Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: [Date, e.g., 29 December 2025] Website: https://goldcoastchocolatier.au

1. Introduction

Welcome to Gold Coast Chocolatier ("we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our website and the purchase of our products. By placing an order with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

2. General Information

  • Business Name: Gold Coast Chocolatier

  • Location: Southport, Queensland, Australia

  • Currency: All prices are displayed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable.

3. Orders and Acceptance

  • Order Acceptance: Your receipt of an order confirmation does not signify our final acceptance of your order. We reserve the right to accept or decline your order at any time for reasons such as stock unavailability, errors in pricing, or inability to authorize payment.

  • Custom/Personalized Orders: If you are ordering custom-made chocolates (e.g., specific shapes, printed edible images, or custom packaging), you cannot cancel or modify your order once production has begun. By placing a custom order, you confirm that all details provided (spelling, design choices) are correct. We are not responsible for errors in details you have provided.

4. Perishable Goods & Warm Weather Shipping

Chocolate is heat-sensitive. Being based in Queensland, we take great care in packaging, but we cannot control the weather or the courier's environment once the parcel leaves our hands.

  • Warm Weather Policy: During periods of high heat (typically over 25°C), we may hold your order back and dispatch it when the weather is cooler to prevent melting. We will notify you if this occurs.

  • Risk of Melting: While we may use insulated packaging or ice packs during summer, we cannot guarantee that chocolate will not melt during transit. By purchasing from us, you accept the risk of potential heat damage during shipping. We do not offer refunds for items that arrive melted unless you opted for a specific "Refrigerated Courier" service (if available).

  • Authority to Leave: If you or the recipient are not home to receive the delivery, and you have given "Authority to Leave" (or if the courier's policy allows it), the goods will be left at the delivery address. We are not responsible for theft, damage, ants/pests, or melting that occurs after the goods have been delivered.

5. Delivery

  • Dispatch Times: We aim to dispatch orders within [e.g., 1-3 business days].

  • Delays: Delivery times provided are estimates only. We are not liable for delays caused by third-party couriers (e.g., Australia Post, Sendle).

  • Incorrect Address: It is your responsibility to provide the correct delivery address. If a parcel is returned to us due to an incorrect address, you will be responsible for the cost of re-delivery. Due to the perishable nature of the product, returned items may not be resalable, and you may need to pay for a replacement order.

6. Returns and Refunds

Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

  • Damaged or Faulty Goods: If your order arrives significantly damaged (e.g., smashed glass, crushed box) or is not what you ordered, please contact us within 24 hours of receipt with photos of the damage. We will offer a replacement or refund in accordance with the ACL.

  • No "Change of Mind" Returns: Due to health and safety regulations and the perishable nature of our products, we do not accept returns or exchanges if you simply change your mind after the goods have been dispatched.

7. Allergen Warning

Please be aware that our chocolates are made in a facility that handles common allergens.

  • Potential Traces: While some products may not explicitly list nuts or dairy as ingredients, our products may contain traces of peanuts, tree nuts, soy, dairy, gluten, eggs, and wheat.

  • It is your responsibility to check the ingredients list if you have severe allergies.

8. Payments

  • Security: We use Stripe to process payments securely. We do not store your full credit card details on our servers.

  • Saved Cards: If you choose to save your card details for future purchases, these are tokenized and stored securely by Stripe, not by Gold Coast Chocolatier.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Gold Coast Chocolatier shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use or inability to use our products or website.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia. Any disputes arising from these Terms will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

11. Contact Us

For any questions regarding these Terms, please contact us: Email: hello@goldcoastchocolatier.au Address: Labrador 4215, QLD, Australia