Shipping policy

1. About This Policy
This Shipping & Production Policy applies to instruments and accessories ordered from Makeev Guitars through makeevguitars.com, by email, through an issued invoice or through another written order confirmation. Makeev Guitars is operated by Guitar Workshop LLP (ТОО «Гитарная мастерская»), Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan. Because most Makeev instruments are built to order, the final specifications, price, estimated production time, shipping method and payment schedule are confirmed individually before production begins. If the terms stated in an individual invoice or written order confirmation differ from this general policy, the individually agreed terms will apply to that order, except where prohibited by applicable law.

2. Production Times
Most Makeev Guitars instruments are built to order. The estimated production time depends on the selected model, finish, components, level of customization and current workshop schedule.

Model or order type

Estimated production time

Easy Fold Modern Basic

3–4 weeks

Easy Fold Modern Pro

4–7 weeks

Easy Fold Shark 7

Approximately 8-9 weeks

Custom guitars and basses

Approximately 8–11 weeks

Complex or highly customized orders

Confirmed individually

Production time begins after:
• the final specifications have been approved;
• the required initial payment has been received;
• all necessary customer information has been provided. The estimated production time does not include international shipping or customs clearance.

Possible reasons for delays
Production estimates may change because of:
• current workshop workload;
• complexity of the selected configuration;
• availability of wood, pickups, hardware or electronic components;
• complex finishing and curing requirements;
• additional quality-control or setup work;
• changes requested by the customer;
• events outside our reasonable control. Production times are estimates and are not guaranteed completion dates. If we expect a significant delay, we will inform the customer and provide an updated estimate as soon as reasonably possible.

3. Customer-Requested Changes
Changes to an order may be possible before the relevant production stage begins. Any requested change may affect the final price and production time. Once materials have been purchased, machining or routing has started, components have been installed or a custom finish has been applied, a requested change may:
• require an additional payment;
• extend the production time;
• require replacement of previously purchased materials;
• no longer be technically possible. No material change will be made without written confirmation from the customer.

4. Payment Terms
Unless another payment schedule is confirmed in writing, the standard payment arrangement is:
• 50% initial payment before production begins;
• 50% remaining balance before shipment.
The initial payment reserves production capacity and may also be used to purchase materials, hardware and components for the order. An instrument will not be shipped until the full invoiced amount, including any agreed shipping charges, has been received.

Initial payment and cancellation
If the customer cancels the order after production has started, Makeev Guitars may deduct from any refundable amount:
• the cost of materials and components already purchased;
• payment-processing charges that cannot be recovered;
• the value of work already completed;
• the cost of personalized or non-returnable components;
• other documented expenses directly connected with the order. For personalized, engraved or highly customized instruments, the initial payment may become non-refundable once production or procurement of custom components has started. Any deduction or refund will be calculated according to the production stage, the agreed order specification and applicable law.

Final payment
We will contact the customer when the instrument approaches completion or is ready for shipment. Automatic reminders may be sent by the payment platform. The customer should pay the final balance only after receiving confirmation from Makeev Guitars that payment is due. If the final balance is not paid within the agreed period, shipment will be postponed. Reasonable storage charges may apply if a completed order remains unpaid for an extended period after written notice.

5. Final Inspection Before Shipping
Every instrument is inspected and professionally set up before shipment. The final inspection normally includes checks of:
• the folding and locking mechanism;
• neck relief and string action;
• fret condition;
• nut and intonation;
• electronics and controls;
• hardware;
• finish condition;
• included accessories;
• the selected tuning and string configuration.
Photographs or video of the completed instrument may be taken before packing as part of our quality-control and shipping records.

6. Shipping
Orders are shipped from Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, unless otherwise confirmed in writing. The available carrier and shipping method depend on the destination, packed dimensions, current transport restrictions and the type of protective case selected.

Destination

Typical estimated transit time

Europe

Approximately 1–2 weeks

United States and Canada

Approximately 1–2 weeks

Australia and New Zealand

Approximately 1–3 weeks

Other destinations

Confirmed individually

These estimates begin after the carrier has accepted the shipment. They do not include production time and may not include delays caused by customs clearance, remote-area delivery, local postal services or unsuccessful delivery attempts. Shipping times are estimates only and are not guaranteed delivery dates.

Shipping charges
Shipping charges are calculated according to:
• the destination;
• package size and weight;
• selected carrier and service level;
• selected backpack, soft case or rigid case;
• insurance or declared-value options where available;
• current carrier tariffs.
The applicable shipping charge will be shown in the invoice or written order confirmation.

7. Tracking and Delivery
Tracking information will be provided after the shipment has been accepted and registered by the carrier. Tracking updates may not appear immediately and may be temporarily interrupted while a shipment passes between postal systems or customs facilities. The customer is responsible for:
• providing a complete and accurate delivery address;
• providing a valid telephone number and email address;
• monitoring tracking information;
• responding to carrier or customs requests;
• arranging delivery or collection where required.
Makeev Guitars is not responsible for delays caused by an incorrect or incomplete address supplied by the customer.

Failed delivery
If delivery cannot be completed because the recipient is unavailable, refuses the shipment, provides an incorrect address or does not complete local customs procedures, the shipment may be stored, redirected, abandoned or returned. Additional delivery, storage, customs, return-shipping and re-shipping charges resulting from these circumstances are normally the customer’s responsibility.

8. Customs, Import Duties and Taxes
International shipments may be subject to:
• import duties;
• value-added tax or goods and services tax;
• customs-processing fees;
• brokerage charges;
• local handling or storage charges;
• other destination-country taxes or fees.
Unless expressly stated otherwise in the invoice, these charges are not included in the product price or shipping charge and must be paid by the recipient.

Import charges are determined by the authorities and service providers in the destination country. Makeev Guitars does not control or guarantee the amount of these charges. Customers should check the current import regulations of their country before placing an order. We cannot declare an artificially reduced value, describe a commercial order as a gift or provide inaccurate customs documentation.

Customs delays
Customs clearance is controlled by the destination-country authorities. Makeev Guitars will provide reasonable assistance and available commercial documentation, but the customer may be required to communicate directly with customs authorities, brokers or the delivery company. Customs delays do not automatically create a right to cancel a completed and dispatched order.

9. Packaging and Protective Cases
Every instrument is packed according to its model, destination and selected shipping configuration. Soft backpacks and gig bags are designed primarily for careful personal transportation. They should not be treated as equivalent to rigid protection against heavy impact, compression or automated baggage handling. If the instrument will be transported as checked airline baggage or exposed to intensive commercial handling, we strongly recommend selecting a rigid protective case.

Customers should keep all packaging materials until the instrument has been inspected and any possible shipping claim has been resolved.

10. Shipping Damage, Loss and Insurance
Every instrument is inspected and carefully packed before shipment. Responsibility for loss or damage will be determined according to the agreed shipping terms, applicable law, carrier conditions and any insurance coverage purchased for the shipment.

What to do if the package appears damaged
If the external package or case is visibly damaged:
1. Photograph the package before opening it.
2. Ask the courier or postal employee to record the visible damage.
3. Where possible, open and inspect the shipment in the presence of the carrier’s representative.
4. Keep the shipping label, packaging, case and all internal protective materials.
5. Take clear photographs and video of the instrument and damage.
6. Notify Makeev Guitars as soon as possible and preferably within 48 hours of delivery.

Information required
Please provide:
• the customer’s name and order number;
• the tracking number;
• photographs of every side of the external package;
• photographs of the shipping label;
• photographs and video of the damaged instrument or case;
• a copy of any damage report issued by the carrier;
• a description of when and how the damage was discovered.

The customer must not discard packaging, authorize repairs or return the instrument without written instructions from Makeev Guitars while a carrier or insurance claim is being reviewed. We will assist with available documents and communication. Carrier or insurer decisions are made under their own rules, and compensation cannot be guaranteed by Makeev Guitars.

Lost shipments
A shipment is not considered lost merely because tracking has temporarily stopped updating. A formal investigation can normally begin only after the carrier’s required waiting period has passed. If a shipment is confirmed as lost, the available resolution will depend on the carrier investigation, insurance coverage, agreed shipping terms and applicable law.

11. Inspection After Delivery
The customer should inspect the instrument promptly after delivery. Before playing, check that:
• the instrument has no visible shipping damage;
• the folding mechanism moves normally;
• the lock engages correctly;
• no accessory or loose object is obstructing the mechanism;
• the instrument has reached a reasonable indoor temperature after exposure to extreme heat or cold.

Wooden instruments may react to changes in temperature and humidity during international transportation. Although every guitar leaves our workshop professionally set up, minor adjustments to tuning, neck relief or string action may occasionally be required after acclimatization in a significantly different climate.

12. Returns of Standard Instruments
Eligible standard, non-personalized instruments may be returned within 14 calendar days after confirmed delivery, subject to this policy and applicable law. Before sending a return, the customer must contact Makeev Guitars and receive written return instructions.

Return conditions
To qualify for a standard return, the instrument must be:
• a standard, non-custom configuration;
• free from damage, modification and significant signs of use;
• returned with all original accessories and documentation;
• packed in the original packaging or another method approved by us;
• shipped using a trackable and adequately protected service.

Return costs and deductions
Unless the return results from a confirmed manufacturing defect or an error by Makeev Guitars:
• return shipping is paid by the customer;
• original outbound shipping charges are not refundable;
• import duties, VAT, brokerage and customs charges are not refundable by Makeev Guitars;
• a 15% restocking fee may be deducted from the refundable product amount;
• damage, missing accessories or excessive wear may result in an additional reasonable deduction. Refunds are processed after the returned instrument has been received and inspected.

Payment-provider and currency-conversion charges that are not returned to Makeev Guitars may be deducted where permitted by applicable law.

13. Custom and Personalized Instruments
An order may be considered custom or personalized when it includes specifications selected specifically for the customer, including, but not limited to:
• engraving or personalized inlays;
• customer-selected custom pickups;
• non-standard electronics or control layouts;
• a custom-matched or individually approved finish;
• non-standard hardware;
• unusual scale, tuning or string configuration; •
customer-supplied components;
• structural modifications;
• any configuration that is not normally offered as a standard model.

Custom and personalized instruments may not be eligible for return due to a change of mind. The applicable cancellation and return conditions will be confirmed before production begins and may also be stated in the invoice or written order confirmation. Nothing in this section limits any mandatory rights relating to confirmed manufacturing defects, incorrect specifications or goods that do not conform to the agreed order.

14. Order Cancellations Before production begins
A cancellation requested before production or component procurement begins may be eligible for a refund, less any non-recoverable payment-processing or administrative costs where permitted by law.

After production begins
If production, material procurement or custom component ordering has started, Makeev Guitars may deduct the documented cost of materials, components, completed work and other expenses directly connected with the order. For custom or personalized builds, the refundable amount may be substantially reduced or no refund may remain once significant work has been completed.

After shipment
An order cannot be cancelled after it has been dispatched. An eligible customer may instead request a return under the applicable return conditions.

15. Manufacturing Defects and Warranty Claims
Returns based on a suspected manufacturing defect are handled separately from change-of-mind returns. The Easy Fold mechanism is covered by a two-year limited warranty. The neck and fretwork are covered by a one-year limited warranty. Other components and circumstances are reviewed according to the nature of the issue, component manufacturer terms and applicable warranty conditions.

Before returning an instrument or arranging local repair work, contact Makeev Guitars and provide clear photographs and video of the issue. Depending on the problem, the appropriate solution may include: • adjustment instructions; • replacement parts; • service by a qualified local technician; • partial reimbursement of an authorized repair; • return to our workshop; • replacement or another reasonable remedy. Do not authorize repairs or structural modifications without our written approval if you intend to submit a warranty claim.

16. Force Majeure and Events Outside Our Control
Makeev Guitars is not responsible for delays or failure to perform caused by events outside our reasonable control, including: • natural disasters; • war, civil disturbance or government restrictions; • border closures; • carrier suspensions; • major transport disruption; • customs or export restrictions; • power, communications or infrastructure failures; • material or component shortages caused by external events; • other comparable circumstances. If such an event affects an order, we will inform the customer and work toward a reasonable solution.

17. Communication
Makeev Guitars is committed to transparent communication throughout production and delivery. If a significant production or shipping issue arises, we will: • inform the customer; • explain the available information; • provide an updated estimate where possible; • discuss reasonable available solutions.

Production updates can be provided at meaningful stages but are not promised. Daily workshop photographs or daily status updates are not normally available. Customers should ensure that messages from contact@makeevguitars.com and the payment provider are not being filtered into spam.

18. Contact Information
Makeev Guitars Operated by:
Guitar Workshop LLP ТОО «Гитарная мастерская»
Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan
Email: contact@makeevguitars.com
Website: makeevguitars.com

19. Applicable Law
This policy and orders accepted by Guitar Workshop LLP are governed by the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, unless mandatory consumer-protection rules applicable to a particular transaction require otherwise. Nothing in this policy is intended to exclude or restrict rights that cannot legally be excluded or restricted. If any provision of this policy is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply.