Return & Refund Policy (Alberta, Canada)
Last Updated: October 15, 2025
Thank you for choosing The Original Workshop. We are a Calgary-based studio specializing in custom woodworking, CNC machining, engraving, and handcrafted products made in Canada. Because each piece is custom-built to your specifications, we maintain a strict no refunds, no returns, and no exchanges policy on all orders, services, and digital design deliverables. This page explains our approach in plain language and outlines customer responsibilities, shipping procedures, legal notes specific to Alberta and Canada, and how we address rare cases of damage or defects on arrival.
1) Why We Have a No-Refund Policy
Our products are crafted to order and tailored to your chosen dimensions, species (e.g., maple, walnut, cherry), finishes, engravings, and artwork. Once materials are cut or a design is approved, the item cannot be resold or repurposed without significant loss. Unlike mass-produced goods, custom woodworking requires one-off programming, careful setup, and hand finishing. For this reason, all sales are final. We encourage customers to ask questions before approving a proof and to review our Privacy Policy, Shipping Policy, and Contact page prior to purchase.
1.1 Examples of Custom & Personalized Orders
- Laser-engraved or CNC-carved signs, logos, names, coordinates, and dates;
- Bespoke furniture built to specific sizes, joinery, or finish schedules;
- Custom game boards (e.g., cribbage boards, Rummoli boards) with layout, inlay, or personalization;
- Prototype runs and small-batch production with dedicated tooling or jigs;
- Design, vector, 3D, and CNC programming files prepared to your brief.
2) Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to every purchase made through theoriginalworkshop.com, via email invoices, or in-studio orders. It covers physical goods, digital design work, artwork setup fees, and service labour. By placing an order, you acknowledge and agree to our no refunds, no returns, and no exchanges terms.
3) Alberta & Canadian Consumer Law (Plain-Language Summary)
Alberta’s Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides basic consumer rights and prohibits misleading practices. It does not require businesses to accept returns on custom-made items, but it does require that goods be as described and of acceptable quality. If your order arrives damaged in transit or with a clear manufacturing defect, we will address the issue through repair, replacement, or a carrier claim, as appropriate.
To learn more, you can review resources from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada:
Important: Those pages are for general guidance only. This Policy clarifies how The Original Workshop handles custom orders within Alberta’s legal framework while maintaining our strict no-refund stance.
4) What Counts as a Defect vs. Natural Characteristics
Wood is a living material with natural variation. The following are not defects: grain pattern differences, mineral streaks, pin knots, sap content, color tone variation, seasonal movement, or modest tool/handwork traces that do not affect function. We carefully select stock and finish accordingly, but nature’s character is part of the charm and no two pieces will ever be identical.
A manufacturing defect means a clear, objective error that materially impacts function (for example, an incorrect spelling that was not present in your approved proof, or a structural joinery failure at delivery). If you believe a genuine defect exists, follow the steps in Section 6.
5) Approvals, Proofs & Customer Responsibilities
Before we begin, we may issue digital proofs (for engravings, layouts, or dimensions). Please review the following with care:
- Spelling & Data: Names, dates, coordinates, and text must be exact. We manufacture according to your final approval.
- Dimensions & Fit: Confirm sizes, clearances, mounting points, and site constraints before approval.
- Finishes: Stains and oils can present differently across boards; samples are representative, not identical guarantees.
Once you approve a proof or we begin machining, changes cannot be made. If a customer-provided error is discovered after production starts, rework will be quoted as a new order. These realities are one reason our policy is strictly no refunds and all sales are final.
6) If Your Order Arrives Damaged or With a Defect
Although rare, shipping damage can occur. We package carefully and use reputable carriers, but once a parcel leaves our studio, handling is beyond our control. If you receive an item that appears damaged on arrival or believe there is a defect:
- Notify us within 48 hours of delivery at info@theoriginalworkshop.com with your order number.
- Provide clear photographs of the product, the damage, and all exterior/interior packaging.
- Retain all packaging materials until we confirm the next steps (carriers often require them for inspection).
Our team will evaluate and provide one or more of the following, at our discretion and subject to carrier rules:
- Repair instructions, parts, or an in-studio repair appointment;
- Replacement of the affected component or the full item when repair is not practical;
- Carrier claim initiation with Canada Post/UPS/FedEx; replacement may proceed once a claim is accepted or as we deem appropriate.
Note: We do not issue refunds. Our remedy for shipping damage or clear manufacturing errors is repair or replacement, consistent with our no-refund policy and Alberta’s consumer protection framework.
7) Shipping, Loss, and Delays
Orders are shipped from Calgary using tracked methods when selected at checkout. Delivery estimates are provided by the carrier and are not guarantees. Severe weather, holidays, customs inspections, and network disruptions can extend timelines.
- Lost Parcels: We assist with tracing and claims, but replacement is typically processed after the carrier confirms loss.
- International Orders: Duties, VAT, and import fees are the recipient’s responsibility. Delivery times can vary by country.
- Address Accuracy: Please ensure your shipping address is correct. We are not responsible for misdelivery due to incorrect or incomplete addresses supplied at checkout.
For general postal guidance, you can review carrier resources such as Canada Post Claims or UPS Claims. These links are provided for convenience only.
8) Order Cancellations
Because we begin scheduling and sometimes cutting promptly, cancellations are only possible within 24 hours of order placement and only if production has not started. After 24 hours or once work begins, the order is locked and cannot be cancelled. No refunds are available at any stage.
9) Supplied Materials & Customer Hardware
When customers provide wood, hardware, or specialty components, we handle them with care but cannot warrant the behaviour or condition of supplied materials. Movement, hidden checks, incompatible hardware, or unexpected reactions are risks the customer assumes. If a supplied part fails or proves unsuitable, remediation will be quoted as a new scope of work.
10) Digital Design, Files & CNC Programming
Design time, vector clean-up, CAM toolpathing, G-code generation, and machine setup are significant and non-refundable. If digital assets are part of your order, we will clarify licensing or deliverables in writing. Unless expressly agreed, raw working files remain the intellectual property of The Original Workshop.
11) Limited Guarantee on Workmanship (Non-Refund Remedy)
We stand behind our workmanship at the time of delivery. If a workmanship issue arises within 30 days, contact us with photos and details so we can evaluate. Where appropriate, we will repair or replace the affected element. This limited guarantee does not cover misuse, improper installation, abnormal humidity exposure, water damage, direct heat sources, or unapproved cleaning chemicals.
To help preserve your piece, see the care notes in Section 12 and feel free to reach out through our Contact page.
12) Care, Maintenance & Environmental Conditions
Wood responds to its environment. Calgary’s winters are dry; summers can be more humid. Maintain stable indoor humidity (generally in the 35–50% range), avoid placing items near heat vents or in direct sunlight, and use trivets/coasters on finished surfaces. Clean with a soft cloth and a wood-safe cleaner; avoid ammonia, solvents, or abrasive pads. Movement (minor expansion/contraction) is natural and not a defect.
13) Photography, Marketing & Samples
We may photograph your project for our portfolio and social channels. If your project contains proprietary corporate elements, let us know in writing before production and we will restrict identifying details. Explore our work on the Our Work pages and the For Sale section. For process insights, browse our blog, including topics such as Mancala rules and common woods used.
14) Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by Alberta and Canadian law, The Original Workshop is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including loss of use or business interruption. In all cases, our maximum liability will not exceed the original purchase price of the affected product. No refunds are offered under any circumstances.
15) Dispute Resolution (Friendly First)
We are craftspeople and neighbours first. If an issue arises, please contact us through our Contact page. Most concerns can be resolved amicably with prompt communication, photos, and a practical plan for repair or replacement where warranted.
16) Privacy & Secure Payments
We respect your privacy and process payments through reputable gateways. For details on how we collect, store, and use information, please see our Privacy Policy. If you would like to learn more about safe online shopping practices in Canada, the following resources may be helpful:
17) Accessibility & Clear Communication
If you require this policy in an alternate format or have questions prior to ordering, please let us know. We are happy to clarify specifications, finishes, or installation considerations to ensure you are confident before we begin. You can reach us at info@theoriginalworkshop.com or via our Contact page.
18) Policy Changes
We may update this page from time to time to reflect process improvements or legal changes. The version posted on this URL is the current policy. Your continued use of the site and purchase of products after updates constitutes acceptance of any changes.
19) Summary
Every project at The Original Workshop is built-to-order with care and precision. Because each item is unique, we do not accept returns or offer refunds. If shipping damage or a genuine manufacturing defect occurs, we will respond quickly with a practical repair or replacement plan. Thank you for supporting Canadian craftsmanship and for understanding the realities of custom-made work.
20) Contact
The Original Workshop
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Email: info@theoriginalworkshop.com
Phone: +1 (587) 316-8040
Website: https://theoriginalworkshop.com/