Legal notice

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF SALE

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

By accessing this website, browsing our shop, placing an order, or purchasing from Ch’ien, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms, policies, limitations, and conditions of sale. Please read this page carefully before purchasing. If you have any questions about an item, its condition, sizing, measurements, authenticity, sourcing, photos, shipping, or any other detail, please contact us before placing your order.

Ch’ien is a curated retail shop offering clothing, accessories, home goods, lifestyle pieces, vintage goods, pre-owned items, limited inventory, and other sourced products. Many items are one-of-one, limited quantity, vintage, pre-owned, previously handled, independently sourced, personally curated, personally worn, or otherwise not replaceable. Because of the nature of our inventory and sourcing process, all purchases should be treated as final and made only after reviewing the full listing.

1. ITEMS SOLD AS PHOTOGRAPHED, SHOWN, AND DESCRIBED

All items are sold as photographed, shown, and described in the applicable product listing at the time of purchase. Customers are responsible for reviewing all available photos, videos, written descriptions, measurements, sizing information, condition notes, materials, colors, flaws, wear, and any other listing details before completing checkout.

Photos are intended to show the item as accurately and clearly as reasonably possible. However, lighting, camera settings, screen brightness, monitor calibration, shadows, angles, editing compression, and device displays may affect how color, texture, shape, wear, and condition appear. Minor differences in color, tone, fit, texture, scale, or appearance are not considered material misrepresentation.

Because some items may be personally worn, styled, handled, photographed, or used as part of the ongoing curation of Ch’ien, customers should understand that product listings are maintained to the best of our ability, and any known material change in condition will be updated or addressed before shipment.

2. VINTAGE, PRE-OWNED, AND SOURCED ITEM CONDITION

Many items sold by Ch’ien may be vintage, pre-owned, secondhand, deadstock, limited inventory, sourced from independent suppliers, sourced from personal collections, sourced from vintage markets, sourced from pre-owned markets, or obtained through other third-party channels.

These items may show natural signs of age, use, storage, handling, prior ownership, manufacturing variation, fading, marks, stains, loose threads, distressing, repairs, alterations, odor, creasing, stretching, pilling, scuffs, scratches, tarnishing, missing tags, replaced components, or other imperfections.

These characteristics are part of the nature of vintage, pre-owned, sourced, personally curated, personally worn, or previously handled goods and are not considered defects when visible in the photos, reasonably expected for the type of item, or described in the listing. Customers should not expect pre-owned, vintage, sourced, or personally curated items to be in brand-new retail condition unless the listing specifically states that the item is new.

3. PERSONAL WEAR, CURATION, AND CONDITION UPDATES

Part of the essence of Ch’ien is that some pieces may be personally worn, styled, handled, tested, photographed, curated, or lived with before being listed or sold. Ch’ien is built around a curated world of clothing, home, lifestyle, writing, personal taste, and realignment, and certain items may come from personal use, personal collections, styled shoots, prior ownership, or ongoing curation.

Because of this, an item’s condition may naturally change over time, especially if it is worn, handled, stored, transported, photographed, steamed, cleaned, styled, or otherwise used before purchase. Ch’ien will make reasonable, good-faith efforts to update product listings, photos, descriptions, and condition notes to reflect any known material change in condition before the item is sold.

Customers understand that many items are vintage, pre-owned, sourced, one-of-one, limited inventory, or personally curated, and that minor signs of handling, wear, storage, aging, or use may be present unless the listing specifically states otherwise.

If an item is purchased and Ch’ien discovers before shipment that the item has been materially damaged, materially altered, materially changed in condition, lost, unavailable, or is no longer consistent with the listing, Ch’ien will contact the customer before fulfillment. In that situation, Ch’ien may offer the customer a refund, cancellation, revised price, store credit, alternate item, or another mutually agreed resolution.

Ch’ien will not knowingly ship an item that has been materially damaged or materially changed from the listing without first making a reasonable effort to contact the customer and resolve the matter in good faith.

4. FINAL SALE / NO RETURNS

Due to the nature of our inventory, sourcing model, and the fact that many pieces are one-of-one or difficult to replace, all sales are final.

Ch’ien does not accept returns, exchanges, order cancellations, or refunds once an order has been placed, except where required by applicable law or where an item is materially misrepresented.

A material misrepresentation means the item received is substantially and objectively different from what was photographed or described in the listing. Personal preference, fit issues, buyer’s remorse, sizing expectations, minor color variation, normal signs of wear, vintage characteristics, personally worn condition disclosed or shown in the listing, or failure to review the listing in full do not qualify as material misrepresentation.

5. CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY BEFORE PURCHASE

Customers are responsible for making sure an item is suitable for them before purchasing. This includes reviewing measurements, comparing measurements to a similar item they already own, reading condition notes, reviewing all photos, checking materials, understanding the item’s size, and asking questions before checkout.

Sizing may vary significantly between brands, countries, eras, garment types, vintage items, and prior alterations. Tagged size is provided when available but should not be relied on as the only sizing reference. Measurements are approximate and may vary slightly depending on how the item is laid flat, measured, or constructed.

By placing an order, you confirm that you have reviewed the listing and are satisfied with the available information.

6. AUTHENTICITY, BRANDING, AND THIRD-PARTY MARKS

Ch’ien sources from a variety of channels, including but not limited to independent suppliers, personal collections, vintage markets, pre-owned markets, wholesale sources, private sellers, and other third-party sources. We make reasonable, good-faith efforts to present items accurately based on the information available to us.

Unless a listing expressly states that an item has been professionally authenticated, verified by the original brand, or accompanied by original proof of purchase, Ch’ien does not represent that third-party authentication has been performed.

Brand names, logos, trademarks, and designer names, when used, are used only to identify, describe, or reference the item being sold. Ch’ien is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to any third-party brand, designer, manufacturer, or trademark owner unless explicitly stated. All trademarks, brand names, and logos remain the property of their respective owners.

If a customer has a question about authenticity, origin, tags, labels, construction, source, or any related matter, they must contact us before purchasing. Purchasing an item without asking questions means the customer accepts the item based on the information, photos, and description provided at the time of sale.

7. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS AND ERRORS

Ch’ien makes reasonable efforts to ensure product listings, descriptions, photos, prices, measurements, and availability are accurate. However, typographical errors, pricing errors, inventory errors, description errors, photo errors, condition update delays, or other mistakes may occur.

We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions at any time, including after an order has been placed. We also reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order affected by an error, suspected fraud, inventory issue, payment issue, condition issue, or other operational concern.

If an order is canceled by Ch’ien before shipment, the customer will be refunded according to the original payment method where applicable.

8. INVENTORY AVAILABILITY

Because many items are one-of-one or limited inventory, availability is not guaranteed until an order is confirmed and fulfilled. In rare cases, an item may become unavailable due to inventory error, duplicate sale, damage discovered during final inspection, inability to locate the item, material change in condition, or another operational issue.

If this occurs, Ch’ien may cancel the order and issue a refund for the unavailable item, or contact the customer to work out a mutual agreement. Ch’ien is not responsible for indirect losses, missed opportunities, emotional distress, replacement costs, or other damages resulting from an item being unavailable.

9. SHIPPING, DELIVERY, AND CARRIER RESPONSIBILITY

Ch’ien will make reasonable efforts to package and ship orders within the timeframe stated on the website or product listing. Shipping times are estimates and are not guaranteed unless expressly stated in writing.

Delays may occur due to order volume, payment review, address issues, carrier delays, weather, holidays, customs, local delivery disruptions, incorrect shipping information, condition review, final inspection, or other events outside our control.

Once an order is handed to the shipping carrier, risk of delay, loss, theft, misdelivery, damage in transit, or carrier error may fall outside Ch’ien’s direct control.

Customers are responsible for providing a complete, accurate, and secure shipping address at checkout. Ch’ien is not responsible for packages delivered to an incorrect address provided by the customer, packages marked delivered by the carrier, stolen packages, refused packages, unclaimed packages, or delivery issues caused by building access, mailrooms, apartment complexes, forwarding addresses, or third-party receiving locations.

If a shipping issue occurs, customers should contact the carrier and Ch’ien as soon as possible so available information can be reviewed. Ch’ien may assist with reasonable carrier claim information where possible, but carrier outcomes are not guaranteed.

10. LOST, STOLEN, DAMAGED, OR DELAYED PACKAGES

Ch’ien is not responsible for lost, stolen, delayed, or damaged packages after they have been transferred to the carrier, except where required by law or where shipping protection, insurance, or another written agreement applies.

If a package arrives damaged, the customer must retain the packaging, shipping label, item, and all materials and contact us promptly with clear photos. Failure to keep packaging or provide documentation may limit the ability to submit or support a carrier claim.

11. ORDER REVIEW, FRAUD PREVENTION, AND REFUSAL OF SERVICE

Ch’ien reserves the right to refuse, cancel, or hold any order for any lawful reason, including but not limited to suspected fraud, payment risk, chargeback history, suspicious order activity, incorrect customer information, inventory concerns, condition concerns, abusive communication, resale concerns, pricing errors, or violation of these terms.

We may request additional information to verify an order. Failure to provide requested verification may result in cancellation. Ch’ien is not responsible for delays caused by payment review, fraud prevention, customer verification, or final condition review.

12. CHARGEBACKS AND PAYMENT DISPUTES

Customers agree to contact Ch’ien directly with any order issue before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback. We are committed to reviewing legitimate concerns in good faith.

If a customer files a chargeback or payment dispute, Ch’ien reserves the right to provide the payment processor, bank, or card issuer with order records, tracking information, product photos, listing descriptions, checkout records, communications, policy acknowledgments, delivery confirmation, and any other relevant evidence.

Filing a dispute does not override these terms, the final sale policy, or the customer’s responsibility to review the listing before purchase.

13. CARE, USE, CLEANING, AND WEAR AFTER PURCHASE

Ch’ien is not responsible for damage, fading, shrinking, bleeding, stretching, tearing, staining, odor, hardware failure, material breakdown, or other issues that occur after delivery due to wear, washing, drying, cleaning, tailoring, storage, misuse, weather exposure, fragrance, smoke, pets, improper care, or normal aging of the item.

Customers are responsible for determining the appropriate cleaning, laundering, storage, and care method for each item. Vintage and pre-owned items may require special handling. Unless expressly stated, Ch’ien does not guarantee that an item is machine washable, dry-clean safe, waterproof, stain-proof, or suitable for a specific use.

14. ALLERGENS, ODORS, AND PRIOR ENVIRONMENTS

Because many items are sourced from third parties or may come from personal collections, Ch’ien cannot guarantee that any item has never been exposed to pets, smoke, fragrance, storage facilities, cleaning agents, dust, moisture, allergens, or other environmental factors prior to acquisition.

We make reasonable efforts to inspect items, but customers with sensitivities, allergies, or strict condition requirements should contact us before purchasing.

15. STYLING, FIT, AND PERSONAL EXPECTATIONS

Any styling suggestions, fit comments, size references, model references, outfit pairings, or visual presentation are provided for general guidance only. Ch’ien does not guarantee that an item will fit, feel, appear, or style a certain way on every customer.

Fit is subjective and depends on body type, personal preference, garment construction, layering, alterations, prior wear, and measurement interpretation. Customers are responsible for reviewing measurements and asking questions before purchase.

16. WEBSITE CONTENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

All content on this website, including product descriptions, styling language, blog content, editorial content, brand statements, visuals, and other written materials, is provided for general informational and commercial purposes only.

Nothing on this website should be interpreted as professional advice, legal advice, financial advice, medical advice, or a guarantee of any specific result.

Ch’ien reserves the right to update, remove, revise, or correct website content at any time without prior notice.

17. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ch’ien, its owner, operators, employees, contractors, affiliates, suppliers, and representatives shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or exemplary damages arising out of or relating to the use of this website, purchase of any item, inability to use an item, shipping delay, lost package, incorrect sizing, customer expectations, third-party carrier issue, payment dispute, product availability issue, condition change, or any other matter connected to normal business operations.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Ch’ien’s total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount paid by the customer for the specific item giving rise to the claim.

Some jurisdictions do not allow certain limitations of liability, so some limitations may not apply where prohibited by law.

18. NO WAIVER OF LEGAL RIGHTS

Nothing in this policy is intended to waive or limit any rights that cannot legally be waived under applicable law. If any part of this policy is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, the remaining sections will continue to apply to the fullest extent permitted by law.

19. FORCE MAJEURE / EVENTS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL

Ch’ien is not responsible for delays, failure to perform, or inability to fulfill obligations caused by events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to weather, natural disasters, fire, flood, theft, carrier disruptions, customs delays, labor disruptions, supply issues, internet outages, platform outages, payment processor issues, government action, civil unrest, acts of war, pandemics, or other unexpected events.

20. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All original Ch’ien branding, logos, product photography, written copy, website content, styling, graphics, and creative materials are owned by or licensed to Ch’ien unless otherwise stated.

Customers and visitors may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, sell, or use Ch’ien content for commercial purposes without written permission.

Third-party brand names, logos, and trademarks appearing in product listings remain the property of their respective owners and are used only for identification and description of the item being sold.

21. REVIEWS, TESTIMONIALS, AND CUSTOMER CONTENT

If customers submit reviews, photos, messages, testimonials, tags, or other content to Ch’ien, they agree that the content is truthful, based on their real experience, and does not violate the rights of any third party.

Ch’ien may use customer-submitted content for marketing, website, or social media purposes only where permitted by law and platform rules.

Ch’ien does not knowingly publish fake, misleading, or deceptive reviews.

22. POLICY UPDATES

Ch’ien reserves the right to update, revise, or modify these terms at any time. The version posted on the website at the time of purchase will generally apply to that purchase unless otherwise required by law. Customers are encouraged to review all policies before each purchase.

23. GOVERNING LAW

To the fullest extent permitted by law, these terms and any dispute arising from a purchase, website use, or transaction with Ch’ien shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to conflict of law principles.

24. CONTACT BEFORE PURCHASE

Because all sales are final and many items are vintage, pre-owned, one-of-one, sourced, personally curated, personally worn, or limited inventory, customers are strongly encouraged to contact Ch’ien before purchasing if they have any uncertainty.

Questions about condition, measurements, fit, photos, authenticity, source, materials, flaws, shipping, or any other detail should be asked before checkout.

By completing a purchase, the customer confirms that they have read the listing, reviewed the photos, understood the condition and final sale policy, and accepted these Legal Disclaimer & Terms of Sale.