AVE Standard Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

Unless otherwise stated, the following Terms and Conditions apply to all orders placed with Applied Vacuum Engineering (AVE).
All equipment is supplied as hardware only. No process or system solution is included, whether stated or implied.

1. Guarantee

All equipment supplied by AVE includes a 12-month guarantee from the date of delivery (parts and labour), unless otherwise stated.
This guarantee is subject to the following terms and exclusions:

• Equipment must be used only for its designed purpose.

• The buyer must take reasonable care during operation and ensure that all scheduled servicing is carried out by AVE or an authorised agent.

• Damage caused by accident, misuse, or malicious action is not covered.

• Unauthorised repairs or modifications will invalidate the guarantee.

• The following items are excluded from the guarantee:
  electric motors, fuses, neons, filament lamps, LEDs, evaporation sources, and consumables.

• Failures caused by contamination or replacement of fluids are excluded.

• Damage to paintwork, acrylic parts, or seals due to incompatible materials is not covered.

• Damage caused by failure of water cooling supplies or lack of cooling is excluded.

• Third-party components are covered only by the original manufacturer’s warranty.

• The guarantee is void if payment terms are exceeded.

• The guarantee cannot be transferred to another party without written approval.

2. Software and Drawings

All software and drawings remain the intellectual property of Applied Vacuum Engineering.
They must not be copied, shared, or used for any purpose other than the one intended.
No part may be given to a third party without written permission from AVE.

3. Title and Risk

Risk passes to the buyer upon delivery.
However, ownership (title) of the goods remains with AVE until full payment has been received.

4. Payment

For credit sales, payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
Overdue balances may be subject to interest charges.

5. Order Cancellation

All accepted orders are binding contracts.
If an order is cancelled before delivery, a pro-rata charge will apply based on progress at that time.
Deposits or stage payments will only be refunded in exceptional circumstances.
Standard unused items may be returned at the buyer’s cost, subject to a minimum 15% restocking fee.

6. Delivery

Prices exclude delivery unless stated otherwise.
While AVE aims to meet all delivery dates, exact delivery cannot be guaranteed, as delays may occur beyond our control.

7. Damage and Inspection

Buyers must inspect goods immediately upon receipt.
Any damage or shortage must be reported in writing within 48 hours of delivery.

8. Specifications

AVE reserves the right to amend specifications when required by regulatory authorities or when upgrades are considered beneficial.
Any changes will maintain or exceed the original performance standards.

9. Returns

Before returning goods, the buyer must contact AVE for an RMA (Return Material Authorisation) number.
This number must appear on the outer and inner packaging.
Returns will not be accepted without prior authorisation in writing.