Terms and Conditions for Conservation Services

These Terms and Conditions govern the relationship between BARC Labs ("Conservator") and the client ("Client") regarding the provision of conservation services for artworks, objects, or artifacts ("Object(s)"). By engaging BARC Labs for conservation services—through consent, submission of Object(s), or payment of deposits—the Client accepts and agrees to these Terms and Conditions.

1. Description and Authentication

The description provided by the Conservator is based on information received from the Client and any visual inspection of the Object(s). This description does not serve as authentication, and the Conservator makes no warranties regarding the authenticity, authorship, date, or value of the Object(s). The Client and third parties should not use the description for these purposes.

2. Conservation Treatment and Disclaimer

Conservation treatments aim to improve the structural integrity and visual appearance of the Object(s). Given the nature of materials, age, and existing damage, full restoration may not be possible. The Client acknowledges potential risks, including unforeseen damage. Specific disclaimers include:

• Tears, Holes, and Structural Damages: Repairs may remain visible and do not fully restore original structural integrity.

• Mold Treatment and Stains: Mold will be treated to mitigate existing growth; however, environmental factors may lead to recurrence. Additionally, mold stains—often embedded in the materials—may not be fully removable. Treatments will minimize the visibility of these stains as much as possible, but some traces may remain.

• Stains and Discoloration: Stains due to aging, chemical reactions, or water damage may not be entirely removable; treatments aim only to reduce their appearance.

• Planar Distortions: Artworks on paper or canvas may retain slight distortions due to medium properties and prior damage.

By engaging BARC Labs, the Client acknowledges these risks inherent to the conservation process.

3. Treatment Proposals and Acceptance of Terms

A treatment proposal detailing the intended conservation work will be provided to the Client for review and countersignature. The Client's acceptance of this proposal—through signature, deposit payment, or other authorization—constitutes full acceptance of the outlined conservation plan and these Terms and Conditions.

4. Ownership and Responsibility for Object(s)

The Client warrants lawful ownership or full authorization to commission conservation work on the Object(s). BARC Labs is not responsible for verifying ownership.

5. Collection, Storage, and Retrieval of Object(s)

The Client is responsible for the transportation of Object(s) to and from BARC Labs unless otherwise agreed. BARC Labs is not a storage facility or warehouse for the Client's Object(s). The Client shall retrieve their Object(s) within thirty (30) business days of receiving notification of completed services. If Object(s) are not collected within two (2) months of completion notice, BARC Labs reserves the right to charge storage fees of SGD $200 per article per month or transfer ownership of the Object(s) after an additional grace period of twelve (12) months for purposes such as research or sale.

6. Access to Object(s)

The Client shall not have access to their Object(s) during the conservation process without prior notice and approval from BARC Labs. All persons entering BARC Labs’ studio for viewing or accessing the Object(s) must be accompanied by a BARC Labs representative at all times.

7. Photography, Documentation, and Research

The Conservator will photograph the Object(s) for internal documentation. Unless the Client provides a written opt-out request before treatment, BARC Labs may use these images for promotional materials (e.g., social media, website). Documentation from the conservation process may also contribute to research, academic presentations, or publications within the conservation field.

8. Payment, Deposits, and Invoicing

The Client agrees to pay fees for conservation services as outlined in the treatment proposal or quotation.

• Deposit and Advance Payment: A non-refundable deposit of 50% is required to secure conservation work, allowing resource allocation. No work will commence until the deposit is received.

• Final Invoice Adjustments: The final invoice may reflect additional services or costs necessary for completing the conservation work. BARC Labs will discuss significant cost changes with the Client before proceeding.

• Payment Terms and Late Fees: Full payment is due within 30 days of invoice issuance. Late payments incur a 3% monthly interest on the outstanding balance.

• Currency and Payment Methods: All payments must be made in Singapore Dollars (SGD). Accepted payment methods include direct bank transfer and PayNow; additional bank transfer fees (SGD$30) are the Client's responsibility.

• Refunds and Cancellations: If the Client cancels work after it has begun, any work completed will be invoiced, and the deposit may be retained to cover costs.
  

The Client acknowledges that additional costs, especially those involving third-party services, may lead to adjustments to the quoted price. BARC Labs will notify the Client of any significant cost changes before incurring these expenses.

9. Additional Costs and Adjustments

The Client acknowledges that certain aspects of the conservation process may incur additional costs beyond those outlined in the initial quotation or treatment proposal. These costs may arise from:

• Third-Party Services: BARC Labs may engage third-party specialists or vendors to support specific conservation needs. The fees quoted for these services are estimates and may vary based on vendor pricing or the scope of work. The Conservator will inform the Client of any significant cost adjustments related to third-party services prior to incurring these charges.

• Foreign Exchange (FX) Rates: For international transactions or third-party services billed in foreign currencies, the Client acknowledges that foreign exchange rates may fluctuate, potentially impacting the final cost. Any changes in the FX rate that affect service costs will be communicated, and the Client agrees to cover any resulting cost adjustments.

• Unforeseen Expenses: Additional expenses, including materials, transportation, or technical analysis required to complete conservation work, may be necessary. These costs will be itemized in the final invoice, and the Conservator will seek the Client’s agreement before proceeding with any significant changes to the scope of work.

• Currency and Transfer Fees: Payments must be made in Singapore Dollars (SGD). The Client is responsible for any currency conversion or bank transfer fees (additional SGD$30).
  

The Client agrees to reimburse BARC Labs for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred during conservation, as itemized in the final invoice. Adjustments for these additional costs will be communicated to the Client prior to billing.

10. Insurance and Risk of Loss

The Client is solely responsible for insuring the Object(s) at all times, including during transportation to and from BARC Labs’ facilities. BARC Labs may, at its discretion, provide insurance coverage for specific in-studio treatments, which will be explicitly stated in the applicable treatment proposal or formal written communication. Except where such coverage is expressly provided by BARC Labs, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold BARC Labs harmless from any loss, theft, or damage to the Object(s), except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by BARC Labs.

Should the Client maintain their own insurance coverage for the Object(s), BARC Labs is prepared to provide necessary treatment and facility details to support the Client’s policy requirements upon request.

11. Limitation of Liability

BARC Labs’ maximum liability for loss or damage to the Object(s), regardless of cause, is limited to the total fees paid by the Client for the services provided, or SGD $500, whichever is less. This limitation applies except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct by BARC Labs and shall not exceed the actual loss or damage incurred. The Client acknowledges responsibility for insuring their Object(s) at all times.

12. Waiver of Subrogation

The Client hereby waives all rights of recovery against BARC Labs for any loss or damage to the Object(s) that is covered by insurance. This waiver is in addition to, and does not limit, any other waivers or limitations of liability within this Agreement. The Client agrees to notify its insurers of this waiver and, if required, to endorse all applicable insurance policies to prevent invalidation of coverage. The Client shall provide copies of all relevant insurance policies to BARC Labs upon request.

13. Term and Termination

The terms of these Terms and Conditions commence on the date of approval of the treatment proposal, the date of the Client’s authorization, or the date the Object(s) are received by BARC Labs, whichever is sooner. These Terms and Conditions apply to all services and activities undertaken by BARC Labs for the Client. Termination by either party shall not affect the Client’s obligation to pay for services rendered. Object(s) may not be removed from BARC Labs until all outstanding invoices are paid in full through the date of termination.

14. Third-Party Actions

If any legal actions, subpoenas, or warrants are served upon BARC Labs or its employees relating to the Client’s Object(s), the Client agrees to cover all legal fees incurred by BARC Labs in complying with or defending against such actions.

15. Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements

BARC Labs agrees to keep all client information and project details confidential, except where disclosure is required by law. Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) are available upon request. Clients requiring confidentiality should arrange an NDA prior to the commencement of work.

16. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of Singapore. Disputes arising from or related to this Agreement will be resolved by Singaporean courts.

17. Updates to Terms and Conditions

BARC Labs reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions. Updates will be posted on the website with a revised effective date.

Contact Information
For questions or to request an NDA, please contact us:

BARC Labs
Email: hello@barc-labs.com
Phone: +65 9787 6195
Address: 37 Keppel Road, 04-10, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089064

Last Revised Date: 13 November 2024