When shopping on Adorno, you are purchasing directly from independent designers around the world. To ensure transparency, we want you to feel fully informed about how the entire process is handled from payments and production to shipping, taxes and returns.
A purchase is complete once you select your payment method, click “Purchase”. At that moment, the payment is processed, and a confirmation email is sent to you with the order details.
Adorno accepts secure payment through major credit cards, ACH Debit, and bank transfer. If another method is required, you can contact our team for assistance.
We are proud to work with the best designers and studios around the world, who not only make beautiful work, but also handle orders in a professional manner. In rare situations where delivery cannot be fulfilled, Adorno reserves the right to cancel the order. If this occurs, you will receive a full refund without delay.
The prices displayed are carefully determined by the seller and ADORNO, and includes the production and packaging/crating costs. In certain cases, prices are shared only upon request, because of complications when it comes to availability.
If you are buying from a designer within your own country, sales tax or VAT is included in the listed price. For cross-border sales, VAT is not included in the product price, and duties or import taxes may apply upon importing the piece.
Shipping costs are calculated separately and shown at checkout. The shipping price includes insurance and crating. In the rare case of a pricing or shipping error, we give you the choice to cancel the order or confirm it at the correct rate.
Designers may adjust prices over time or offer special promotions, but the price you see at checkout is always the one that applies to your order, and will be valid in quotes up to 30 days.
In case you find the piece available at a lower price somewhere else, ADORNO is offering a price match guarantee. Just forward the quote you received, and we will do our best to match it.
Every piece available on Adorno is designed and described directly by the independent designer who created it. They are responsible for providing accurate information, images, and measurements.
Because many of the works are made using natural or hand-finished materials, small variations in color, grain, or finish may occur. These differences are not flaws but natural qualities that make each piece unique.
Lighting sold through Adorno is classified as illuminated sculpture. Unless specifically stated in the product description, these pieces are not certified under regulatory lighting standards. They are intended as artworks, and buyers should enjoy them as such.
From time to time, Adorno offers promotions such as discounts or free shipping. Some items, especially custom or oversized works, may not qualify. Only one promotion can be applied per order.
All promotions are time-limited and subject to availability. If a promotional item cannot be delivered, we will either provide a substitute of equal or greater value or refund your order in full.
Pieces purchased with a discount or promotion are still subject to Adorno’s return policies. Refunds will reflect the price you paid, not the original full price.
Your piece will be shipped to the address you provide at checkout using our international network of trusted carriers. To avoid delays, please ensure your delivery address is accurate and that someone is available to receive the package during standard business hours.
While we aim to meet the estimated delivery timeframe, external factors such as strikes, customs inspections, or postal delays may affect shipping. The customer should be available upon delivery, react on any messages from the carrier, and settle any import duties, taxes, and fees.
Orders of in-stock pieces are subject to a 14-day return right. If you regret your purchase, you must notify us within three days of receiving your piece. Adorno will issue a return label, and once the designer receives the piece back, the product price (minus shipping and fees) will be refunded within 30 days.
Made-to-order items cannot be returned. These include pieces customized for dimensions, colors, finishes, electrical plugs, or or similar. If you cancel before delivery, you may still be responsible for customization costs already incurred.
The cost of return shipping, duties, and fees is the buyer’s responsibility. Learn more about how to get duties and taxes refunded in case of a return under “Refunding Customs Fees”.
When shopping on Adorno, you are purchasing directly from independent designers and artists around the world. To ensure transparency, we want you to feel fully informed about how customs duties and taxes are handled.
Your Responsibilities as a Buyer
- Import Duties & Taxes: As the buyer, you are responsible for paying any import duties, VAT, or local taxes that may apply in your country. These charges are set by your local customs authority and vary depending on the product type and value.
- Timely Payment: Duties and taxes must be paid promptly when requested by the carrier or customs. Failure to pay may result in delays, storage fees, or the return of your order.
- Unpaid Duties: If import charges are not settled, carriers may return the shipment to the sender or, in some cases, mark it for abandonment. In such cases:
- Any return or reshipment costs will be charged to you.
- If reshipment is not approved, the item may be discarded, and no refund can be issued.
How We Declare for Duty-Free Entry
We ship all works with a formal Artist Declaration that certifies each piece as an original artwork created by the artist. This declaration is recognized internationally and supports duty-free classification under most countries’ customs regulations for original art.
- Accurate Declarations: We work closely with designers to ensure all customs documents are correctly completed.
- Duty-Free Artwork: collectible design should qualify as original artworks. While we provide proper documentation to facilitate duty-free entry, final import decisions are made by your local customs authority
- Clear Communication: In rare cases where an item is classified as furniture or decorative objects, standard import tariffs (typically 3–10%) may apply. We aim to be transparent about these possibilities.
- Trusted Carriers: We ship through reliable global carriers who manage customs clearance professionally and securely.
- Documentation Help: Should you need guidance on recovering duties or taxes after a return, we can direct you to the relevant processes.
Useful Resources by Region
- United States: U.S. Customs & Border Protection
- European Union: European Commission Customs Guidance
- United Kingdom: UK Import Customs Declaration
- Canada: Canada Border Services Agency
Key Things to Remember
- Customs processes are outside of Adorno’s control and are handled by your local authorities.
