Terms and Conditions: FAQs

Commissioning Reproductions:

How do I get an estimate for a reproduction? You need to supply as much information as possible: either in person by appointment, or by post or e-mail. You should send photographs of the item or items to be copied, or at the very least, cite examples in public collections that you wish to use as the basis for the reproduction. However, Chris Dobson is familiar with most public collections, so checking first whether he knows the piece you might want copying would save time all round. You should give specific details of any variations you would like from the original examples. If sending photographs by e-mail, please keep the file sizes modest. Please note that as common courtesy, in requesting a quote by e-mail, you will need to supply a terrestrial address: a one-line e-mail that says (for example) "How much for a breastplate?" will not be taken seriously. Estimates are not quoted by phone.

Reproduction prices are given as estimates (which may vary by +10%). When an estimate is given, it stands for 14 calendar days, after which time Chris Dobson reserves the right to re-price the work. For smaller jobs (up to £2,500 in value), the work is booked in by payment of a 50% deposit, with the balance due on completion, prior to despatch. For larger jobs, a place in the waiting list is booked by payment of a one-third deposit of the total amount, with the balance paid in instalments as the work progresses. The final instalment must be paid on completion, prior to despatch. In all cases carriage must also be paid prior to despatch.

Will I be charged for the estimate? No, not for a single quote on a specific request. If, however, you want estimates for a series of items, then, you will be charged for the time taken to prepare them. If the work is subsequently commissioned, then the amount will be deducted from the price of the work. You would be advised of any possible charges when making your first enquiry.

However, if you want Chris Dobson to advise you on a reproduction prior to commissioning it (for instance, you would like to order an armour for a particular theatre of war, or tournament course, in a particlar period, but you know nothing of the equipment in use), then you would be charged for consultancy work to prepare a report. This would be charged at a higher houly rate, and would not be discounted from the price of the work if the commission is confirmed.

Please read these terms and conditions carefully before contacting Chris Dobson.