Trade Terms
Trade Terms & Conditions
Last updated: 6 January 2026
These Trade Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply exclusively to business-to-business transactions between Vital Hydrographic (“we”, “us”, “our”) and any trade, commercial or professional customer (“you”, “the Client”).
By placing an order, approving a quotation, or instructing work to proceed, you confirm that you are acting in the course of business and not as a consumer.
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
- Trade Status Confirmation
1.1 By instructing work, you confirm that:
- You are acting wholly for business purposes
- You are not a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
1.2 Consumer protections do not apply to trade clients.
1.3 If trade status is misrepresented, we reserve the right to:
- Re-invoice
- Refuse warranty
- Suspend or terminate services
- Scope of Trade Services (Expanded)
We provide specialist trade-only finishing, manufacturing and installation services including, but not limited to:
Surface Finishing & Coatings
- Hydro dipping / hydrographics
- Carbon fibre and carbon-effect finishes
- Camouflage and specialist patterned finishes
- Custom paint spraying and coatings
- Alloy wheel painting and refurbishment
Vinyl & Graphics
- Vinyl wrapping (partial and full)
- Commercial vinyl graphics
- Protective and decorative vinyl applications
- Vehicle, interior and product vinyl finishes
3D Printing & Post-Processing
- 3D printing of custom and prototype components
- Finishing, painting and coating of 3D printed parts
- Surface preparation and refinement for functional or visual applications
On-Site & Mobile Services
- On-site paint spraying
- On-site vinyl application
- On-site finishing and remedial works
- Mobile commercial services across the UK
Commercial & Installation Services
- Point-of-sale (POS) installations
- Retail, exhibition and promotional installations
- Graphics installation and fitting
- Commercial batch finishing and production runs
All services are bespoke, process-driven and non-standard, and are supplied strictly on a trade-only basis.
Due to the nature of custom finishing, manufacturing and installation services, outcomes may vary depending on materials, environment, surface condition, installation context and end-use application.
- Quotations & Pricing
3.1 All quotations are estimates only unless expressly stated as fixed in writing.
3.2 Pricing may vary due to:
- Condition of supplied parts
- Undisclosed prior coatings or damage
- Additional preparation requirements
3.3 Trade pricing assumes:
- Professional handling
- Appropriate installation
- Correct use
3.4 Prices exclude VAT unless stated.
- Orders & Acceptance
4.1 An order is accepted when:
- A quotation is approved in writing, OR
- Parts are delivered or shipped to us, OR
- Payment or deposit is received
4.2 Orders cannot be cancelled once work has commenced.
4.3 All orders are accepted subject to these Terms, which override any terms proposed by the Client.
- Client Responsibilities
5.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring that:
- Parts are suitable for finishing
- Materials are structurally sound
- Prior repairs, coatings or defects are disclosed
5.2 We are not responsible for failures caused by:
- Incompatible materials
- Poor base condition
- Undisclosed previous work
5.3 The Client assumes all responsibility for:
- Installation
- End-use application
- Regulatory compliance of finished goods
- Preparation, Finish & Tolerances
6.1 Due to the nature of specialist finishing:
- Minor variations in colour, pattern alignment, texture and gloss are inherent and acceptable
6.2 Samples, photos and previous work are illustrative only and do not constitute guarantees.
6.3 Batch work consistency is subject to:
- Material variation
- Environmental conditions
- Process limitations
- Turnaround Times & Delivery
7.1 Turnaround times are indicative, not guaranteed.
7.2 Delays may occur due to:
- Curing requirements
- Material supply issues
- Technical complexity
7.3 Express services prioritise scheduling but do not override technical constraints.
- Inspection & Acceptance
8.1 The Client must inspect all items immediately upon collection or delivery.
8.2 Any defects must be reported in writing within 48 hours.
8.3 Failure to report issues within this timeframe constitutes full acceptance of the work.
- Trade Warranty (Workmanship Only)
9.1 Warranty Scope
We warrant that services are carried out with reasonable skill and care, in line with industry standards.
This warranty covers workmanship defects only.
9.2 Warranty Exclusions
The warranty does not cover:
- Wear and tear
- Impact damage
- Stone chips, scratches or abrasion
- UV exposure or weathering
- Heat or chemical exposure
- Improper installation
- Improper cleaning or maintenance
- Third-party handling or modification
9.3 Exterior vs Interior Use
The Client acknowledges that:
- Exterior components are exposed to significantly higher risk and degradation
- Interior components experience reduced wear
Warranty decisions will take intended use into account.
9.4 Warranty Process
- All claimed items must be returned to us for inspection
- No refunds, reworks or credits will be issued without inspection
- Warranty decisions are made solely at our discretion
9.5 Remedy
Where a valid claim is accepted, our sole obligation is limited to:
- Reworking the affected area
We do not offer refunds for completed trade work.
- Returns & Rework Conditions
10.1 All warranty or remedial work requires physical return of the item.
10.2 Return shipping is the responsibility of the Client.
10.3 We accept no liability for loss or damage during return transit.
- Limitation of Liability (Trade)
11.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law:
- We exclude all indirect, consequential or economic loss
- We are not liable for loss of profit, loss of contracts or downtime
11.2 Our total liability is strictly limited to the value of the services supplied for the affected item.
11.3 Nothing limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
- Intellectual Property & Marketing
12.1 All processes, techniques and methods remain our intellectual property.
12.2 Unless agreed otherwise, we reserve the right to:
- Photograph completed work
- Use images for marketing, portfolio and promotional purposes
- Payment Terms
13.1 Payment terms are stated on quotations or invoices.
13.2 Late payment may result in:
- Suspension of work
- Withholding of goods
- Termination of trade relationship
13.3 Goods remain our property until paid in full.
- Force Majeure
We are not liable for delay or failure caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to fire, flood, supplier failure, power loss or equipment breakdown.
- Termination of Trade Relationship
We reserve the right to refuse or terminate trade services at any time without liability, including where:
- Payment terms are breached
- Misrepresentation occurs
- Conduct is unreasonable or abusive
- Governing Law & Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England shall have exclusive jurisdiction.
- Contact
Vital Hydrographic
sales@vitalhydrographic.co.uk
+44 1785 818804