GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

THE DRESSMAKERS ACADEMY

Version: April 2026
Business name: The Dressmakers Academy
Website: www.thedressmakersacademy.com

1. SCOPE

These Terms & Conditions apply to all offers, bookings, purchases, registrations and agreements made with The Dressmakers Academy, including but not limited to:

  • retreats
  • couture weeks
  • workshops
  • city trips
  • sewing holidays
  • in-person educational events
  • online courses
  • digital products
  • sewing kits / boxes
  • private or group educational experiences

By booking, purchasing or participating in any offering by The Dressmakers Academy, the client agrees to these Terms & Conditions.

2. NATURE OF THE OFFERINGS

The Dressmakers Academy offers high-end, small-group educational and creative experiences that are carefully planned in advance and often involve:

  • limited availability
  • pre-booked venues and services
  • preparation time and materials
  • third-party suppliers
  • administrative and operational commitments

Many experiences cannot be easily replaced or resold at short notice.

For this reason, all bookings are made on the basis of commitment and are subject to the terms below.

3. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT

3.1 Booking confirmation

A booking is only confirmed once:

  • the booking form has been completed; and
  • the required payment or first instalment has been received

The Dressmakers Academy reserves the right to decline a booking where necessary.

3.2 Payment options

Depending on the specific offer, bookings may be paid by:

  • full payment
  • instalments
  • a payment plan

If a payment plan is offered, the client remains fully liable for the total booking amount.

A payment plan is a convenience only and does not create a flexible or cancellable agreement.

3.3 Missed or failed payments

If a payment fails or an instalment is missed:

  • the client remains liable for the outstanding balance
  • access to the retreat, course or experience may be suspended
  • reasonable administrative or recovery costs may be charged

Failure to complete payments does not cancel the agreement.

4. CANCELLATION POLICY — RETREATS, TRAVEL EXPERIENCES & IN-PERSON EVENTS

4.1 General principle

The Dressmakers Academy offers carefully curated, small-group experiences that require advance planning, preparation, scheduling and financial commitment.

All bookings are therefore made on the basis of commitment.

4.2 Non-refundable portion of the booking

Upon booking, the first 25% of the total booking price shall be considered non-refundable.

This non-refundable portion compensates for:

  • reservation of a limited place
  • administrative processing
  • preparation and planning
  • loss of booking opportunity
  • operational commitments made in reliance on the booking

This applies regardless of whether the client chooses to:

  • pay in full; or
  • pay in instalments

The non-refundable portion applies regardless of the reason for cancellation, including but not limited to:

  • illness or injury
  • personal or family circumstances
  • financial changes
  • work obligations
  • inability or unwillingness to travel
  • fear of flying
  • changed travel confidence
  • world events or personal concerns

4.3 Standard cancellation terms

If the client cancels a retreat, couture week, workshop, city trip or any other in-person experience, the following applies:

More than 16 weeks before the start date

Payments made beyond the non-refundable 25% portion of the total booking price may be refunded, at the sole discretion of The Dressmakers Academy, minus:

  • non-recoverable costs
  • administration fees
  • transaction fees

Between 16 and 12 weeks before the start date

75% of the total booking price remains payable

12 weeks or less before the start date

100% of the total booking price remains payable

No refund will be given

4.4 No-show, late arrival or early departure

No refund, credit or compensation will be given for:

  • no-show
  • arriving late
  • leaving early
  • missing any part of the experience
  • unused services, accommodation, meals or activities

4.5 Payment plans do not alter cancellation liability

If the client has chosen to pay in instalments, cancellation charges apply to the full booking amount, not only to amounts already paid.

5. TRANSFERS, RESALE & CREDITS

5.1 Transfer to another participant

A client may request to transfer their place to another participant.

This is only possible if:

  • the request is made in writing
  • the replacement participant is suitable
  • the replacement meets any required skill level
  • approval is granted by The Dressmakers Academy

A reasonable administration fee may apply.

Transfers are not guaranteed.

5.2 Resale of a cancelled place

If a cancelled place is resold, The Dressmakers Academy may, at its sole discretion, offer a partial refund or credit.

However:

  • this is not guaranteed
  • this does not create a legal entitlement
  • any refund will be reduced by:non-recoverable costsadministration coststransaction feeslosses or discounts related to resale

6. TRAVEL INSURANCE & CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY

6.1 Travel insurance

For all retreats involving travel, clients are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance immediately after booking.

This should ideally include:

  • cancellation cover
  • medical cover
  • travel disruption cover
  • emergency assistance

The Dressmakers Academy is not responsible for losses that could have been covered by insurance.

6.2 Personal responsibility

The client is responsible for:

  • passport validity
  • visas
  • travel arrangements
  • personal insurance
  • health and fitness to participate

The Dressmakers Academy is not liable for losses resulting from failure to arrange these correctly.

7. FORCE MAJEURE

7.1 Definition

Force majeure includes, but is not limited to:

  • war or threat of war
  • terrorism
  • civil unrest
  • natural disasters
  • severe weather
  • government restrictions
  • border closures
  • airline disruption
  • strikes
  • pandemics or health restrictions
  • local emergencies

7.2 If the client chooses not to travel

If the retreat is still going ahead as planned, the cancellation policy remains in force.

This applies even if the client cancels due to:

  • fear of travel
  • global events
  • increased travel costs
  • airline issues
  • personal concerns

Clients should rely on travel insurance where applicable.

7.3 If The Dressmakers Academy must cancel

If The Dressmakers Academy must cancel a retreat before it begins, it may offer:

  • transfer to a future date
  • a credit note
  • a substitute experience
  • a refund of amounts received, less any non-recoverable third-party costs and fees, where permitted by law

8. CHANGES BY THE ORGANISER

The Dressmakers Academy reserves the right to make reasonable changes to:

  • schedules
  • locations
  • activities
  • teachers
  • venues
  • practical arrangements

Such changes do not automatically entitle the client to a refund.

9. SKILL LEVEL & PARTICIPATION

Many experiences are not suitable for complete beginners.

The client is responsible for ensuring they meet the required level.

Participation may be refused if:

  • the level is not appropriate
  • safety or group experience is affected

10. HEALTH & PARTICIPATION

Clients are responsible for ensuring they are physically and mentally able to participate.

Retreats may involve:

  • walking
  • stairs
  • travel
  • long sewing sessions

Any relevant health issues must be communicated in advance.

11. LIABILITY

11.1 General limitation

The Dressmakers Academy is not liable for:

  • travel disruptions
  • airline issues
  • third-party failures
  • loss or damage of belongings
  • indirect or consequential losses

Nothing excludes liability where legally not permitted.

11.2 Maximum liability

Liability is limited to the amount paid for the specific booking.

The Dressmakers Academy is not liable for additional costs such as:

  • flights
  • hotels
  • transfers
  • insurance
  • loss of income

12. PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT

Photos and videos may be taken during events.

By participating, the client agrees that general images may be used for marketing.

Clients may request not to appear in close-up images.

13. DIGITAL PRODUCTS & BOXES

1

3.1 Digital products

All digital sales are final once access has been granted.

13.2 Physical products

Shipping, customs and return conditions may apply.

The Dressmakers Academy is not responsible for import duties or delays.

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All materials remain the property of The Dressmakers Academy.

They may not be copied, shared, taught or resold without permission.

15. COMPLAINTS

Complaints must be submitted in writing within 14 days.

16. APPLICABLE LAW

Dutch law applies.

17. FINAL PROVISION

The Dressmakers Academy may update these Terms & Conditions at any time.


©2023 Small Business Saturday Florida. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Created with Leadpages