TERMS OF SERVICE

Please read the entirety of this terms of service before you consider reaching out to us. It is a written and binding agreement between us (collectively “GURUGUMI STUDIO“, “we“, “us“, or “our“) and you (“user“, “customer“, or “client“) that is henceforth established with the following privacy policy regarding the handling of users’ personal information for the services provided on this website.

I. REQUIREMENTS

  • You must be at LEAST 18 years of age prior to request submission.
  • You must be able to communicate with the owner via X or e-mail without substantial interruption.
  • You must not cancel after the start of production. If it is unavoidable, you must contact us immediately.
  • You must be able to provide the full amount of requested payment BEFORE we commence production of your character. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE REQUIREMENTS ABOVE WILL RESULT IN CANCELLATION OF YOUR REQUEST.

II. ADVISORY

  • Resale and/or redistribution of the work for more than the purchase price is prohibited.
  • You may enjoy at your own risk any photo or alteration that includes sexual expression. However, in consideration of those under 18 years of age, we ask that you take appropriate measures, such as clearly indicating that the content is sensitive or limiting postings to locked accounts is possible.
  • Use associated with criminal or violent acts, other antisocial acts, or acts that humiliate third parties is prohibited.
  • GURUGUMI STUDIO will make its sole discretion on these matters based on inhumane acts that are considered common knowledge in Japan, and the equivalent action in continental America.
  • If a purchaser violates any of these conditions, the client will be prohibited from contracting the workshop in the future and will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities as a consequence for noncompliance.

III. DISCLAIMERS

  1. Differences Between Illustrations & Productions
  • We will faithfully create a three-dimensional figure based on a character illustration to the best of our ability. However, there may be cases where we are unable to produce a product that exactly matches the illustration due to the user’s body shape, material specifications, character pattern, or 3D modeling specifications. Please be aware of this before you work with us. We will inform you without delay of any differences that may occur and that the studio is aware of. However, please understand, there is still a possibility of slight differences within the specifications. It can not be avoided.

2. Defective Products

2a. If a product is excessively damaged that it cannot be worn, or when photographed from a distance of 1 meter or more, it is beyond the scope of common sense, it will be considered an initial defect.

2b. The item will be considered defective only if it is damaged to the extent that it cannot be worn or if it is photographed from a distance of 1 meter or more. Slightly frayed threads, slight adhesive marks, fine scratches. other than those specified as initial defects are not considered defects and will not be repaired free of charge.

3. Natural Degradation

3a. Please be aware that the products produced by our studio may deteriorate over time in the same way as general production products as they are naturally exposed to the elements. In addition, use of the product in a manner beyond that of which is generally recommended (usage underwater, modification, or subjecting the product to a large impact) may result in accelerated deterioration.

  • WHEREFORE, we, the studio, assumes no responsibility for any injury, damage, or breakage that may occur during personal usage of the product.

4. Allergen Disclaimer

  • We use urethane foam, modeling board (free-form board), clay, and other materials commonly used for stuffed animals and masks. The materials that are used and to what extent depends on each individual stuffed animal.
  • If you have any allergic concerns that need to be addressed, please be sure to inform us prior to the creation of your item(s).
  • Please have an allergen test done at a specialized institution in advance. We may not be able to make changes to the material after production has begun, depending on the progress/stage of the production. In the event that an allergy occurs after receiving the product, our studio will not be responsible for the product and will not accept returns. Please note that even if a material is not included in the production, we cannot guarantee its complete removal as long as it is handled within the same production facility.

5. Studio Rights

5a. Copyright

  • All copyrights of our studio—including character designs, photography of characters, and all other productions—are reserved by us. Any unauthorized reproduction or use that infringes on these copyrights is strictly prohibited.

5b. Modification of Terms and Conditions

  • The Studio reserves the right to modify the Terms of Use as it deems necessary within the scope of the purpose of the Service. In the event of modification, the contents and effective date of the modified Terms and Conditions shall be indicated on the Website. The amended Terms of Use shall take effect from the time the Terms of Use are updated. In addition, typographical errors and omissions may be changed without notice.

6. Regarding Products

6a. Defective Products

  • For initial defects as defined in 3a for this police, please contact us within one (“1”) week after arrival of product for inspection. We will offer free returns and repairs during this grace period. If you wish to have the defect addressed, capture a video when you first open the product from the cardboard to distinguish between initial defects and possible damage after purchase.
  • We will also handle repairs for initial defects from outside of Japan free of charge, but please note that the customer will be responsible for the round-trip shipping costs.
  • (You will not be able to receive repairs unless you have this video taken.)
  • For any other restoration requests, our studio may be anble accommodate them, but please understand that you will be charged for the restoration and will be responsible for shipping fees.
  • If you have received any of our work from a third party, regardless for a fee or free of charge, we will not be able to assist you in any way.