- Duties and taxes are non-refundable through Adorno, but in some cases may be reclaimed directly through your local customs office or carrier. See the next tab with guidelines on recovering customs fees.
- Our team is here to assist you with documentation and provide clarity wherever possible.
If your piece arrives damaged, you are fully covered. Each shipment is insured, and damages reported within three days of delivery (with eligible photos of the item and packaging) will be resolved through either repair, replacement, or a full refund.
If a piece arrives damaged or if you return an international order, you may be eligible to recover the duties or import taxes you already paid. These refunds are issued directly by customs authorities and cannot be processed by Adorno. While regulations differ by country, the steps below provide a good starting point.
General Guidance
- Act quickly: Most customs agencies impose strict deadlines for submitting claims.
- Keep documentation: You will need original invoices, proof of payment of duties, and records showing the goods were returned.
- Follow up: Claims often take time; checking in regularly helps prevent delays.
- Consider professional help: Customs brokers or tax advisors can simplify the process, especially for larger claims.
Country-Specific Resources
United States
- File CBP Form 331 to request duty drawback.
- Contact: U.S. Customs & Border Protection – Trade and Revenue Division
European Union
- Contact your national customs authority for returned goods procedures.
- The EU Customs Code provides for duty relief on goods that are re-exported.
Canada
- Use Form B2G to apply for duty relief.
- Contact: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
United Kingdom
- Apply through HMRC’s Returned Goods Relief scheme.
- Use Form C285 to submit a claim.
Australia
- Contact Australian Border Force for returned goods applications.
- Apply under the Duty Drawback Scheme.
Why Adorno Cannot Issue Refunds
Customs duties and taxes are collected by governments, not by Adorno. Because we do not receive these payments, we cannot process refunds on your behalf. The correct path is always through your local customs authority or their approved channels.
Please Note
This information is provided as general guidance. Customs regulations change frequently and vary between countries. For precise, up-to-date advice, please consult your local customs authority or a qualified customs broker.
For companies within the European Union, Adorno offers the option to apply the VAT Reverse Charge mechanism when purchasing items from EU-based designers. This allows eligible businesses to buy without VAT added at checkout.
What is the VAT Reverse Charge?
The reverse charge system shifts the responsibility for reporting Value Added Tax (VAT) from the seller to the buyer. Instead of paying VAT to the seller, a registered company records the VAT directly with its local tax authority.
This means:
- No VAT will be charged on your Adorno invoice if you qualify.
- You remain responsible for declaring and paying VAT in your own country.
Who is Eligible?
You may use the VAT Reverse Charge if:
- You are a registered company with a valid VAT number.
- You are located in the European Union.
- The piece is sold and shipped from a designer in another EU country.
How It Works on Adorno
- At checkout, enter your legal company name and VAT identification number.
- Once validated, the VAT will be automatically removed from your invoice.
- You will then account for the VAT directly in your company’s tax return, according to local rules.
Why This Matters
- Cost Transparency: You only pay the net price of the piece at checkout.
- Administrative Simplicity: Your VAT responsibility is handled in one step within your existing tax reporting.
- Cross-Border Compliance: The mechanism is standardized across the EU and ensures smooth trade between member states.
Note: If your company information or VAT number is missing or incorrect, VAT will remain applied to the invoice and cannot be refunded later. Please make sure your VAT details are accurate before completing your purchase.
The Personal Curation Service is designed to provide structured guidance for individuals or organizations seeking collectible design pieces that align with their specific requirements. The service offers a defined process that ensures selections are tailored to the client’s preferences, space, and intended use.
Service Overview
The purpose of the service is to simplify the process of identifying and acquiring collectible design. Rather than presenting a large volume of general options, Adorno’s curators review the client’s needs and provide a focused set of recommendations drawn from the platform’s international network of independent designers and studios.
Process
1. Consultation
The process begins with a curation call. During this session, the client shares their vision, functional needs, and aesthetic direction. This step allows the curator to gather all relevant details regarding taste, space, and intended outcome.
2. Selection
Based on the consultation, the curator develops a tailored shortlist of design pieces. Each selection is aligned with the requirements discussed and takes into account the overall coherence of the project.
3. Execution
Once the client has reviewed and approved the selections, Adorno facilitates the sourcing and logistics. This includes coordinating with designers, confirming production timelines (if applicable), and arranging delivery.
Reach out today to get a free consultation call
Scope of the Service
The service applies to both private and professional projects.
Recommendations are limited to works available through the Adorno platform.
Support continues until the selected pieces are delivered to the agreed address.
This service is intended to streamline the acquisition of collectible design by providing a clear, guided process from consultation through delivery.
Contact us
Our dedicated specialists are here to help with answering your questions and assisting with any order-related inquiries. If you would like to sell on Adorno or get in touch regarding trade, or press, please use the sections below.
Do you need a professional quote?
We assist design professionals throughout the order process, from sourcing and bespoke customizations to providing transparent quotes with trade pricing, product specifications, lead times, and door-to-door shipping costs.