Refund & Cancellation Policy

1.1 Bespoke Professional Services

KRT Design Studio provides premium, concept-led creative services tailored to each client's unique requirements. Our work includes:

• Strategic brand architecture and positioning
• Custom packaging design systems
• Bespoke visual identity development
• Wedding and events stationery design
• Festival and seasonal design programs

1.2 Work Commencement

Upon acceptance of a Proposal and receipt of the advance payment, we immediately:

• Allocate dedicated creative and strategic resources
• Commence research, competitive analysis, and market positioning
• Block production capacity and timeline commitments
• Decline other projects to ensure focus on your engagement

2.1 Advance Payment Structure

All engagements require an advance payment to commence work, typically structured as:

• 40% advance payment: Due upon Proposal acceptance (non-refundable)
• 30% interim payment: Due upon concept presentation
• 30% final payment: Due upon project completion and delivery

2.2 Non-Refundable Policy

The advance payment is non-refundable under all circumstances, including but not limited to:

• Client-initiated cancellation at any stage
• Change in business direction or priorities
• Internal stakeholder disagreement or approval delays
• Budget reallocation or funding constraints
• Dissatisfaction with creative direction (subject to revision protocol)

2.3 Rationale for Non-Refundable Terms

3.1 Client-Initiated Cancellation

If you choose to cancel an engagement after work has commenced:

Before Concept Presentation

• Advance payment (40%) is retained by the Studio (non-refundable)
• No further payments are required
• All work completed to date remains Studio property

After Concept Presentation

• Advance payment (40%) and interim payment (30%) are non-refundable
• Remaining balance (30%) is waived
• All work completed to date remains Studio property

After Final Delivery

• Full project investment is due and non-refundable
• Intellectual property rights transfer as per the agreed terms

3.2 Studio-Initiated Termination

We reserve the right to terminate an engagement if:

• Payment terms are not honored (late or non-payment)
• Client conduct violates professional standards or mutual respect
• Scope expansion exceeds agreed parameters without amendment
• Project requirements fundamentally change from the original brief

In such cases:

• Advance payment is retained for work completed
• Any additional work completed beyond the advance is invoiced pro-rata
• All deliverables and intellectual property remain with the Studio

3.3 Mutual Termination

Both parties may agree to terminate an engagement by mutual written consent. Financial settlement will be determined based on:

• Work completed and delivered to date
• Resources allocated and opportunity costs incurred
• Timeline and production commitments made

4.1 Scope Reduction

If you wish to reduce the project scope after work has commenced:

• Advance payment remains non-refundable
• Future milestone payments may be adjusted based on revised scope
• A formal scope amendment must be agreed upon in writing
• Work already completed remains billable at full value

4.2 Scope Expansion

Additional work beyond the original scope requires:

• A supplemental Proposal with revised investment and timeline
• Additional advance payment for expanded scope (typically 40% of incremental fees)
• Written acceptance before commencing additional work

4.3 Pause or Indefinite Hold

If you request to pause a project indefinitely:

• This constitutes a cancellation for refund purposes
• Advance payment is non-refundable
• Work completed to date is invoiced if beyond advance coverage
• Resuming work requires a new engagement and advance payment

5.1 Milestone Payment Obligations

Payments are due according to the milestone schedule outlined in your Proposal:

• Advance (40%): Due upon Proposal acceptance
• Interim (30%): Due upon concept presentation (typically 2-3 weeks into the project)
• Final (30%): Due upon completion and delivery

5.2 Late Payment Protocol

If a milestone payment is not received within 7 days of the due date:

• Work suspension: All project work is paused until payment is received
• Late fee: 2% per week (or maximum permitted by law) on outstanding balance
• Delivery withholding: Final files and source materials are withheld until full payment

5.3 Persistent Non-Payment

If payment is outstanding for 30 days beyond the due date:

• The engagement is considered terminated
• All payments received to date are retained (non-refundable)
• Outstanding balance remains due and may be pursued through legal collection
• All deliverables and intellectual property remain Studio property
• Client is responsible for legal fees and collection costs

6.1 Force Majeure Events

In the event of circumstances beyond either party's control (natural disasters, pandemics, war, governmental action), both parties will negotiate in good faith to:

• Determine project feasibility and timeline adjustments
• Assess financial impact and equitable resolution
• Document any agreed modifications to payment terms

However, advance payments remain non-refundable even under force majeure, as they compensate for work already completed and opportunity costs already incurred.

6.2 Extraordinary Hardship

In cases of genuine, documented extraordinary hardship (business closure, serious illness, catastrophic events), we may, at our sole discretion:

• Consider partial credit toward future engagements
• Extend payment timelines with written agreement
• Offer modified scope to match revised budget

Such considerations are entirely at Studio discretion and do not constitute a right or entitlement. No refunds are granted under any circumstances.

7.1 Concerns & Clarifications

If you have concerns about payments, project scope, or cancellation terms, we encourage direct communication:

• Contact us at krtdesignstudio@gmail.com
• Provide a clear written explanation of your concern
• Allow 5 business days for a comprehensive response

7.2 Formal Disputes

Any disputes regarding refunds, cancellations, or payments shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions in our Terms and Conditions, including:

• Good-faith negotiation period (30 days)
• Mediation through a mutually agreed mediator
• Arbitration under Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996
• Exclusive jurisdiction of New Delhi courts

This Refund & Cancellation Policy is governed by the laws of India. Any legal proceedings related to refunds, cancellations, or payment disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New Delhi, India.

This Policy is subject to applicable consumer protection laws, though our services are provided to businesses and professionals rather than individual consumers.

We may update this Refund & Cancellation Policy periodically. Changes will be indicated by the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

Existing engagements are governed by the Policy version in effect at the time of Proposal acceptance. Updated terms apply only to new engagements initiated after the update date.

For questions about this Refund & Cancellation Policy, payment terms, or to discuss project cancellation, please contact: