedule a private, dedicated meeting to confirm every technical and aesthetic detail, from hardware finish and thread color to your bag’s specific functional needs.
2. The Design Dossier: Following the brief, you will receive a comprehensive document that formally presents your project. This Dossier includes:
   • Finalized sketches and material swatches.
   • The exact, final, fixed commission price.
   • The estimated production timeline (typically 12–16 weeks).

Your Action: Review the Dossier and approve the final price and details.

Stage 4: Commission Fulfillment & The Creation

Your Action: Upon approval, pay the 50% Non-Refundable Commission Deposit to initiate the build.

Van Zyl Action: The physical creation begins. We provide dedicated updates, including a Digital Progress Archive and a Mid-Build Photo Update, allowing you to witness the artisan’s dedication. This period is for focused creation—no further design changes are possible.

Delivery: Once complete, we notify you for final payment, and your unique Van Zyl handbag is shipped directly to you, accompanied by its Certificate of Authentication.

Stage 5: Legacy & Loyalty

Van Zyl Action: Our relationship continues beyond delivery. This stage includes:

• Heirloom Maintenance Guarantee: Complimentary cleaning and conditioning check-ins.
• The Artisan’s Circle: Exclusive access to our Patronage Program for special rewards and priority commissioning.
• Recommission Opportunity: Private invitations to viewings of any new Van Zyl handbag launches to possibly commission the next Van Zyl handbag in your personal collection.

Van Zyl Handbags:Terms of Bespoke Commission Acknowledgment

By submitting the Custom Consultation form and proceeding to payment of the Custom Consultation Fee, the Client acknowledges and agrees to the following terms, which govern the exclusive relationship between the Client and Van Zyl Handbags.

1. Bespoke Process, Artifact Status, and Quality Assurance

• Handmade Variance: The Client acknowledges that every Van Zyl artifact is individually and meticulously handmade by a single artisan. Subtle variations in stitching, leather grain, and finish are inherent characteristics of bespoke craftsmanship and are considered marks of authenticity, not defects.
• Unique Materials: Given the high-end, custom nature of materials (leathers, hardware), Van Zyl Handbags reserves the right to substitute materials of equal or superior quality if the original selection becomes unavailable during the production process, provided the Client is notified in advance.
• Artistic Authority: While the Client’s input is paramount, the Artisan retains final authority over construction methods necessary to ensure the structural integrity and longevity of the artifact.

2. Financial Commitment and Non-Refundable Fees

• Custom Consultation Fee ($250 USD): This fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. It compensates the Artisan for the dedicated time spent on the initial design brief, materials research, and the creation of the formal Design Dossier (which includes sketches and the final price quote).
• Commission Deposit (50%): Upon approval of the Design Dossier, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required to initiate the commission. This deposit immediately covers the cost of securing, cutting, and preparing the exclusive, non-transferable materials for your unique artifact. This deposit is non-refundable.
• Final Payment: The remaining 50% balance is due upon notification of the artifact’s completion, prior to shipment or collection. Ownership transfers to the Client only upon receipt of the full payment.

3. Design Finality and Intellectual Property

• Design Lock: The design is deemed finalized and locked upon the Client’s approval of the Design Dossier and payment of the 50% Commission Deposit. No material changes or additions can be made after this point, as the cutting and preparation process will have begun.
• Intellectual Property: All design concepts, patterns, sketches, and prototypes created by Van Zyl Handbags remain the exclusive intellectual property of Van Zyl Handbags. The Artisan retains the right to display images of the finished artifact for promotional or portfolio purposes.

4. Timeline Management and Communication

• Estimated Timeline: The quoted production timeline (typically 12–16 weeks) is an estimate. It begins only after the 50% Commission Deposit has been received and cleared. The Artisan will communicate any significant, unforeseen delays (e.g., unexpected material delays, machinery issues).
• Communication Protocol: Communication will occur at the defined points within the 5-Stage Sales System (Design Brief, Mid-Build Update, Completion Notification). The Client agrees to respect the Artisan’s focused time and avoid daily or weekly unscheduled inquiries.