Refund & Return Policy

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

Our Policy

At Chad Ziemendorf Photography, we create each product specifically for you after you place your order. Because of the custom, made-to-order nature of our products, we do not accept returns, exchanges, or offer refunds except as described below.

Understanding Handcrafted Fine Art Prints

Every print is created by hand in my studio using museum-quality archival materials. This artisanal process means:

Each print is unique. Unlike mass-produced factory prints, slight variations in paper texture, fiber patterns, and hand-cutting are inherent characteristics of the craft—not flaws. These natural variations are what make each piece authentically handmade.

Materials vary naturally. Fine art papers contain natural fibers that create subtle texture differences from sheet to sheet. This is a valued characteristic of premium archival paper, not a defect.

Hand-finishing shows craftsmanship. Prints are trimmed using professional equipment (RotaTrim cutter), but as with all hand-finishing, microscopic variations may occur. These are within professional fine art standards and reflect the care taken with each individual piece.

Quality standards are exacting. Every print that leaves my studio has passed rigorous quality inspection. I hold my work to higher standards than most commercial labs—but I also respect the inherent nature of handcrafted art.

When you purchase a handmade fine art print, you're receiving a piece created with genuine respect and reverence for you as a collector, not a mass-produced commodity.

Damaged in Shipping

If your order arrives with shipping damage (crushed corners, torn packaging, water damage, broken glass/frame):

  • Contact us within 5 days of delivery
  • Provide your order number
  • Include clear photographs showing the shipping damage
  • We will send you a replacement at no additional cost

Important: Shipping damage must be visible damage to the package or print caused by the carrier, not natural material characteristics or printing variations.

Our email: chad@ziemendorf.com

Clear Production Errors

If we send you the wrong product (incorrect image, wrong size, wrong format):

  • Contact us immediately upon receipt
  • We will replace the item at no cost to you

This covers only objective errors where you received something materially different from what you ordered, not subjective preferences about paper texture, color perception, or handcraft variations.

Order Cancellations

  • Orders may be cancelled before production begins
  • Once production has started, orders cannot be cancelled
  • Contact us immediately if you need to cancel: chad@ziemendorf.com

What We Cannot Accept

We cannot accept returns or offer refunds for:

  • Change of mind after ordering
  • Subjective dissatisfaction with natural material characteristics
  • Perceived "imperfections" that are inherent to handcrafted work
  • Paper fiber patterns, texture, or natural variation
  • Minor variations in hand-cutting or finishing
  • Color perception differences between screens and prints
  • Items that have been removed from protective packaging
  • Delay in delivery by the shipping carrier

Lost or Stolen Packages

Once a package is marked as delivered by the carrier:

  • We are not responsible for lost or stolen packages
  • Please contact the shipping carrier to file a claim
  • Consider shipping to a secure location or requiring a signature

International Orders

International customers are responsible for:

  • All customs duties and import taxes
  • Understanding that we cannot refund customs fees

Our Commitment to You

I stand behind every piece that leaves my studio. Each print is created with the absolute highest quality materials and genuine care for you as a collector. If you receive something that doesn't meet professional fine art standards due to a clear production or shipping issue, I will make it right.

However, the handcrafted nature of fine art printmaking means your piece will have unique characteristics. This is the beauty of owning original work created by hand, not mass-produced in a factory.

Questions Before Ordering?

If you have concerns about the handmade process or want to understand what to expect:

Email: chad@ziemendorf.com
Response Time: We typically respond within 24-48 hours

I'm happy to discuss the process, materials, or any questions before you order.