These Terms & Conditions form the agreement between Alexandre Goyard (trading as The French Private Chef, ABN 64 861 409 560) and the Client/Customer in relation to the purchase of French Chef branded knives and related products, whether through the online store at thefrenchprivatechef.com.au or through a direct wholesale/B2B arrangement.

By placing an order, completing a purchase, or signing a wholesale agreement, the Customer accepts these Terms.

For clarity throughout these Terms & Conditions, all references to "I", "me", "my", "we", or "us" refer to Alexandre Goyard, owner of The French Private Chef and the French Chef knife brand.

All references to "you", "the Customer", or "the Client" refer to the individual retail purchaser or the business entity entering a wholesale arrangement, as the context requires.

 

 

1. Complete Agreement

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1. These Terms govern all sales of French Chef knives to the exclusion of any other terms unless agreed in writing by me.

2. No representative or agent may vary these Terms unless confirmed in writing.

3. Clerical, typographical, or minor errors in pricing, product description, or stock availability may be corrected without liability. Where a pricing error is identified after an order is placed, I will contact you to confirm whether you wish to proceed at the corrected price or cancel for a full refund.

4. These Terms are governed by the laws of Queensland, Australia, and any dispute will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Queensland.

 

 

2. Eligibility & Age Verification (Queensland Law)

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1. Under the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld), it is an offence to sell a knife to a person under 18 years of age. By purchasing, you confirm and warrant that you are aged 18 years or over.

2. I reserve the right to request photographic government-issued identification (driver licence, passport, or proof of age card) at any point before an order is dispatched. Orders that cannot be age-verified will be cancelled and refunded.

3. Knives must be received by an adult aged 18+ at the delivery address. Couriers may request ID on delivery. If no eligible adult is available, the parcel may be returned to me at the Customer's cost.

4. It is an offence to use false identification to purchase a knife in Queensland. Suspected attempts will be reported to Queensland Police.

5. Knives are sold exclusively for culinary, food preparation, and lawful professional use. The Customer agrees not to purchase on behalf of a minor or for any unlawful purpose.

 

 

3. Contract

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1. An order is confirmed once payment has been received in full and a tax invoice has been issued. Until then, no contract is formed.

2. The Customer is responsible for providing accurate delivery information, contact details, and (for wholesale clients) trading name, ABN, and authorised purchasing contact at the point of order.

3. I reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at my sole discretion, including (without limitation) where stock is unavailable, where age verification fails, where the order appears fraudulent, or where shipping to the delivery address is restricted by law.

4. For wholesale and B2B orders, a separate written purchase order, signed quote, or supply agreement will form part of the contract alongside these Terms.

 

 

4. Pricing

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1. Confirmed prices remain fixed for accepted orders unless the order is altered by the Customer.

2. All retail prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable.

3. Wholesale/B2B prices are quoted exclusive of GST unless otherwise stated, and a separate trade price list applies.

4. Prices do not include shipping, insurance, or international duties, which are calculated and shown at checkout or on the wholesale invoice.

5. Additional costs may be billed for:

   • express or priority shipping

   • signature-on-delivery or ID-on-delivery services

   • re-delivery where the first attempt was missed by the Customer

   • engraving, monogramming, or other personalisation

   • special-order or non-stock items

   • international duties, customs, and taxes (the Customer's responsibility)

 

 

5. Ordering & Payment Terms

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1. Retail orders: Payment is required in full at the time of purchase. Accepted payment methods include credit/debit card, bank transfer, and any other method advertised at checkout.

2. Wholesale/B2B orders: First orders are payable in full prior to dispatch. Approved accounts may be offered 30-day net invoice terms from the date of invoice, at my sole discretion.

3. Late payment (B2B): Overdue accounts may be charged interest at 2% per month (or part thereof) on the unpaid balance, and supply may be suspended until the account is brought current.

4. Title and risk: Title in the goods passes to the Customer only upon full payment being received and cleared. Risk passes to the Customer upon dispatch from my premises.

5. All transactions are processed through secure, PCI-compliant payment gateways. I do not store full credit card details on my systems.

 

 

6. Shipping & Delivery

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1. Dispatch: Retail orders are typically dispatched within 2 business days of payment clearing. Wholesale orders are dispatched per the timeframe agreed on the purchase order.

2. Carrier: Knives are shipped via Australia Post or a comparable insured courier with tracking. A tracking number will be emailed once the parcel is collected.

3. Adult signature: All knife shipments within Australia require an adult signature (18+) on delivery. Parcels will not be left unattended.

4. Estimated delivery times (from dispatch, business days only):

   • Brisbane & South-East Queensland: 1–3 days

   • Other Australian capital cities: 2–6 days

   • Regional Australia: 3–10 days

   • International (where available): 7–21 days

5. Delivery timeframes are estimates only and are not guaranteed. I am not liable for delays caused by the carrier, weather, customs, or other events outside my control.