6b. Cancellation

  • We will not accept cancellations after the contract has been finalized, nor will we accept returns or exchanges. Even if you cancel, we will handle the possibility and extent of refunds individually depending on the progress and circumstances of the case.
  • The amount refunded to you will be at our sole discretion. We may also cease production if we reasonably suspect the client has committed malicious acts that are prohibited against our workshop, such as harassment, vulgar language, threats of harm, and so on.
  • Futhermore, we cannot accept returns or exchanges after the product has arrived.

6c. Production Turnaround

  • Due to the nature of custom-made products and the fact that we produce requested products in order of when we receive them, it may take a considerable amount of time from when your request is finalized to the start of production.
  • We cannot give you an accurate delivery date, but we will give you a rough estimate at the time of quotation. Depending on the details of the production, there is a possibility that the delivery may be further delayed. In this case, we will notify you immediately.
  • If you have an upcoming date for an event and it’s your first time, be sure to inform us prior to signing.

7. Production of Copyrighted Characters

  • We do not accept production of copyrighted characters by local and international law. If we suspect/determine after production has begun, that the character is copyrighted material, we will immediately cancel the production. In this regard, the commission fee will not be refunded.

7a. Overseas Shipping

  • When we ship internationally from Japan, your created character will be shipped as a “product”, so if any costs such as customs duties and import taxes are incurred, they will be borne by the customer.
  • We cannot accept false declarations as “gifts” or tampering on the price of products, as this is against the law.

7b. Overseas Shipping (Cont.)

  • For requests for Half-Set B, Full Beast Set, and Semi-Custom (required in the United States), a duct tape dummy (DTD) must be submitted to us to obtain an accurate body information. Please note the following when you consider using a DTD.
  • Please send the DTD in perfect condition, with the entire product firmly reinforced with adhesives. If the product is sent without reinforcement, it will be difficult to use it safely and accurately, a reinforcement charge of $70 USD will be applied.
  • The completeness and security of the DTD is very important. If the DTD is of low quality (deformed, insufficient reinforcement, improperly sent), it may not be usable for production.
  • If we judge the DTD to be unusable, we will discard it and ask you to remake it, or we will suggest an alternative method that does not involve the use of the DTD.
  • We can also create characters at the workshop using a mannequin that is close to your body physique. In this case, please provide a full-body photo and detailed body measurements. The cost of creating a mannequin will be included in the cost when you pay the full amount of the request. The standard price for creating a mannequin is $140 USD.

8. Additional Notes

8a. Effectiveness of Fixed Tweets, TOS, & Contract

  • The contents described in this contract shall have priority, followed by the Terms of Use and the fixed tweets of the workshop.
  • The Japanese version of this agreement will take precedence over the English version. Any matters not listed in these terms and conditions will be handled in accordance with our specifications unless otherwise requested, and no termination of the contract will be permitted due to such matters.

8b. Contract Initiation

  • The contract will be initiated when the business negotiations are finalized and the DTD arrives at our workshop and is contingent on the work to be produced, depending on what you request from us. The contract will be sent electronically. The contract wis effective when the customer reads it and returns the document electronically with their signature. Your full legal name must be on the document in compliance with America law. The contract will be kept in our workshop for legal purposes, but please be sure to keep a copy of it with you.

8c. Cancellation (Non-Payment)

  • Payment must be made within one (”1”) week. If no payment is received, the contract will be canceled and your slot in queue will be forfeited. Similarly, if the contract is sent one (”1”) week late, it will be forfeited.

9. Replies from GURUGUMI STUDIO

  • Due to the production of your character or confirmation of the content with our studio’s translator (only when using English), our reply to your inquiry may be delayed. We will reply to you within three (“3”) business days following your request submission.

10. Incidental Fees

  • As mentioned in the “Production Process” section of this agreement, payment can be made by Bank Transfer (PayPay Bank) or Paypal both Japan, and internationally. In Japan, the transfer fee and shipping fee are the responsibility of the customer. Overseas, we will only cover the Paypal and shipping fee.

11. Regarding Photography

  • Our studio uploads the production process and progress on X. If you would like to make the production process public, please let us know in advance. Otherwise, an additional amount of approximately of $140 USD will be charged as a confidentiality fee.

12. Importation to America from Japan (+ Notes)

  • High-priced valued mascots that exceed a certain limit provided by US Customs ($2,500 USD) will require stricter requirements and documents for the product to clear; this is called a “formal entry process”. In addition, it will require a customs bond, an agreement that guarantees the recipient will pay applicable custom duties, taxes, and fees, and customs clearance and importer security filing fees.
  • We will use DHL shipping for all characters that are shipped from Japan overseas.
  • Americans MUST provide their SSN or CBP identification number to comply with Custom regulations.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We will continue to strive to produce products that you will enjoy and appreciate, and we thank you in advance for your continued support.