Customer service

Terms and Conditions

Last updated: August 21, 2025

Article 1 – Definitions

In these terms and conditions the following terms are used: The Collectionist (“we/us”), consumer (“you”), distance contract, right of withdrawal and durable data carrier as in the Civil Code and EU Consumer Rights Directive.

Article 2 – Identity of the entrepreneur

The Collectionist
Nekkerweg 13, 1462 LB Middenbeemster (NL)
Chamber of Commerce number: 60931345 · VAT: NL002123208B07
Tel: +31(0)6-43901760 · Email: info@thecollectionist.nl

Article 3 – Applicability

These terms and conditions apply to every offer on thecollectionist.nl and to every distance contract concluded between you and us. Deviations are only valid if agreed upon in writing.

Article 4 – Offer & product information (antiques & curiosities)

  1. We primarily sell unique, used items. Signs of age and patina are consistent with the nature and age of the product and do not constitute a defect; we note any relevant details in the text and photos.
  2. Images are true representations; minor color/tone variations may occur due to screen settings.
  3. Obvious errors/mistakes in the offer do not bind us.

Article 5 – Conclusion of the agreement

  1. The agreement is concluded when you complete the ordering process and payment has been confirmed.
  2. You will receive an order confirmation by email. If you notice any inaccuracies, please report them as soon as possible.

Article 6 – Right of withdrawal

  1. For distance purchases, you have a 14-day cooling-off period from the day after receipt. Within this period, you can cancel without giving a reason.
  2. After registering your withdrawal, you have 14 days to return the item. Please return it in its original condition and packaging, as far as reasonable.
  3. You can cancel your purchase by email or using the (EU) standard form. For more information, see our Returns Policy .

Article 7 – Exceptions to revocation

  1. Gift cards (digital/physical) and services performed such as gift wrapping are excluded from the right of withdrawal.
  2. Products that have been modified or custom-made according to your specific instructions are excluded.

Article 8 – Consequences of cancellation & refund

  1. In the event of cancellation, we will refund the purchase price and, in the case of a full cancellation, the standard outbound shipping costs. Any additional costs (express/insurance) will not be refunded.
  2. Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility, unless the error or defect is our fault. See our Returns Policy .
  3. We will refund you within 14 days of cancellation using the same payment method. We may wait until receipt or until you have provided proof of shipment. See also our Refund Policy .

Article 9 – Prices & payment

  1. Prices are in euros and include VAT. Any import duties/taxes outside the EU are the responsibility of the recipient.
  2. We accept the payment methods shown at checkout (e.g., iDEAL, Bancontact, credit card, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay, gift cards). See Payment .

Article 10 – Delivery, risk & packaging

  1. We ship within the timeframes listed in the shop; delivery times are indicative.
  2. Risk transfer occurs upon delivery to the address specified by you (or collection point at your request).
  3. We package professionally; for items of higher value or fragile items, we use extra protection and can arrange signature/insurance. See Shipping Policy .

Article 11 – Transport damage & non-conformity

  1. Upon receipt, check the outer and inner packaging. Report any transport damage within 48 hours, along with photos of the packaging and the item, to info@thecollectionist.nl .
  2. Any non-conformity/defect that hinders normal use and could not be deduced from the description/photos must be reported within a reasonable period of time after discovery.

Article 12 – Liability

  1. Our liability is limited to the amount of the order in question or, where applicable, the payment from our insurer.
  2. We are not liable for indirect damages such as consequential damages, lost profits or loss of data, unless mandatory law provides otherwise.

Article 13 – Complaints procedure

  1. Do you have a complaint? Email us at info@thecollectionist.nl . You will receive a response within 14 days .
  2. If we can't reach an agreement and you live in the EU, you can contact the ODR platform .

Article 14 – Force Majeure

In the event of force majeure (including carrier disruptions, natural disasters, strikes), we may suspend our obligations for as long as the force majeure lasts.

Article 15 – Privacy

We process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy .

Article 16 – Applicable law & forum

Our agreements are governed by Dutch law. The Vienna Sales Convention is excluded.

Payment

At The Collectionist, payment is secure and easy. Because many of our pieces are unique, an item is only reserved for you once payment has been confirmed.

Payment methods

Available options may vary by country, currency, and device. You'll automatically see what's available to you at checkout.

  • iDEAL (NL)
  • Bancontact (BE)
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • PayPal
  • Apple Pay / Google Pay (if supported)
  • The Collectionist gift card (code)

Would you like to use a bank transfer or another payment method? Please contact us; we're happy to discuss the options.

Secure payment

  • Our webshop runs via Shopify with an encrypted connection (SSL).
  • Payments are processed through certified payment providers with 3D Secure/PSD2 where required.
  • We do not store full map data.

Currency & VAT

  • All prices are displayed and billed in EUR . Your bank may charge a conversion rate/fee outside your home currency.
  • VAT and price display follow the applicable rules for your delivery address (details can be seen at checkout and on your invoice).

Gift cards & discount codes

  • Gift card : Enter the code in the "Gift card or discount code" field at checkout. Can be spent in installments; any remaining balance will remain. No expiration date.
  • Multiple gift cards can be combined.
  • Discount codes : unless otherwise stated, one code is allowed per order and cannot be combined with other promotions.

Refunds

  • Returns or cancellations? We'll refund you using the same payment method.
  • Processing time: Typically 2–7 business days after we process your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

I see a “payment failure” message or don’t get a 3D Secure pop-up.
Try a different browser/device, disable ad/cookie blockers, or choose a different payment method. If the problem persists, email us ; we can temporarily hold your order for you.

Will my order be automatically cancelled if the payment fails?
Not immediately. Unpaid orders expire automatically after a short period; please contact us if you want to hold something.

I see a double debit/pending.
Sometimes your bank displays a pending hold. This will automatically expire if the payment isn't completed.

Contact

Questions about payment or a special request? Email info@thecollectionist.nl . We'll respond within 1-2 business days.

Warranty & Complaints

We want you to be as happy with your purchase as we were with finding it. The Collectionist sells unique antiques and curiosities. Each item is carefully described and photographed. The following agreements help prevent disappointment and ensure a quick resolution if something does go wrong.

Legal warranty (conformity)

All our products are covered by our legal warranty : an item must perform as you might reasonably expect, given its age, material, condition, and our description. Because we sell old and used items, normal wear and tear or patina may be present; this is not a defect and is noted – where relevant – in the description and visible in the photos.

What is covered under warranty?

  • Non-conformity: the item received differs significantly from the description/photos (e.g. serious damage that has been concealed) or the wrong item has been delivered.
  • Hidden defect that hinders normal use and that could not be deduced from the photos/description.

What is not covered by the warranty?

  • Normal signs of age (patina, light scratches, colour variation) consistent with age and material, as shown in the description/photos.
  • Damage after receipt due to improper use, insufficient care, cleaning/polishing agents, moisture, fall or impact damage, or own repairs.
  • Color rendering difference due to screen settings.
  • Gift vouchers and customised services (e.g. wrapping service).

Transport damage

We use professional, shock-absorbing packaging. If you still receive a damaged package, please let us know.

  1. Please report within 48 hours of delivery via info@thecollectionist.nl .
  2. Please send clear photos of: the outer packaging , inner packaging and the damaged item .
  3. Please retain packaging and contents until claim is finalized.

We will then immediately initiate a carrier claim and look for a suitable solution (reimbursement, return or — if possible — repair).

How do I report a warranty or quality issue?

  1. Email info@thecollectionist.nl with your order number , a short description , and photos .
  2. You will receive a response within 1–2 business days .
  3. We offer a solution that matches the unique nature of the piece: repair (if valid), price reduction , or return and refund . Replacement is often not possible because items are unique.

Complaints procedure

Not satisfied with our service? Let us know—we're happy to fix it.

  • Step 1: Email info@thecollectionist.nl . You'll receive a substantive response within 2 business days .
  • Step 2: If we cannot reach an agreement, you can (if you live in the EU) contact the European ODR platform for online disputes.

Returns & cooling-off period

Want to return an item without a reason? Please consult our Returns page for terms and conditions and steps. Gift cards and gift wrapping services are excluded from the right of withdrawal.

Contact

The Collectionist
Nekkerweg 13, 1462 LB Middenbeemster (NL)
Chamber of Commerce number: 60931345 · VAT: NL002123208B07
Tel: 06-43901760 · Email: info@thecollectionist.nl

Returns

Not completely satisfied? No problem. You can cancel your order within the statutory 14-day cooling-off period after delivery. After registering, you have another 14 days to return the item.

How to register a return

  1. Please send an email to info@thecollectionist.nl within 14 days of receipt with your order number and the item you wish to return.
  2. You will receive return instructions and the return address by email. Do not return anything without prior registration.
  3. Pack the item securely (preferably in the original packaging ) and add your order details.

Terms and Conditions

  • Please return the item complete and – to the extent reasonably possible – in its original condition and packaging .
  • Our pieces are unique, used objects ; normal signs of age/patina are not a defect.
  • Damage or more use than necessary to assess the product may result in a reduction in value that we will deduct from your refund.

Costs & Refunds

  • Return costs are for the buyer (except in case of incorrect delivery or a defect recognized by us).
  • We'll refund the purchase price using the same payment method within 14 days of cancellation. We may withhold the refund until we've received the returned item or you've provided proof of shipment.
  • Original shipping costs will not be refunded unless the entire shipment is canceled within the cooling-off period and original standard shipping costs have been paid.

Exceptions

  • Gift cards (digital and physical) cannot be returned.
  • Packing service and other services performed are custom-made and non-refundable.
  • Items that have been customized or custom-made according to specific customer instructions are excluded from the right of withdrawal.

Swap

Exchanges cannot be guaranteed one-for-one because our items are unique . Want a different item? Return your purchase and place a new order .

Transport damage or wrong item

  1. Please report within 48 hours of delivery via info@thecollectionist.nl .
  2. Please include photos of the outer packaging , inner packaging and the item .

We will immediately initiate a claim and provide a suitable solution (refund or — if possible — repair/replacement).

International returns

  • Please mark the package as “Return of goods – no commercial value” to avoid unnecessary import duties upon return.
  • Any local taxes/import duties you paid on the outward shipment are generally not reimbursed by us.

Wrong delivery address

Accidentally entered the wrong address? Please contact us as soon as possible . If your order hasn't shipped yet, we'll adjust it for you.

Contact

E-mail: info@thecollectionist.nl · Tel: 06-43901760

Refund Policy

This policy describes how and when we refund items after a withdrawal, return, cancellation, or an authorized claim. For the return policy and conditions, see Returns .

When do we pay back?

  • Right of withdrawal (14 days) : You must notify us of your withdrawal within 14 days of delivery. After notification, you have another 14 days to return the product.
  • Error/defect : in case of an error recognised by us, incorrect delivery or transport damage (reported within 48 hours).
  • Cancellation before shipment : If your order has not yet been shipped, we will refund you in full.

What do we pay back?

  • Purchase amount of the returned items.
  • Outbound shipping costs (one way) for a complete order cancellation, up to the standard shipping rate. Any extras (express/insured) will not be reimbursed.
  • In case of partial return or non-revocation: outgoing shipping costs will not be reimbursed.

What do we not refund?

  • Return costs (return shipping) – except in case of error/defect by us.
  • Depreciation due to use or damage beyond normal trying on/trying.
  • Gift cards (digital/physical) and services performed such as wrapping service .

Refund term & method

  • We will refund you within 14 days of cancellation. We may wait until we receive the returned item or until you provide proof of shipment.
  • Refund via the same payment method used for purchase (where technically possible).
  • Did you pay (part of) with a gift card ? We'll refund that portion to the same gift card (the remaining amount will remain available).
  • For combined payments (e.g. gift voucher + card), the refund will be divided proportionally.
  • Bank/card processing may take a few business days after our payout before it is visible in your account.

Process

  1. Return/claim notification : email info@thecollectionist.nl with order number and reason (cancellation/defect/damage).
  2. Shipping : Pack securely (preferably in original packaging). In case of damage: take photos of the outer packaging, inner packaging, and the item.
  3. Assessment : After receipt, we will check the condition and completeness. We will contact you if necessary.
  4. Payout : We will initiate the refund according to the above.

International orders

  • When returning outside the EU, clearly indicate: “Return of goods – no commercial value” to avoid additional import.
  • Local taxes/import charges on the outward shipment are generally not reimbursed by us or the carrier.

To ask

Email info@thecollectionist.nl . We'll respond within 1–2 business days.

Shipping Policy

We do our best to have the order delivered to you as soon as possible and strive to ship orders placed before 4:00 PM the same day. We do not always succeed in this because we travel every now and then to purchase. As a result, the delivery of your order may take a little longer. We will always keep you informed if this is the case.

The prices stated do not include shipping costs.

The shipping costs are:

Local delivery (within 15 km of The Collectionist)
€4.50
PostNL letterbox package
€4.50
PostNL Standard package (up to 23 kg)
€6.95
PostNL Standard package (23 to 31.5 kg)
€10.55

 

    Delivery is via PostNL. In general, delivery will take place the next working day between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the time of delivery.


    Local delivery

    If the delivery address is within a radius of 15 km from The Collectionist, you can also choose local delivery. We will then contact you to make a delivery appointment. Of course you can always contact us yourself.


    International shipping

    We offer worldwide shipping. Please contact us if the destination country is not listed during checkout.

    All prices on our website are in EURO. Your credit card company will bill you with your local currency at the current exchange rate.

    All orders are shipped via PostNL. Your order will arrive 4-7 days after the order is placed.

    The recipient is responsible for ensuring the product can be legally imported to the destination country.

    The recipient is the importer of record and must comply with all laws and regulations of the destination country.

    The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are imposed once a shipment reaches the recipient's country. Additional charges for customs clearance must be fulfilled by the recipient. The Collectionist has no control over these charges, nor can The Collectionist predict what they may be.

    Customs, duties, and taxes are non-refundable: so a shipment that is refused because of unexpected import fees, the cost of the original shipping and any return shipping charges will not be refunded. Customs policies vary widely from country to country; you should contact your local customs office for more information. When customs clearance procedures are required, it can cause delays beyond our original delivery estimates.

    To avoid a delay in receiving your order from customs, we strongly suggest:

    • Providing a phone number where you can be reached by customs when your product arrives. This phone number will be listed on the commercial invoice so customs can reach you to clear your order.
    • Please do not refuse a shipment or ignore requests from carriers regarding duty and/or tax liability charges. Be aware that most carriers will hold a shipment for 5 days after arrival in your country before they return it to the sender.

    We do not refund original shipping charges for goods that are refused for delivery at customs.

    If you have any questions regarding your international order, please contact us .