6. International orders may attract import duties, taxes, and customs fees in the destination country. These are the Customer's responsibility and are not included in the order total.

7. Incorrect or incomplete addresses: Any re-shipment required due to an address error supplied by the Customer will be billed at the prevailing shipping rate.

 

 

7. Returns, Refunds & Cancellations

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Change-of-mind:

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1. Due to the personal, hygienic, and sharp-edged nature of knives, change-of-mind returns are not accepted on knives that have been unsealed, used, sharpened, engraved, or personalised.

2. Unopened, unused knives in their original sealed packaging may be returned within 14 days of delivery for a refund (less original shipping). The return shipping cost is the Customer's responsibility and the parcel must be insured and traceable. A 10% restocking fee may apply.

 

Faulty, damaged, or incorrect items:

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1. If your knife arrives damaged, faulty, or is not what you ordered, please contact me by email at alex@thefrenchprivatechef.com.au within 48 hours of delivery with your order number and clear photographs of the issue and packaging.

2. I will arrange repair, replacement, or refund in line with the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

3. Please do not return any item before receiving a return authorisation from me. Unauthorised returns may not be accepted.

 

Order cancellation:

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1. Orders may be cancelled at no charge prior to dispatch. Once dispatched, the returns process above applies.

 

 

8. Warranty

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1. French Chef knives are covered by a limited 12-month warranty from the original date of purchase against defects in materials and manufacturing workmanship under normal culinary use.

2. The warranty applies to the original purchaser only and is non-transferable. Proof of purchase (tax invoice or order confirmation) is required for any warranty claim.

3. The warranty covers:

   • Manufacturing defects in the blade, handle, or rivets that appear under normal kitchen use.

   • Premature handle loosening or separation not caused by misuse.

4. The warranty does not cover:

   • Normal wear, dulling of the edge, or surface patina (carbon steel will patina with use — this is expected and not a defect).

   • Rust, corrosion, or pitting caused by improper care, dishwasher use, or prolonged contact with water, salt, or acidic foods.

   • Chips, cracks, or breakage caused by cutting bones (excluding a dedicated cleaver), frozen foods, coconuts, hard rinds, crackling, fruit pits, or any dense object harder than the intended use of the knife.

   • Damage from drops, prying, twisting, throwing, or any non-culinary use.

   • Damage caused by improper sharpening, including aggressive use of pull-through sharpeners or grinders.

   • Cosmetic marks, light scratches, or discolouration from normal use.

   • Knives that have been altered, re-handled, or repaired by a third party.

   • Counterfeit goods or goods not purchased through me or an authorised reseller.

5. Claim process: Email alex@thefrenchprivatechef.com.au with your order number, photographs of the defect, and a brief description. If the claim is accepted, I will repair the knife, replace it (with the same or comparable model where stock allows), or issue a refund — at my discretion.

6. Return shipping for warranty assessment is the Customer's responsibility. If a defect is confirmed, return shipping is reimbursed.

7. This warranty is in addition to any guarantees and rights you have under the Australian Consumer Law and does not limit them.

 

 

9. Knife Care & Customer Responsibilities

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1. To preserve the edge, finish, and structural integrity of your French Chef knife, you agree to:

   • Hand-wash and hand-dry immediately after use. Never place a French Chef knife in a dishwasher.

   • Use only on appropriate cutting surfaces — wood or soft polymer boards. Never cut on glass, stone, ceramic, marble, steel, or bone (with the exception of a dedicated cleaver).

   • Use the knife only for its intended culinary purpose. Do not use it as a pry bar, screwdriver, can opener, or weapon.

   • Store the knife safely — in a sheath, magnetic strip, knife block, or drawer guard — out of reach of children.

   • Maintain the edge through regular honing and periodic professional sharpening.

2. Misuse, neglect, or failure to follow care instructions provided with the knife (or on the website) voids the warranty in clause 8.

 

 

10. Safety, Liability & Disclaimer

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1. Knives are sharp tools and can cause serious injury or death if misused. By purchasing, you acknowledge the inherent risks of handling, using, storing, and sharpening a sharp-edged tool.

2. The knives I sell are designed and intended for culinary use only. I assume no liability for damages or injuries that result from improper, dangerous, negligent, or unlawful use.

3. It is the Customer's responsibility to handle, use, store, and dispose of the knife safely; to keep it out of reach of unsupervised children; and to comply with all Australian laws relating to the possession, carriage, and use of knives.

4. To the maximum extent permitted by law, my total liability to the Customer in connection with any product or order is limited to the price paid by the Customer for the product giving rise to the claim.

5. I will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including loss of profits, loss of business, or personal injury arising from misuse.

6. Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any guarantee, right, or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable legislation. Where any liability cannot lawfully be excluded, my liability is limited (at my option) to the replacement, repair, or re-supply of the goods, or the payment of the cost of doing so.

 

 

11. Wholesale & B2B Terms

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The following clauses apply in addition to clauses 1–10 where the Customer is a business purchasing for resale, professional use, or as part of a hospitality, catering, or food-service operation:

1. Approval: Wholesale accounts are subject to approval. I may require an ABN, trading history, and references prior to approval.

2. Minimum order quantities (MOQ) and trade-price tiers will be set out in the trade price list provided on approval.

3. Lead times: Wholesale lead times vary by SKU and stock position and will be confirmed on each purchase order. I will use reasonable efforts to meet agreed dates but do not guarantee specific delivery dates unless expressly agreed in writing.

4. Resale conditions:

   • Wholesale Customers must sell French Chef knives only through their approved trading channels and physical premises.

   • Wholesale Customers must comply with all applicable knife-sale laws in their jurisdiction, including age-verification, signage, secure storage, and staff-training obligations under the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld) (where applicable) and equivalent laws in other states.

   • Knives must not be re-sold via unauthorised online marketplaces (e.g. eBay, Amazon, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace) without my prior written consent.

   • Recommended retail prices (RRP) are guidance only; however, deeply discounted or auction-style listings that damage the brand may result in account suspension.

5. Brand & IP: Wholesale Customers receive a limited, non-exclusive, revocable licence to use the French Chef name, logo, and product imagery solely for the purpose of marketing and reselling stock purchased from me. No other use is permitted without written consent.

6. Defective stock (B2B): Faulty units identified by the wholesale Customer or their end-customer will be credited, replaced, or refunded in line with clause 8 once returned and assessed.

7. Termination: Either party may terminate a wholesale arrangement on 30 days' written notice. Outstanding invoices remain payable. Stock on hand at termination may be returned at the Customer's cost for credit, at my discretion.

 

 

12. Photos, Reviews & Marketing

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1. Product photographs, brand assets, and lifestyle imagery displayed on the website and in marketing materials remain the intellectual property of Alexandre Goyard.

2. Customer reviews, ratings, photographs submitted, and testimonials may be reproduced for marketing purposes (online, print, social media, and trade materials). No identifiable personal details will be used without explicit approval.

3. Wholesale Customers grant me a non-exclusive right to identify them as a stockist of French Chef knives in marketing collateral, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

 

 

13. Privacy

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1. I collect only the personal information necessary to process orders, verify age, deliver goods, and provide after-sales support. This includes your name, delivery address, email, phone number, and (where required) photographic ID.

2. Personal information is stored securely and is not sold or rented to any third party. It may be shared with shipping carriers, payment processors, and (where legally compelled) law enforcement.

3. Full details are available in the Privacy Policy on the website.

 

 

14. Complaints

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1. Any complaint about a product, order, or service should be raised by email to alex@thefrenchprivatechef.com.au within 7 days of the event giving rise to the complaint, with order number and supporting photographs where applicable.

2. I will acknowledge receipt within 2 business days and aim to resolve the issue within 14 business days.

 

 

15. Force Majeure

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1. I will not be liable for any failure or delay in performance caused by events beyond my reasonable control, including illness, supplier delays, freight disruption, customs holds, extreme weather, natural disasters, pandemics, civil unrest, or government restrictions.

2. Where such events delay an order materially, I will contact the Customer to discuss a revised timeline, partial fulfilment, or refund.

 

 

16. Changes to These Terms

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1. I may amend these Terms from time to time. The version published on the website at the time of order is the version that applies to that order.

2. For wholesale Customers under a written supply agreement, no amendment to these Terms applies to that agreement unless agreed in writing.

 

 

 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

 

French Chef knives are professional culinary tools intended for adult use in food preparation only. They are sharp by design and capable of causing serious injury if mishandled.

By purchasing, the Customer acknowledges that:

• They are aged 18 years or over and lawfully entitled to purchase a knife in their jurisdiction.

• They have read and understood these Terms & Conditions, the care instructions, and the safety guidance provided with the product.

• They will use, store, and transport the knife responsibly and in compliance with all applicable Australian Commonwealth, State, and Territory laws — including the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld), the Summary Offences (Prevention of Knife Crime) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (Qld), and equivalent legislation in other states.

• Alexandre Goyard and The French Private Chef accept no liability for any loss, injury, or damage arising from the unlawful, negligent, or unintended use of a knife sold under the French Chef brand.

Nothing in this Disclaimer limits rights or remedies available to consumers under the Australian Consumer Law that cannot lawfully be excluded.