At Avishkar Studio, we provide custom design, software engineering, and digital agency services. Because our work involves custom labor, intellectual effort, dedicated scheduling, and bespoke programming tailored to each client, we do not operate off-the-shelf automated software refund policies. This document details how cancellations and refunds are handled transparently.
1 Scope of Policy
This policy governs commercial service engagements provided by Avishkar Studio, including:
- Custom Website Design & Development (static sites, CMS builds, web applications)
- Custom Mobile & Web Application Engineering
- UI/UX Design, Wireframing, and Figma Prototypes
- Brand Identity & Graphic Design Collateral
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Retainers and Audits
- Commercial Copywriting & Content Creation
- Technical Maintenance, Webmaster Retainers, and Server Support
2 Definition of Project Commencement
To eliminate ambiguity, a project is formally deemed commenced upon the occurrence of any of the following triggers:
- Receipt by Avishkar Studio of the project advance deposit or first milestone installment
- Written confirmation or execution of a Statement of Work (SOW), quotation, or project proposal
- Completion of the initial discovery, requirements gathering, or kickoff consultation
- Creation of the dedicated project repository, wireframe workspace, or staging environment
3 Cancellation Prior to Work Commencing
If a client requests cancellation in writing prior to the commencement of any work and before studio development resources have been dedicated to the project:
Pre-Commencement Settlement: The client is entitled to a refund of the initial deposit, less any unavoidable administrative expenses or payment processing charges incurred. If third-party purchases (such as domains, software licenses, or hosting) have already been made at the client's request, those costs are non-refundable.
4 Cancellation After Work Commences
If a client elects to terminate an engagement after work has commenced, the following principles apply:
- Labor Compensation: Avishkar Studio is entitled to compensation for all labor, hours, and design effort expended on the project up to the effective date of written cancellation.
- Completed Milestones: All project phases or milestones that have been completed, presented, or approved prior to cancellation are non-refundable.
- Unearned Deposits: If the client has deposited funds in advance for future phases that have not yet begun, the unearned portion of the deposit will be refunded after deducting pro-rata labor performed on the active phase and any incurred third-party expenses.
- Asset Handover: Upon full settlement of any outstanding labor dues, Avishkar Studio will deliver all draft design assets, mockups, and source code completed up to the cancellation date.
5 Milestone Approvals & Acceptance
Projects at Avishkar Studio are typically structured around progressive milestones (e.g., Phase 1: Wireframes & UI Prototypes; Phase 2: Frontend Engineering; Phase 3: Backend Integration; Phase 4: Final Testing & Launch).
When a client approves a milestone (in writing via email, messaging, or sign-off on a staging review), that phase is considered fully accepted. Payments corresponding to approved milestones are permanent and non-refundable. Subsequent cancellations do not entitle the client to claw back fees paid for earlier, accepted phases.
6 Scope Changes vs. Cancellations
Modifying, deselecting, or adjusting planned features during active development does not constitute a project cancellation and does not automatically entitle the client to a cash refund.
Where features are removed by mutual written agreement before work on them has begun, the value of the removed features may be credited toward additional scope, future maintenance retainers, or adjusted against final milestone invoices, as documented in an amended SOW.
7 Client Delays & Project Inactivity
Project timelines depend on timely client collaboration (providing text content, images, brand assets, credentials, and feedback):
- Schedule Suspension: If a project is delayed by more than 14 consecutive calendar days due to missing client content, approvals, or unresponsive communication, scheduled delivery deadlines are automatically suspended.
- Project Archiving: If a client remains completely unresponsive to multiple written notices for more than 30 consecutive calendar days, the project may be archived. All deposits and milestone payments paid to date for archived projects are retained to compensate for allocated studio scheduling. Reactivating an archived project will depend on studio scheduling availability and may require an administrative reactivation fee.
8 Incurred Third-Party Costs
Third-party costs already incurred or non-refundable under the relevant provider’s terms will generally not be refundable by Avishkar Studio. These expenses include:
- Domain name registrations and renewal fees (.com, .in, etc.)
- Web hosting provisions and server setup fees (e.g. Hostinger, cloud instances)
- Commercial software plugins, theme licenses, and developer tool subscriptions
- Commercial web fonts and typography licenses
- Paid stock photography, video footage, or illustration assets
- Third-party API messaging credits or subscription fees
9 Refund Processing Method
Once a cancellation settlement has been calculated and mutually confirmed in writing:
- Payment Method: Approved refunds are issued using the original payment method or through electronic bank transfer (NEFT/IMPS/UPI) to the verified client account.
- Financial Security: To protect client financial data, banking information should not be transmitted through unencrypted or ordinary email. Our team will provide a secure verification procedure once refund eligibility is confirmed.
- Processing Window: Approved refunds will be processed in an expeditious manner, subject to banking institution processing cycles.
- Transaction Charges: Any non-recoverable payment gateway fees or banking charges levied by financial institutions are deducted from the refundable sum.
10 Non-Refundable Services
Refunds are not issued for:
- Completed Projects: Websites, web apps, or digital assets that have been launched to public production or delivered in full.
- Delivered Consulting: Strategy meetings, UX audits, or technical consulting hours already conducted.
- Ongoing Retainers: Monthly retainer payments for SEO, hosting management, or ongoing website maintenance are non-refundable once the billing month commences. Retainers may be cancelled with advance written notice before the subsequent billing cycle.
- Subjective Stylistic Preferences: Dissatisfaction arising from subjective aesthetic preferences after design approvals have been formally granted. We provide structured revision rounds to resolve stylistic preferences collaboratively during the project.
11 Mandatory Statutory Rights
Nothing in this Refund & Cancellation Policy is intended to exclude, restrict, or modify any mandatory statutory consumer protections that cannot be lawfully waived under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 or applicable commercial laws of India. Where a proven failure of delivery or gross statutory breach occurs, remedies will be provided in accordance with applicable legal principles.
12 Procedure to Request Cancellation
To submit a formal project cancellation or refund inquiry, the client must follow this standard written procedure:
- Send an email to info@avishkarstudio.com from the primary email address registered in the project agreement.
- Specify the subject line: "Project Cancellation Request — Project Name or Invoice Number".
- Include:
- Client full name and business name
- Project quotation or invoice reference number
- Effective date of requested cancellation
- Clear explanation of the reason for cancellation
Avishkar Studio will acknowledge receipt promptly and provide a comprehensive project closing statement and balance reconciliation.
13 Official Contact Information
For inquiries regarding project cancellations, milestone reconciliations, or refund statuses:
info@avishkarstudio.com