Return & Refund Policy

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization

Effective Date: [05.08.2026]

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization (“SMS”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to maintaining fair, transparent, and professional practices for artists, collectors, members, collaborators, and participants. As an organisation working with original artworks, exhibitions, publications, educational programmes, and memberships, our return and refund policy differs from that of a conventional retail business.

We encourage all buyers and participants to review this policy carefully before making any purchase or payment.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

Original artworks
Limited edition artworks (where applicable)
Exhibition participation fees
Membership subscriptions
Workshops and educational programmes
Publications
SMS E-Magazine
Merchandise (if introduced)
Other services offered by SMS

2. Original Artwork Sales

Original artworks are unique creations.

For this reason, all sales of original artworks are generally considered final once payment has been confirmed.

Returns are accepted only under exceptional circumstances described in this policy.

3. Eligibility for Returns

A return request may be considered if:

the artwork received is significantly different from the description provided by SMS;
the artwork arrives with substantial transit damage;
an incorrect artwork has been delivered;
there has been an error attributable to SMS.

Return requests based solely on personal preference, change of mind, interior decoration choices, or buyer’s remorse will generally not be accepted.

4. Reporting Damage

If an artwork is damaged during delivery:

The buyer should:

notify SMS within 48 hours of delivery;
provide clear photographs of the artwork;
provide photographs of the packaging;
retain all original packaging materials.

Failure to report damage within a reasonable period may affect the ability to resolve the matter.

5. Return Approval

Returns require prior written approval from SMS.

Unauthorised returns may not be accepted.

Where a return is approved, SMS will provide instructions regarding packaging, courier arrangements, and return shipping.

6. Condition of Returned Artwork

Returned artworks must be:

in their original condition;
free from additional damage;
accompanied by the Certificate of Authenticity (where applicable);
returned with original packaging whenever reasonably possible.

SMS reserves the right to refuse returns if the artwork has been altered, damaged after delivery, improperly stored, reframed without approval, or otherwise affected by buyer negligence.

7. Refund for Approved Artwork Returns

Once the returned artwork has been received and inspected, SMS will determine whether the return meets the eligibility criteria.

Where approved, SMS may, at its discretion:

issue a full refund;
issue a partial refund where appropriate;
offer restoration or repair;
replace the artwork (if applicable);
provide another mutually agreed solution.

Refunds are processed using the original method of payment wherever reasonably possible.

8. Commissioned Artworks

Commissioned artworks are created specifically for an individual collector.

Because of their personalised nature:

commission deposits are non-refundable;
completed commissioned artworks cannot normally be returned;
changes requested after approval may involve additional charges.

Exceptions may be considered only where required by applicable law.

9. Exhibition Participation Fees

Fees paid for exhibitions, open calls, competitions, portfolio reviews, or similar programmes are generally non-refundable.

Exceptions may include:

cancellation of the event by SMS;
duplicate payment;
technical payment errors.

Selection decisions made by curators or juries do not qualify for refunds.

10. Membership Fees

Membership subscriptions support the ongoing activities and administration of SMS.

Accordingly, membership fees are generally non-refundable once membership has been activated.

If a duplicate payment has occurred, SMS will review the matter and issue an appropriate refund where applicable.

11. Workshops, Talks & Educational Programmes

Workshop registrations may be cancelled in accordance with the specific terms announced for each event.

Where no separate cancellation policy has been published:

cancellation more than 14 days before the programme may qualify for a partial refund;
cancellations made closer to the event may not be eligible for refunds due to advance planning and operational commitments.

If SMS cancels an event, participants will normally receive either:

a full refund;
an alternative session;
or credit toward a future programme.

12. Publications

Printed catalogues, books, and publications may be eligible for replacement if received damaged or defective.

Requests should be made within 7 days of delivery.

Opened publications that are free from manufacturing defects are generally not eligible for return.

13. Digital Products

Digital products, including:

digital publications;
downloadable content;
digital editions of the SMS E-Magazine;
online registrations;
digital certificates;

are generally non-refundable once access has been granted or downloads have commenced.

14. Shipping Charges

Shipping charges are generally non-refundable unless:

the return results from an error made by SMS;
the artwork was incorrectly shipped;
or applicable law requires otherwise.

15. International Orders

International buyers remain responsible for customs duties, import taxes, and local governmental charges imposed by their respective countries.

These charges are not refundable by SMS.

16. Fraud Prevention

SMS reserves the right to refuse refunds where there is evidence of:

fraudulent activity;
abuse of the return process;
intentional damage;
false claims;
misuse of organisational services.

17. Force Majeure

SMS shall not be responsible for delays, cancellations, or refund obligations arising from circumstances beyond reasonable control, including natural disasters, pandemics, governmental restrictions, transportation disruptions, labour disputes, cyber incidents, or other unforeseen events.

18. Consumer Rights

Nothing contained in this policy shall limit any statutory rights available to consumers under applicable laws of the Republic of India.

Where mandatory legal provisions differ from this policy, applicable law shall prevail.

19. Contact Us

For return or refund enquiries, please contact: