Integrating your detailed operating terms into a legally sound Terms of Service (ToS) is the final step in protecting your business, ensuring Shopify compliance, and anchoring your EU statutory updates.

This layout adapts your specific language into a professional standard that covers digital account creation, international dispute parameters, and the updated consumer frameworks.

Terms of Service

Last Updated: June 17, 2026

Welcome to La Fenice Antiquaria. By accessing our website, creating an account, or placing an order with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Service. Please read them carefully before completing any transaction.

1. Scope & Definitions

• The Store: "La Fenice Antiquaria," "we," "us," or "our" refers to the online storefront operating via fenicebooks.com.

• The Buyer: "You," "your," or "customer" refers to any individual or institution accessing the platform or purchasing items.

• The Inventory: Refers to all physical items sold, primarily divided into Antiquarian & Rare Books and Printed Merchandise & Apparel.

2. Inventory, Authenticity, & Availability

• Subject to Prior Sale: All items listed on our website, catalogs, or displayed in our showroom are subject to prior sale. Because we deal in unique, historic artifacts, items remain our sole property until payment has been received and cleared in full.

• Bibliographic Accuracy: Each rare volume is described in detail, including edition, binding, physical condition, and relevant bibliographic collation. Quotes, inscriptions, and titles are provided for historical emphasis; these may occasionally be translated into English from their original language for descriptive clarity.

• Condition Acceptance: By purchasing an antiquarian book, you acknowledge that minor shelf wear, historical patination, and age-appropriate imperfections are inherent to rare antiquities and are accurately captured via descriptions or high-resolution imagery.

3. Financial, Tax, & Payment Terms

• Payment Mandate: Payment is due in full at the time of order placement unless an alternative written arrangement has been formally approved.

• Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Online Checkout: Credit card or debit card transactions processed securely via our Shopify gateway.

  • In-Person Transactions & Private Sales: Credit/debit cards, verified bank wire transfers, and certified checks.

• Client Verification: We reserve the right to request established professional or trade references from new clients prior to approving high-value transactions. For clients with verified references, alternative deferred or custom payment terms may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Institutional Provision: University libraries, museums, and public research institutions are welcome to request deferred billing, net-30 terms, or customized purchase order (PO) workflows to fit their standard administrative requirements.

• Taxation:

  • United States: California and Washington State residents who do not present a valid, active resale license at check-out are subject to all applicable state and local sales taxes.

  • International Imports: For orders shipped outside the United States, the buyer acts as the importer of record. Packages may be subject to local value-added tax (VAT), customs processing fees, and import tariffs levied by the destination country. All such additional import charges, tariffs, and customs fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

4. Fulfillment, Risks, & Delivery Timeframes

• Dispatch Timelines: Orders are systematically processed and handed to our designated archival shipping carriers within 2–3 business days following clear payment validation.

• Transit Expectations:

  • Domestic (US): Standard delivery typically takes 3–7 business days depending on the selected courier service.

  • International: Shipments generally require 7–21 business days, heavily dependent on global carrier routes and regional customs clearing queues.

• EU 30-Day Delivery Guarantee: In compliance with European Union distance-selling laws, all packages bound for an EU destination will be delivered without undue delay and no later than 30 calendar days from the date of your order confirmation, unless an extended transit timeframe is explicitly negotiated and approved by you beforehand.

• Transit Insurance & Risk Transfer: To safeguard your investment, all shipments of antiquarian books are fully insured by La Fenice Antiquaria during transit. Under applicable consumer protection laws, the legal risk of loss or damage transfers to the buyer only when you (or a third party designated by you, distinct from the shipping courier) take physical possession of the cargo.

5. Cancellation, Returns, & Statutory Rights

Your cancellation and return options depend directly on the classification of the item purchased and your regional residency.

A. Antiquarian & Rare Books

• Standard Global Returns (Non-EU Residents): Should you wish to return a rare book, you must provide us with advance notification within fourteen (14) days of package receipt. Returns are strictly accepted only if the volume is packed, shipped, and insured in the exact same manner as it was received, and arrives at our California facility in its original, unaltered condition. Approved refunds are capped at the original purchase price plus the initial standard outbound shipping cost. Return shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

• Statutory Right of Withdrawal (EU Consumers Only): If you are an individual consumer residing within the European Union, you possess a legal, unconditioned right to withdraw from this contract within 14 calendar days.

  • The 14-day window begins the day after you acquire physical possession of the book.

  • You may exercise this right instantly, without logging into an account, by executing the "Withdraw from contract here" electronic function located clearly in our website's footer, or by submitting a clear written statement through our standard contact form.

  • Upon a valid withdrawal submission, we will refund the purchase price and standard outbound shipping fees. The direct financial cost of secure return packing, tracking, and international shipping insurance back to California is borne entirely by the buyer.

  • You are legally liable for any diminished value of the artifact resulting from handling beyond what is strictly necessary to inspect its nature and condition.

B. Printed Merchandise & Apparel (Custom-Printed Goods)

• Our branded apparel and printed accessories are made to order through an external production partner. Because these pieces are custom-manufactured specifically for you at the moment of purchase, they are explicitly exempt from standard returns and the EU Statutory Right of Withdrawal under exemptions for goods produced to consumer specifications. We cannot accept returns or exchanges based on sizing errors, color preferences, or change of mind.

• Defective Items: If a merchandise item arrives physically damaged or misprinted, contact us within thirty (30) days of delivery with clear photographs of the defect to receive a complimentary replacement or refund.

6. Digital Governance & Account Security

• Account Access: Users may manage their order history and customer profile via their registered account portal or communicate tracking updates using our public contact form. You are responsible for maintaining the privacy of your account credentials.

• User-Generated Content & Communications: Any communication or feedback submitted through our contact channels must be clear, accurate, and free of malicious software. We reserve the right to terminate access to our checkout systems for users violating professional conduct or engaging in fraudulent checkout manipulation.

7. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

Except where explicitly superseded by mandatory local consumer protection statutes (such as the EU Consumer Rights Directive for EU residents), these Terms of Service and all subsequent sales contracts are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any legal actions or formal disputes arising from transactions must be initiated within the appropriate court jurisdiction of Los Angeles County, California.

8. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms, verification of bibliographic data, or to submit a formal inquiry, please reach us via:

• Web Form: Available on our online storefront.

• Business Entity: Contact Information