1. General Acceptance & Product Information
By placing an order through the Nakamura Chocolates online store, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions. Our artisan chocolates are highly perishable, handcrafted goods. Because each piece is individually made, slight variations in colour, shape, or decoration may occur compared to website imagery; these variations are a hallmark of artisanal quality and do not constitute a defect.

2. Allergens & Dietary Warning
Our chocolates are made in an artisan facility that handles tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, gluten, and soy. While we take strict precautions to prevent cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that any product is completely free of trace allergens. Customers with severe allergies consume our products at their own risk. Please refer to individual product packaging for specific ingredient lists and warnings.

3. Storage and Shelf Life
Upon receiving your chocolates, please store them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, ideally between 13°C and 22°C. Do not refrigerate your chocolates, as this can cause condensation and sugar bloom (a white, powdery appearance). Because our chocolates are handmade without artificial preservatives, we recommend consuming them within the timeframe indicated on the packaging for optimal flavour and texture.

4. Availability and Substitution
All orders are subject to product availability. In the rare event that a specific chocolate within a selected box is out of stock, we reserve the right to substitute it with a chocolate of equal or greater value and a similar flavour profile to ensure your order is dispatched without delay.

5. Shipping & Delivery Constraints
We are committed to ensuring your chocolates arrive in the best possible condition. To achieve this, our shipping process is subject to the following strict constraints:

•    Shipping Locations: We currently only ship within Australia.
•    Dispatch Schedule: To prevent your order from sitting in a postal depot over the weekend, we only dispatch orders on Monday mornings.
•    Order Cut-off: Orders must be placed by Sunday evening to be included in the Monday morning shipment. Orders placed on or after Monday will be held for dispatch until the following Monday.
•    Delivery Method: We use Australia Post's Express Post service. We do not use refrigerated couriers, as their temperatures are too cold for fine chocolate.
•    Delivery Timeframes: Delivery typically takes 3-4 business days depending on your distance from our Bibra Lake (6163) dispatch location. During peak seasons (e.g., Christmas, Easter), shipping times may be extended.
•    Incorrect or Incomplete Addresses: It is the buyer's sole responsibility to ensure that the shipping address provided at checkout is complete and entirely accurate. We are not liable for delayed, lost, or damaged (including melted) goods resulting from an incorrect address, missing apartment numbers, or typos provided by the customer. If a package is returned to us due to an incorrect address, no refunds or free replacements will be issued, as perishable goods cannot be restocked. The customer will be responsible for the total cost of a replacement order and new shipping fees.

6. Shipping Costs
Shipping rates are calculated based on order volume to accommodate insulated packaging:
•    1 to 2 boxes: $12.00
•    3 boxes: $18.00
•    4 or more boxes / Deluxe Selection: FREE
•    Orders over $100: FREE

7. Weather, Temperature, & Packaging Limitations
Chocolate is highly susceptible to heat damage. It is the customer’s responsibility to check the delivery conditions for their area before ordering.
•    Packaging Limitations: We utilize specialized thermal packaging, including insulated liners and gel ice packs, designed to maintain the ideal temperature range of 13°C to 22°C during standard transit times. However, this packaging is designed for temporary temperature control. If you reside in an area experiencing temperatures above 35°C, or if the package is left outside in the sun upon delivery, the insulation will eventually fail.
•    The 35°C Rule: We strongly advise against placing an order if the forecast temperature in your delivery area exceeds 35°C during the 3-4 day transit window.
•    Delivery Address: We highly recommend providing a delivery address where someone will be present to receive the package (such as a workplace). The customer assumes all risk for heat damage if ordering during extreme weather conditions or failing to provide a safe, temperature-appropriate delivery location.

8. Returns, Refunds, and Replacements
Due to the perishable nature of food products, all sales are final.
•    Change of Mind: We do not offer returns, exchanges, or refunds for a change of mind, personal taste preferences, or ordering mistakes.
•    Transit Damage and Melting: We guarantee that your chocolates leave our premises in excellent condition. Once the package is handed over to Australia Post, it is out of our direct control. We cannot accept liability, nor offer refunds or replacements, for chocolates that are melted, bloomed (heat-affected), or damaged in transit, particularly if delivered to an unattended address, delayed due to an incorrect address, or ordered during hot weather.
•    Incorrect or Defective Items: If you receive an incorrect item, or if the product has a genuine manufacturing defect, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery. We may request photographs of the product and packaging to assess the claim. Replacements or refunds for incorrect items will be issued at the sole discretion of Nakamura Chocolates.

9. Title and Risk
Title to the products passes to you upon payment. The risk of loss, melting, or damage to the goods passes to you (the buyer) the moment the goods are dispatched and handed over to the delivery carrier.