Terms of Service

Last updated: 1 August 2026

Overview

This website and online store are operated by:

Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com
Rudlovská cesta 771/40
974 01 Banská Bystrica
Slovakia

ID number: 57096708
VAT number: SK1120929865
Email: info@oboe-reeds.com

Throughout these Terms of Service, the terms “we”, “us”, “our” and “Seller” refer to Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com.

The terms “you”, “your”, “customer” and “Buyer” refer to any person accessing the website or purchasing products from our online store.

Our online store is operated using the Shopify e-commerce platform. Shopify provides the technical platform through which we present and sell our products. The purchase contract is concluded directly between the customer and Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com. Shopify is not the seller of the products offered through this store.

By accessing our website, creating a customer account or placing an order, you agree to these Terms of Service and to the policies referenced in them, including our:

• Refund & Return Policy;

• Privacy Policy;

• Shipping Policy;

• Cookie Policy, where applicable.

Please read these Terms carefully before using the website or submitting an order.

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes any mandatory consumer rights available to you under the laws of the European Union, the Slovak Republic or the country in which you have your habitual residence.

Section 1 – Eligibility and Use of the Online Store

By placing an order, you confirm that:

• you have the legal capacity to enter into a purchase contract; or

• you are acting with the consent of your parent or legal guardian where such consent is legally required;

• the information you provide is complete, accurate and current;

• you are not using the website or purchasing products for any unlawful or unauthorized purpose.

You must not use the website:

• in violation of applicable laws or regulations;

• to infringe intellectual property or other third-party rights;

• to transmit viruses, malware or other harmful code;

• to interfere with the security or operation of the website;

• to collect personal information about other users without authorization;

• to submit false, misleading or fraudulent orders.

We may restrict or terminate access to the website where we reasonably believe that these Terms or applicable laws have been violated.

Section 2 – Shopify Platform

Our online store is hosted and technically operated through Shopify.

Shopify provides the e-commerce infrastructure that enables us to display products, receive orders, manage customer accounts and provide checkout functionality.

Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com remains solely responsible for:

• the products offered through the store;

• product descriptions and prices;

• order acceptance and fulfilment;

• delivery;

• customer service;

• complaints, returns and refunds;

• compliance with applicable consumer and tax laws.

Certain Shopify functions, applications or integrations may be provided by third parties and may be governed by their own terms and privacy policies.

Section 3 – Product Information

We sell handmade oboe reeds, English horn reeds, reed-making products and related accessories.

Each product is described as accurately as reasonably possible on its product page. Product descriptions may include information about:

• the type of instrument;

• reed model or category;

• cane diameter, hardness, density or flexibility;

• shaper form;

• staple type and length;

• tying length;

• scrape style;

• resistance;

• tonal characteristics;

• customization options;

• estimated preparation time.

Because reeds are handmade from natural organic cane, minor differences may occur between individual products, including differences in:

• colour;

• surface appearance;

• fibre structure;

• exact dimensions;

• opening;

• resistance;

• response;

• tonal character.

Such minor natural variations do not constitute a defect where the product otherwise conforms to its description, agreed specifications and intended purpose.

The playing characteristics and lifespan of a reed can also be influenced by factors outside our control, including:

• the player’s embouchure and playing technique;

• the instrument and setup used;

• soaking method and duration;

• frequency and intensity of use;

• climate, temperature and humidity;

• storage conditions;

• adjustment or scraping performed by the customer;

• cleaning and general care.

Product photographs are provided for illustrative purposes. Colours and proportions may appear slightly different depending on the customer’s device or screen settings.

Section 4 – Product Availability

All orders are subject to availability.

Because many products are handmade or prepared after an order is placed, a product may be available for order even if it is not immediately ready for dispatch.

Estimated production or preparation times are shown on the relevant product page, during checkout or in the order confirmation.

Unless otherwise stated, products are typically prepared for dispatch within approximately 3–10 business days. Custom-made, personalized or high-volume orders may require additional time.

If a product becomes unavailable after an order has been placed, we will contact you as soon as reasonably possible. You may be offered:

• a revised delivery date;

• a suitable alternative product;

• partial fulfilment of the order;

• cancellation of the unavailable item;

• cancellation of the entire order.

If an order or part of an order is cancelled because we cannot supply it, all payments received for the cancelled products and any applicable delivery costs will be refunded.

Section 5 – Prices and VAT

Product prices are displayed in euros (EUR) unless otherwise stated.

Prices displayed to consumers include value-added tax where VAT is applicable.

Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com is registered for VAT under:

VAT number: SK1120929865

The VAT treatment of an order may depend on:

• the customer’s country;

• the delivery destination;

• whether the customer is purchasing as a consumer or as a business;

• whether a valid EU VAT identification number is provided;

• applicable EU and national tax legislation.

The final product price, applicable taxes and delivery charges are displayed during checkout before the customer submits the order.

Customs duties, import VAT, brokerage charges or other import-related fees imposed outside the European Union are not included unless expressly stated during checkout. Such charges are generally the responsibility of the recipient.

We may change product prices at any time. Price changes do not affect an order that has already been accepted by us.

Section 6 – Placing an Order

Products may be ordered through the checkout provided on our website.

Before submitting an order, the customer has the opportunity to review and correct:

• selected products;

• quantities;

• billing information;

• delivery information;

• shipping method;

• payment method;

• final price.

By clicking the final checkout button, such as “Pay now”, “Complete order” or another equivalent button, the customer submits a binding order and confirms an obligation to pay.

After the order is submitted, the customer receives an electronic order confirmation at the email address provided during checkout.

The purchase contract is concluded when we accept the order by sending an order confirmation, confirming successful payment or dispatching the products, whichever occurs first.

An order may be refused or cancelled before dispatch where there is a legitimate reason, including:

• the product is unavailable;

• payment was not successfully authorized;

• the customer provided incomplete or incorrect information;

• the order appears fraudulent;

• the order violates these Terms or applicable law;

• there is an obvious error in the product description or price;

• delivery to the provided address is not possible.

If payment has already been collected for an order that we subsequently cancel, the relevant amount will be refunded to the original payment method.

Statutory withdrawal, complaint and refund rights remain unaffected.

Section 7 – Customer Information and Accounts

You agree to provide complete, current and accurate information when placing an order or creating a customer account.

You are responsible for ensuring that:

• your email address is correct;

• your delivery address is complete;

• your billing details are accurate;

• any VAT identification number you provide is valid;

• you have access to the email account used for your order.

We are not responsible for delivery problems or additional costs caused by incorrect or incomplete information supplied by the customer.

Customer accounts may use passwordless login or an email verification code provided through Shopify. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your email account and for activity conducted through your customer account.

We may restrict or cancel an account that is used fraudulently, unlawfully or in violation of these Terms.

Section 8 – Payment Methods

Available payment methods are displayed during checkout and may vary depending on the customer’s country, device, currency and order value.

Payments may include:

• credit or debit cards;

• supported digital wallets;

• other payment methods made available through Stripe or the Shopify checkout.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise, all orders must be paid in advance.

We do not charge the customer an additional payment-method fee unless such a fee is clearly disclosed before the order is submitted and is permitted by applicable law.

Section 9 – Stripe Payment Processing

Electronic payments are securely processed by Stripe.

For businesses established in Slovakia, the applicable Stripe services may be provided by:

Stripe Payments Europe, Limited
and
Stripe Technology Europe, Limited

The One Building
Grand Canal Street Lower
Dublin 2
Ireland

Stripe Technology Europe, Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland as an electronic money institution.

By selecting an electronic payment method, the customer acknowledges that information necessary to process the payment may be transmitted to Stripe, the customer’s bank, the card network, the relevant digital-wallet provider and other financial institutions involved in the transaction.

Payment information may be used to:

• authorize and process the transaction;

• verify the payment method;

• prevent fraud and unauthorized payments;

• perform security checks;

• comply with financial and anti-money-laundering requirements;

• process refunds;

• manage payment disputes or chargebacks.

Stripe may request additional authentication, including 3D Secure authentication, where required by law, the card issuer or Stripe’s security systems.

We do not store the customer’s complete payment-card number or card security code on our own systems. Payment-card information is processed through the secure payment interface provided by Stripe, Shopify or the relevant payment provider.

Stripe processes personal information in accordance with its own privacy policy and applicable data-protection laws.

Questions concerning an order, payment, cancellation or refund should first be directed to:

info@oboe-reeds.com

A payment is considered completed only after it has been successfully authorized and confirmed by the payment provider.

If payment authorization is refused, cancelled or fails, the order may not be accepted or processed.

Section 10 – Payment Security and Fraud Prevention

We and our payment-service providers may use automated and manual fraud-prevention measures.

An order may be delayed, reviewed, refused or cancelled where:

• the payment is identified as potentially fraudulent;

• billing and cardholder information do not match;

• additional verification is required;

• the payment provider refuses authorization;

• the order presents an unusual security or financial risk.

We may contact the customer to request reasonable additional information necessary to verify an order.

We will never request that a customer send a complete payment-card number or card security code by ordinary email.

Section 11 – Delivery

Available delivery destinations, carriers, methods and prices are displayed during checkout.

Delivery times consist of:

1. the time required to prepare or manufacture the products; and

2. the carrier’s transport time after dispatch.

Any delivery date shown on the website or in an order confirmation is an estimate unless expressly agreed as a binding delivery date.

We are not responsible for a delay caused exclusively by circumstances outside our reasonable control, including:

• carrier disruptions;

• customs procedures;

• incorrect delivery information;

• severe weather;

• strikes;

• transport restrictions;

• natural disasters;

• government measures;

• other force-majeure events.

However, this does not limit the customer’s statutory rights where delivery is not made within the agreed or legally required period.

If delivery is significantly delayed, we will provide reasonable assistance in communicating with the carrier and tracing the shipment.

For consumer purchases, the risk of loss or damage generally passes to the customer when the customer or a person designated by the customer takes physical possession of the goods.

Section 12 – Customs and International Orders

Customers ordering delivery outside the European Union may be required to pay:

• customs duties;

• import VAT;

• handling charges;

• customs-clearance fees;

• other charges imposed by local authorities or the carrier.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, these charges are not collected by us and are the responsibility of the customer.

The customer is responsible for checking whether the ordered products may legally be imported into the destination country.

We are not responsible for delays caused by customs inspections or import procedures.

Section 13 – Order Cancellations

Contact us as soon as possible at info@oboe-reeds.com if you wish to cancel an order.

A cancellation request can be accepted only if the order has not already:

• been dispatched;

• entered production;

• been personalized;

• been prepared according to the customer’s specifications.

Where cancellation is accepted before dispatch, the payment will be refunded to the original payment method.

Cancellation rights under this section are separate from the consumer’s statutory right of withdrawal.

Section 14 – Right of Withdrawal

Consumers generally have the right to withdraw from an online purchase within 14 calendar days after receiving the goods, without giving a reason, subject to statutory exceptions.

Detailed instructions, return conditions and the model withdrawal form are available in our Refund & Return Policy.

The right of withdrawal does not apply, among other legally permitted exceptions, to:

• products made according to the customer’s specifications;

• clearly personalized products;

• Personal Oboe Reeds made according to an individual customer profile;

• hygiene-sensitive products supplied in sealed packaging where the hygienic seal has been opened, broken, removed or otherwise compromised.

Oboe reeds, English horn reeds and other products intended to come into contact with the mouth cannot be returned after their sealed hygienic packaging has been opened or after they have been moistened, placed in the mouth, tested or played.

These exclusions do not affect the customer’s statutory rights where a product was delivered defective, damaged, incorrect or otherwise did not conform to the purchase contract.

Section 15 – Returns and Refunds

Returns and refunds are handled in accordance with our Refund & Return Policy and applicable consumer law.

Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method used for the order.

Where payment was made through Stripe, the refund is submitted through Stripe to the original payment method.

After a refund is initiated, the customer’s bank, card issuer or payment provider may require additional time before the refunded amount appears in the customer’s account.

Shipping charges are refunded only where required by applicable law or expressly agreed by us.

We may withhold a withdrawal refund until:

• the returned goods are received; or

• the customer provides evidence that the goods have been sent back,

whichever occurs first, where permitted by law.

Section 16 – Defects and Statutory Consumer Rights

We are responsible for defects for which the Seller is liable under applicable consumer law.

For consumer purchases governed by Slovak law, the Seller is generally responsible for a defect that:

• existed when the product was delivered; and

• becomes apparent within the applicable statutory liability period.

The fact that reeds are consumable handmade products does not exclude statutory liability for a defect that existed at the time of delivery.

However, the following are not considered defects for which the Seller is responsible:

• normal wear and tear;

• gradual deterioration caused by normal playing;

• a reduced lifespan caused by intensive or frequent use;

• damage caused by incorrect soaking;

• mould or damage caused by improper storage;

• cracking, deformation or damage caused after delivery;

• damage caused by scraping, clipping, wiring, adjustment or other modification;

• damage caused by dropping, crushing or transport after delivery;

• subjective dissatisfaction with resistance, tone or response where the product objectively conforms to its description and agreed specifications;

• changes resulting from climate, humidity, temperature, the instrument or the player’s technique.

The customer should notify us of a defect without undue delay after discovering it.

Section 17 – Submitting a Complaint

A complaint concerning a defective, damaged, missing or incorrect product may be submitted by email to:

info@oboe-reeds.com

The complaint should include, where available:

• the customer’s name;

• order number;

• identification of the affected product;

• a clear description of the problem;

• the date on which the problem was discovered;

• photographs or video showing the issue;

• the customer’s preferred resolution.

We will provide written confirmation that the complaint has been received and will inform the customer about the expected period for assessing or resolving the complaint.

Unless a longer period is justified by an objective reason outside our control, the notified period for resolving a defect will not exceed the period permitted by applicable law.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, the customer may be entitled to:

• repair;

• replacement;

• an appropriate price reduction;

• withdrawal from the purchase contract and a refund.

Because a finished reed may not be technically repairable, replacement, price reduction or refund may be used where appropriate and legally required.

Section 18 – Incorrect or Damaged Deliveries

The customer should inspect the shipment as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.

If the shipment is visibly damaged, the customer should, where possible:

• photograph the outer packaging;

• photograph the damaged products;

• retain the packaging;

• report the damage to the carrier;

• contact us promptly.

Failure to report visible carrier damage immediately does not automatically remove statutory consumer rights, but prompt notification may help us investigate the claim.

Where we sent an incorrect product or the product was damaged before delivery, we will provide an appropriate remedy in accordance with applicable law.

Section 19 – Website Information and Errors

We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information on the website is accurate and current.

However, the website may occasionally contain:

• typographical errors;

• incorrect product information;

• incorrect availability information;

• technical errors;

• incorrect prices;

• outdated content.

We may correct such errors at any time.

If an obvious error affects an order, we will contact the customer before fulfilment. The customer may be offered the opportunity to confirm the order using the corrected information or cancel it for a full refund.

We will not cancel an accepted consumer order solely because a price later becomes commercially inconvenient to us.

Section 20 – Third-Party Services and Links

The website may contain integrations, tools, applications or links provided by third parties, including:

• Shopify;

• Stripe;

• carriers;

• analytics providers;

• social-media platforms;

• customer-review services;

• marketing or communication services.

Third-party services are governed by their own terms and privacy policies.

We are not responsible for the independent content, availability, security or practices of a third-party website that is not controlled by us.

The inclusion of a third-party link does not necessarily constitute our endorsement of that third party.

Section 21 – Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise stated, all content created for this website is owned by or licensed to Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com, including:

• text;

• product descriptions;

• photographs;

• graphics;

• logos;

• videos;

• website design elements;

• downloadable materials.

You may access and use the website for personal, non-commercial shopping purposes.

You may not reproduce, distribute, sell, publish, modify or commercially exploit our content without prior written permission, except where permitted by law.

Shopify, Stripe and other third-party names and trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Section 22 – Reviews, Feedback and Submissions

You may voluntarily provide product reviews, feedback, comments, photographs or other submissions.

You confirm that any material you submit:

• is accurate to the best of your knowledge;

• does not violate the rights of another person;

• is not unlawful, abusive or misleading;

• does not contain malware or harmful code;

• does not contain personal information about another person without authorization.

We may moderate or remove content that violates these Terms or applicable law.

Feedback submitted through a Personal Oboe Reed questionnaire may be used to:

• evaluate the tested reeds;

• create or update the customer’s reed profile;

• prepare future personalized reeds;

• improve our products and services.

Private questionnaire responses will not be published as customer reviews without an appropriate legal basis or the customer’s permission.

Section 23 – Privacy and Personal Data

Personal data is processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation.

Personal data may be processed where necessary to:

• process and fulfil orders;

• receive payments;

• communicate with customers;

• deliver products;

• prevent fraud;

• handle returns, refunds and complaints;

• maintain customer accounts;

• comply with tax, accounting and legal obligations.

Shopify, Stripe, carriers and other service providers may process personal data where necessary to provide their respective services.

Section 24 – Availability of the Website

We aim to keep the website available and secure but cannot guarantee that it will always operate without interruption or error.

Access may be temporarily limited because of:

• maintenance;

• software updates;

• security issues;

• technical failures;

• hosting or network problems;

• circumstances outside our reasonable control.

We may modify, suspend or discontinue parts of the website where reasonably necessary.

This does not affect obligations arising from purchase contracts already concluded.

Section 25 – Limitation of Liability

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits:

• statutory consumer rights;

• liability that cannot legally be excluded or limited;

• liability for intentional misconduct or gross negligence;

• liability for personal injury caused by a breach of a legal obligation;

• liability for a defective product where such liability is mandatory by law.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not responsible for losses caused by:

• misuse of a product;

• failure to follow reasonable care or storage instructions;

• modification or adjustment of a product after delivery;

• use of a product for a purpose for which it was not intended;

• incorrect customer information;

• third-party services outside our control;

• indirect commercial losses that were not reasonably foreseeable.

Reeds are designed for use by oboe and English horn players who understand the appropriate use, soaking, handling and care of such products.

The customer remains responsible for determining whether a particular reed is suitable for the customer’s instrument, technique and personal preferences, except where a specific characteristic was expressly agreed as part of the purchase contract.

Section 26 – Force Majeure

We are not responsible for a delay or failure caused by an event outside our reasonable control, including:

• natural disasters;

• fire or flooding;

• war or civil disturbance;

• epidemic or pandemic restrictions;

• strikes;

• carrier disruption;

• customs restrictions;

• government action;

• power, network or hosting failures;

• interruption in the supply of essential materials.

Where such an event affects an order, we will inform the customer and take reasonable steps to minimize the delay.

Mandatory consumer rights relating to delayed or impossible delivery remain unaffected.

Section 27 – Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms to reflect:

• changes in law;

• changes in our business;

• changes to Shopify, Stripe or other services;

• changes to available products or payment methods;

• security or technical requirements.

The current version will be published on this page together with its effective date.

Changes do not retroactively reduce rights arising from a purchase contract concluded before the updated Terms became effective.

Section 28 – Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision will be applied to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The remaining provisions will continue to apply.

Section 29 – Governing Law

These Terms and purchase contracts concluded through the website are governed by the laws of the Slovak Republic.

Where the customer is a consumer habitually resident in another European Union or European Economic Area country, this choice of law does not deprive the customer of mandatory protections provided by the laws of the customer’s country of residence.

The United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods does not apply to consumer purchases made through this store.

Section 30 – Alternative Dispute Resolution

We encourage customers to contact us first so that any complaint or dispute can be resolved directly.

A consumer who is not satisfied with the way we handled a complaint, or who believes that we have violated the consumer’s rights, may send us a request for remedy at:

info@oboe-reeds.com

If we reject the request or do not respond within 30 days, the consumer may submit a proposal for alternative dispute resolution to the competent alternative dispute resolution entity.

The generally competent entity in Slovakia is:

Slovak Trade Inspection
Central Inspectorate
Department of International Relations and Alternative Consumer Dispute Resolution
Bajkalská 21/A
P. O. BOX 29
827 99 Bratislava 27
Slovakia

Email: ars@soi.sk or adr@soi.sk

The consumer may also use another competent alternative dispute resolution entity listed by the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic.

Alternative dispute resolution does not prevent either party from seeking protection through a competent court.

Section 31 – Contact Information

Questions about these Terms, orders, payments, returns or complaints should be sent to:

Peter Kovács – oboe-reeds.com

Rudlovská cesta 771/40
974 01 Banská Bystrica
Slovakia

ID number: 57096708
VAT number: SK1120929865
Email: info@oboe-reeds.com