Terms of service

The Chic Stem Co. (“The Chic Stem,” “we,” “our,” or “us”)

Welcome to The Chic Stem. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our website, offerings, and services. By browsing our site or placing an order, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, we kindly ask that you refrain from using our website or services.

1. Company Information

Legal Entity: The Chic Stem Co.
DBA: The Chic Stem
Address: 327 Cantley Court, Summerville, South Carolina 29486, United States
Email: info@thechicstem.com
Phone: 360-286-8071

2. Our Services

The Chic Stem specializes in the design and rental of premium silk floral arrangements curated for weddings and elevated events.

Many of our pieces are offered on a rental basis rather than as outright purchases. Each rental includes a defined rental period, round-trip shipping, and coverage for standard, reasonable wear consistent with careful use.

By engaging our services, you agree to:

• Use all items solely for their intended decorative purpose with care and respect

• Return all items promptly and in their original condition, allowing for normal wear

• Refrain from altering, dismantling, exposing to flame, water, or any damaging conditions

3. Rental Period

Our standard rental window is five (5) days, beginning up to three (3) days prior to your scheduled event and concluding one (1) day after your event date.

All rental items must be returned using the prepaid return label provided by The Chic Stem and packaged in accordance with the return instructions provided. The Client is responsible for obtaining proof of shipment and ensuring the return package is tendered to the designated carrier no later than one (1) business day following the event date.

A late fee of fifty dollars ($50) per day shall be assessed for each day rental items remain outstanding beyond the required return date.

If rental items are not returned within five (5) business days following the required return date, such items shall be deemed lost, missing, or unreturned. The Client authorizes The Chic Stem to charge a replacement fee equal to one hundred fifty percent (150%) of the rental value of each missing or unreturned item including shipping and packaging, in addition to any accrued late fees.

The Client remains responsible for all rental items until they are received and inspected by The Chic Stem.

4. Care, Responsibility & Damage Policy

Each rental includes coverage for expected, light wear consistent with event use (including minor cosmetic imperfections, light creasing, or subtle wear).

By renting from us, you acknowledge and agree:

• Items will not be intentionally damaged, altered, or misused

• Items will not be exposed to fire, liquids, or hazardous conditions

• Any damage beyond normal wear and tear may result in charges of up to 50% of the item’s rental value per piece

• Any item not returned will incur a charge of up to 150% of its rental value

5. Payment Terms

A minimum of 50% retainer is required at the time of booking to secure your order. The remaining balance will be automatically charged prior to shipment.

All payments are securely processed via Stripe. You authorize The Chic Stem to charge your payment method for any applicable fees, including damages, replacements, or unreturned items in accordance with these Terms.

6. Modifications, Cancellations & Refunds

Cancellations:

• 90+ days prior to event: Full refund of retainer

• Less than 90 days: Full rental amount remains due

Order Adjustments:

• Up to 3 weeks prior to event: Modifications and additions permitted based on availability

• Within 3 weeks: Reductions are not permitted; additions after shipment require a new order

7. Payment Authorization, Failed Payments & Order Abandonment

A minimum fifty percent (50%) non-refundable retainer is required to reserve rental inventory and secure the event date.

The remaining balance will be automatically charged to the payment method on file prior to shipment, which may occur up to ninety (90) days before the scheduled event date.

The Client authorizes The Chic Stem to process the remaining balance using the payment method provided at checkout unless alternative payment arrangements have been approved in writing.

If an automatic payment attempt fails for any reason, The Chic Stem will notify the Client via email and may provide a manual payment invoice. The Client is responsible for ensuring accurate billing information is maintained and for timely payment of all outstanding balances.

If payment remains outstanding, The Chic Stem may suspend order processing, production, shipment, or delivery until payment is received in full.

If the Client fails to remit payment within ten (10) business days following the initial failed payment notification, despite reasonable attempts by The Chic Stem to contact the Client, The Chic Stem may deem the order abandoned and cancel the reservation.

Any cancellation resulting from non-payment shall remain subject to the cancellation terms outlined in this Agreement. The Client acknowledges that rental inventory is reserved exclusively for their event and unavailable for booking by other customers during the reservation period. Accordingly, The Chic Stem reserves the right to retain all previously paid amounts and, where permitted by law, pursue payment for any outstanding balances, losses, preparation costs, inventory reservation costs, lost rental opportunities, collection expenses, and other damages resulting from the Client's failure to fulfill their payment obligations.

Failure to complete required payments shall not relieve the Client of their obligations under this Agreement and shall be treated as a cancellation initiated by the Client.

The Chic Stem reserves the right to delay shipment, withhold shipment, or cancel an order if the outstanding balance, required security deposit, or any applicable fees have not been paid in full prior to shipment. The Chic Stem shall not be liable for any damages, losses, or event-related expenses resulting from the Client's failure to make timely payment.

8. Security Deposit Authorization

The Client authorizes The Chic Stem to charge the payment method on file for late fees, replacement fees, damage fees, unreturned items, packaging replacement costs, collection expenses, and any other amounts owed under this Agreement.

9. Shipping & Returns

Each order includes specialized shipping materials, including heavy-duty double-wall boxes, protective inserts, packaging components, and prepaid return shipping labels designed specifically to protect rental items during transit.

The Client agrees to retain all original packaging materials and boxes throughout the rental period and to use the same packaging materials when returning the rental items.

If original packaging materials, inserts, or boxes are lost, discarded, altered, damaged, or rendered unsuitable for return shipping, whether intentionally or unintentionally, The Chic Stem reserves the right to assess replacement fees based on the cost of replacement materials, with a minimum replacement fee of fifty dollars ($50) per package.

Rental items returned without the original packaging, or packed in a manner that results in damage during transit, may be considered customer-caused damage and may result in additional repair or replacement charges.

If packaging arrives visibly damaged, the Client must photograph the damage and notify The Chic Stem within twenty-four (24) hours of delivery. Failure to promptly report shipping damage may result in the Client being held responsible for replacement costs associated with the packaging materials.

10. Shipping Address, Delivery & Risk of Loss

The Client is solely responsible for providing a complete, accurate, and deliverable shipping address at the time of booking. The Client shall promptly notify The Chic Stem of any changes to the shipping address. The Chic Stem shall not be responsible for delays, additional shipping costs, failed deliveries, returned packages, lost packages, or other issues resulting from incorrect, incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate shipping information provided by the Client.

The Client is responsible for ensuring that a responsible individual is available to receive and safeguard the shipment upon delivery. Deliveries may be made to residences, businesses, hotels, venues, or other locations designated by the Client, and it is the Client's responsibility to confirm that such locations are willing and able to accept delivery on their behalf.

Once a shipment has been marked as delivered by the carrier to the address provided by the Client, all responsibility for the rental items transfers to the Client. The Chic Stem shall not be liable for packages or rental items that are lost, stolen, misplaced, damaged, abandoned, refused, or otherwise unavailable after confirmed delivery by the carrier.

If rental items are lost, stolen, misplaced, or otherwise unavailable after confirmed delivery, the Client shall remain responsible for the rental items and may be charged replacement fees, late fees, or other applicable charges in accordance with these Terms.

The Client is encouraged to select a secure delivery location and monitor tracking information provided by the carrier. The Chic Stem is not responsible for carrier delays, weather-related delays, delivery exceptions, porch theft, theft from venues or hotels, or other circumstances occurring after delivery has been completed.

Venue and Hotel Deliveries: If delivery is made to a hotel, venue, business, apartment office, concierge desk, mail room, or similar third party, the Client assumes all risk associated with that delivery location. The Chic Stem shall not be responsible for packages that are misplaced, refused, lost, stolen, or mishandled by venue staff, hotel staff, front desk personnel, mail rooms, concierge services, or any other third party after delivery has been completed.

11. Inspection Upon Delivery

The Client agrees to inspect all rental items upon delivery. Any concerns regarding missing items, shipping damage, incorrect items, or material defects must be reported to The Chic Stem in writing, together with photographs, within twenty-four (24) hours of delivery.

Failure to provide notice within the required timeframe shall constitute acceptance of the rental items as delivered.

12. Inspiration Photos & Custom Design Expectations

Inspiration photos, Pinterest boards, social media images, mood boards, AI-generated images, and reference photographs are provided solely as creative inspiration and design direction. For custom order, the Client acknowledges that floral designs are artistic works and that exact replication is neither promised nor guaranteed. Final designs may vary in flower selection, color tones, proportions, texture, scale, and overall composition while remaining consistent with the agreed design aesthetic.

13. Weather Clause

The Client assumes all risk associated with outdoor placement of rental items. The Chic Stem shall not be responsible for damage caused by wind, rain, flooding, extreme heat, direct sunlight, venue conditions, or other weather-related circumstances. Rental items may not be left outdoors overnight or exposed to adverse weather conditions.

14. No DIY Alterations

Rental items may not be disassembled, reconfigured, cut, glued, painted, wired, altered, or combined with fresh or other faux florals without prior written consent from The Chic Stem.

15. Venue Access Clause

The Client is responsible for coordinating venue access, setup windows, loading instructions, and venue approvals. Delays caused by venue restrictions, inaccessible loading areas, unavailable elevators, security requirements, or failure to provide accurate venue information may result in additional fees.

16. Chargeback Protection Clause

The Client agrees not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute for services rendered in accordance with these Terms. In the event of a chargeback or payment dispute, The Chic Stem reserves the right to provide contracts, communications, delivery records, tracking information, photographs, and other documentation to the payment processor or financial institution. The Client shall remain responsible for all amounts lawfully owed under this Agreement.

17. Photography & Marketing Release

Unless otherwise requested in writing prior to the event, The Chic Stem may photograph rental items and use event photographs containing its products for portfolio, website, social media, advertising, editorial, and marketing purposes.

18. Force Majeure

The Chic Stem shall not be liable for delays, nonperformance, or cancellations resulting from circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, acts of God, labor disputes, transportation interruptions, carrier delays, government actions, pandemics, supplier disruptions, or other unforeseen events.

19. User Content

By submitting reviews, images, or other content to The Chic Stem, you grant us a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display such content for marketing, editorial, and promotional purposes across all platforms.

20. Communications

By placing an order, you consent to receive service-related communications via email, text, or phone. Marketing communications may be opted out of at any time.

21. Third-Party Platforms

We may utilize third-party services for website functionality, analytics, and marketing operations. Limited data may be processed through these providers to support service delivery.

22. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. All personal data is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which outlines how your information is collected, used, and protected.

23. Intellectual Property

All content, imagery, branding, and floral designs associated with The Chic Stem are the exclusive property of The Chic Stem Co. or its licensors. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is strictly prohibited.

24. Disclaimer

All services and products are provided “as is” without warranties beyond those expressly stated herein.

25. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, The Chic Stem’s liability shall not exceed the total amount paid for the applicable rental order.

26. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless The Chic Stem Co. from any claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from misuse of products or breach of these Terms.

The Client shall be responsible for all reasonable collection costs, court costs, arbitration costs, attorney fees, and expenses incurred by The Chic Stem in enforcing its rights under this Agreement.

27. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina. Any disputes shall first be addressed in good faith negotiation. If unresolved, disputes will be submitted to binding arbitration within South Carolina.

28. Updates to Terms

We reserve the right to modify or update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any revised Terms.

29. Right to Refuse Service

The Chic Stem reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or decline any order at its sole discretion, including but not limited to instances involving suspected fraud, inaccurate information, abusive conduct, non-payment, inventory limitations, or circumstances that would prevent satisfactory fulfillment.

30. Contact

For inquiries regarding these Terms, please contact:

The Chic Stem Co.
327 Cantley Court, Summerville, South Carolina 29486, United States
Email: info@thechicstem.com
Phone: 360-286-8071