FAQs on Returns, Warranty & Replacements – Cafe Barriers

Overview
This page explains Northern Flags’ approach to returns, cancellations, reprints, repairs and product warranties for café barriers, including how to report faults, timelines for replacements, who pays for returns, and best-practice steps to minimise risk on large runs or trade orders. It also includes templates and checklists you can use when filing claims or requesting reprints. If you can't find the information you're looking for on this page, please visit our Cafe Barriers FAQs page for more details.

Quick checklist before you raise a Returns or Faults request
  • Inspect goods at delivery (unload in daylight where possible).
  • Keep delivery paperwork and take photos showing any visible damage on arrival.
  • For visible damage, note it on the driver’s delivery note / POD at time of delivery.
  • For print or colour issues, photograph panels flat with close-up and full-panel shots.
  • Have your order number, product code, batch number, and site details ready.
Returns, Warranty & Replacements (General rules)

Q: Can I return custom printed café barrier panels if I change my mind?

A: Custom printed items are usually non-returnable for change of mind. Discuss kept-stock or template-based options with your account manager before ordering.

Q: What is your cancellation policy for café barrier orders?

A: Cancellation is accepted prior to production start (no/minimal charge). Once production starts, fees may apply to cover materials and labour. Trade order terms are included in your quote/contract.

Q: How do I cancel an order and what information is needed?

A: Email your account manager or returns team with: order number, product code, reason for cancellation, and refund/credit preference. Fees after production will be included in reply.

Faulty Goods, Damaged on Arrival & Visible Delivery Damage

Q: What should I do if café barrier panels arrive damaged?

A: Inspect at delivery and:

  1. Note visible damage on driver’s POD.
  2. Photograph damage (close-ups + wide shots including pallet).
  3. Email photos and delivery note to returns@northernflags.com within 48 hours, including order number and site details.

Q: Who pays for collection of faulty goods?

A: If supplier-responsible, Northern Flags pays. If site-caused, customer may cover return costs.

Q: What evidence is required to validate a damage/fault claim?

A: Photos (close-up + full panel), delivery note with date/time, order number, product code, and short description. Videos are helpful for hardware faults.

Warranty & What It Covers

Q: What warranty do café barriers come with?

A: Manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship, typically 12 months for hardware and 12–24 months for print. Check your contract/quote for specifics.

Q: What is NOT covered by the warranty?

  • Normal wear & tear and fading beyond standard UV expectations
  • Improper installation, vandalism, misuse, extreme weather
  • Accidental damage after delivery or alterations by third parties
  • Colour shifts without formal proofing

Q: How do you handle warranty claims?

A: Submit claim with photos and delivery docs. Northern Flags will inspect and arrange repair/replacement or a credit note as appropriate.

Reprints & Replacements (Faulty / Colour / Fit Issues)

Q: How quickly can faulty panels be reprinted?

A: Verified supplier faults are prioritised. Typical SLA: 3–7 working days depending on volume and finish. Express/staged options available.

Q: How do reprints work for large runs with partial faults?

A: Usually only faulty quantity is reprinted. Whole-run reprints may be proposed for colour/registration issues, agreed before reworking.

Q: Are reprints charged if artwork was supplied incorrectly?

A: Yes — costs apply if customer-supplied artwork is incorrect. Always confirm soft/hard proof approval to avoid disputes.

Repairs & On-Site Service

Q: Can minor repairs be done on site?

A: Yes — minor repairs like pole pockets, hems, zips can be handled on-site. Structural repairs may require return to workshop.

Q: How are repair costs handled?

A: Repairs under warranty are free. Out-of-warranty repairs are chargeable; estimates provided before work proceeds.

Q: Do you offer scheduled maintenance visits for trade accounts?

A: Yes — periodic inspection and maintenance visits can be booked as a service contract.

Credits, Refunds & Account Adjustments

Q: How are refunds processed for accepted returns/faults?

A: Once faults are validated, refunds are issued via original payment or credit note for trade accounts (7–14 working days).

Q: What is a credit note and when is it used?

A: Internal accounting document to offset future orders, or preferred over cash refunds for trade accounts.

Q: How do I query an invoice after a return/partial replacement?

A: Contact your account manager with RMA/returns reference. Updated invoice or credit note issued.

Timelines, SLAs & Expected Response Times

Q: How long to acknowledge and respond to returns/faults claims?

A: All claims acknowledged within 24 business hours with initial next steps and estimated timeline.

Q: Typical timeline from claim to replacement/repair?

A: Workflow: Acknowledge & request evidence (24h) → QA review 1–3 days → schedule collection/repair or replacement 3–10 working days. Trade SLAs may be faster.

Dispute Resolution & Escalation

Q: What if I disagree with the returns outcome?

A: Escalate to account manager; if unresolved, Northern Flags arranges independent inspection or sample proof comparisons.

Q: Do you offer insurance for transit during multi-site deliveries?

A: Transit insurance can be arranged on request. Courier damage claims are handled with POD photos to speed resolution.

Preventing Returns & Reprints (Best Practices)
  • Approve a soft proof, and for colour-critical jobs, a hard proof or sample panel.
  • Use provided templates and file naming/manifest for multi-site orders.
  • Confirm material and finish (mesh vs blockout) before sign-off.
  • Allow for manufacturing tolerances on size and registration.
  • Run a small pilot batch for nationwide rollouts (trade accounts).
How to File a Returns / Faults Claim — Step-by-step (Template)
  1. Subject: Returns/Faults — Order # [ORDER NUMBER] — [SITE/UNIT CODE]
  2. Body: order number, product code(s), delivery date & POD, site address & contact, description of issue, quantity affected, goods on site (Y/N)
  3. Attach: 3× photos (full panel + close-up + delivery note) and any relevant video.
  4. Send to: returns@northernflags.com (cc: your account manager)

Example email:

Hi — please find a returns request for Order # NF-12345. Delivered 12 Aug 2025 to The Green Café, 12 High Road, GL1 2AB. 3 of 12 panels have vertical banding and mis-registration visible in photos attached. POD signed with “damage noted” by courier. Please confirm RMA and replacement timeline. Contact: [Name, phone]. Thanks.
Sample Return Authorisation (RMA) Process

Submit claim → acknowledged within 24 hours → QA review → RMA issued if valid → collection/replacement scheduled → repair/replacement delivered → case closed, credit/refund processed.

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