1. What We Provide

We offer full-service home staging as outlined in your Custom Staging Proposal. This includes space planning, delivery, setup, styling, furniture and décor rental, and final removal once staging is complete.

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2. Securing Your Booking & Payment Options

To reserve your staging date, the full staging fee (as listed in your Proposal) must be confirmed before staging begins.

We offer multiple payment methods to fit your preference:

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💳 Credit Card Pre-Authorization (Recommended)

A temporary hold is placed on your card. Once your staging plan is reviewed and approved, the card is charged and your booking is automatically confirmed. If updates are needed, we’ll reach out before charging.

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🏦 Zelle or Digital Check

Pay directly with no processing fees. We hold a card on file to secure your spot. Payment must be received within 2 days of approval.

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💼 On-Site Cash or Check Pickup

We’ll coordinate a secure drop-off or pickup at the property. Your card will remain on file until the payment is confirmed. No processing fees apply.

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🧾 Klarna (Buy Now, Pay Later)

Split payments into installments. We’ll place a temporary hold to reserve your date, and Klarna finalizes payment once approved.
Klarna terms and conditions apply.

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📄 Notable Pay-at-Closing (for Sellers with Agents/Listings)

Defer payment until your home sells. Notable pays us directly through escrow at closing.
A card is held on file until Notable confirms approval. Subject to their terms and processing.

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3. Payment Confirmation & Timelines

Once your plan is approved, we’ll send instructions specific to your selected payment method.
You’ll have up to 4 days from approval to finalize payment. After this window, priority holds may be released.

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By Payment Type:

• Credit Card Pre-Authorization – No action needed unless updates are required. We’ll confirm once charged.

• Zelle / Digital Check – Submit payment and email a screenshot for confirmation. If sending a check, include clear photos of front and back.

• On-Site Payment – Prepare exact cash or a cashier’s check in a sealed, labeled envelope. We’ll coordinate pickup (lockbox access may be used).

• Klarna – Complete the approval form via our link and email us a screenshot of your confirmation.

• Notable Pay-at-Closing – Submit the Notable form promptly and email a screenshot. Approvals are typically instant.

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📧 All confirmations must be sent to: FIBHomeStagingDesigns@gmail.com

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4. Card on File & Security

For all payment methods except Credit Card Pre-Authorization, we securely store your card on file to:

• Hold your staging date

• Cover any agreed-upon charges like rental extensions or damage fees

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🔒 We may process a $1 test charge to verify your card. This is refunded automatically. No charges will be made without prior notification.

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5. Refund & Cancellation Policy

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We only collect full payment after plan approval. Here's how our refund policy works:

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5.1 Standard Refunds

• Partial Refund – Cancel 12+ days before staging to receive 50% back (if already paid).
  The initial 50% deposit is non-refundable.

• No Refund – Cancellations made 11 days or less before staging or after setup are not eligible for refunds.

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💡 Why? Staging involves advanced prep, reserved inventory, and dedicated crew time. Cancellations close to the staging date limit our ability to fill your spot.

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5.2 Klarna Refunds

Klarna transactions follow our same refund schedule.
Refunds are subject to Klarna’s policies and can be initiated after we’ve received full payment and cancellation notice from you.

📌 You are responsible for managing your Klarna installment plan.

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5.3 Notable Pay-at-Closing Refunds

Once approved and paid by Notable, this method is final and non-refundable.
We recommend reviewing Notable’s terms before applying.

📌 Please confirm directly with Notable regarding any eligibility for changes or cancellations.

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6. Staging Design & Revisions

We have full discretion over all staging design decisions (furnishings, decor, layout) to best showcase your property. As this is a staging service, items may not be altered, removed, or added without our prior written consent.

• Changes/Revisions:

  • Requests for changes require 48 hours' notice.

  • If approved, changes are billed at $125 per hour per stager (2-hour minimum), plus any additional rental or delivery fees.

  • We take before-and-after photos/videos for marketing, documentation, and inventory tracking.

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7. Responsibility for Staging Items (Damage, Loss, Misuse)

While your home is beautifully staged, we ask that all furnishings and decor are treated with care. You're responsible for the full replacement value of any items that are damaged, lost, or stolen during the staging period—unless you're covered by our optional Staging Risk Management (SRM) policy.

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7.1 Inventory Documentation
For everyone’s peace of mind, we take detailed photo and video documentation of all staged items at the time of installation. This helps ensure transparency, accurate inventory tracking, and smooth resolution if anything goes missing or is damaged.

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7.2 Replacement Costs
If an item is lost or damaged and we don’t have a receipt on file, we’ll determine its value using the current fair market price of a comparable item from trusted retailers (like Wayfair or Amazon), or through a certified appraisal if needed. This is a standard industry practice to ensure fairness. The maximum replacement cost for any single item is capped at $3,450, and full documentation will be provided if an issue arises.

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7.3 Care & Use Guidelines

• Please don’t move or use any staged furniture, decor, or accessories—they’re designed to elevate the look, not for daily use.

• Any unauthorized relocation, modification, or use may result in early contract termination and removal of our inventory without refund.

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7.4 In Case of Theft or Vandalism

• If anything is stolen or vandalized while staging is in place, a police report must be submitted within 24 hours.

• If we need to restage, a fee of $125/hour per stager (2-hour minimum) will apply.

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8. Your Property Insurance

You are responsible for ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage for your own property and belongings during the entire staging period.

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9. Optional Staging Risk Management (SRM) Policy

For an additional $250, you can opt for our SRM policy. This covers up to $20,000 in inventory loss due to theft, fire, vandalism, or water damage for 60 days, subject to a $500 deductible.

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10. Staging Removal (De-Staging) & Extensions

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10.1 De-Staging Schedule:

• A de-staging date is initially scheduled when you book.

• We'll send a courtesy reminder (text/email) 14 days before this date. Please confirm your de-staging or extension request within 24-48 hours of this reminder. If we don't hear back, we will proceed with the pre-scheduled de-staging.

• For early de-staging requests due to a sale or offer, 14 days' notice is required.

• Urgent de-staging (requested with 6 days or less notice) will incur a $350 emergency fee.

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10.2 Unsafe Property Conditions:

• If the property becomes unsafe (e.g., broken doors, structural damage, active leaks, security issues, squatters, police activity, mold, pests), we reserve the right to immediately remove all staging inventory.

• We will notify you immediately and provide photos/details of any hazardous conditions.

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10.3 Other Removal Triggers:

• If you file for bankruptcy, we reserve the right to immediately reclaim all staging inventory.

• If the property is removed from the market without notice, we reserve the right to de-stage with 7 days' notice.

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10.4 Rental Extensions:

• Staging fees are not prorated if the property sells early.

• Rental extensions beyond the initial eight weeks require our approval. Payment for extensions must be received at least 5 days before the initially scheduled de-staging date.

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11. Abandonment

If you fail to respond, communicate, or fulfill your obligations under this agreement for more than seven (7) days, we reserve the right to take appropriate action. This may include retrieving staging inventory, terminating services, and applying fees for incurred costs. Any payments or deposits made are non-refundable in such cases.

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12. Property Access & Security

• Continuous Access: You must provide continuous access to the property throughout the staging contract.

• Vacant Properties: A spare key inside the lockbox must be provided.

• Clear Pathways: Driveways and walkways must be clear of vehicles and debris on staging and removal days.

• Gated Communities/Security Systems: Provide detailed access information (gate codes, security system access) prior to staging to ensure timely setup and removal.

• Access Issues:

  • If access is denied or obstructed, a $500 rescheduling/inconvenience fee will apply.

  • If staging inventory retrieval is prevented (e.g., lock changes, key removal), you will be charged the full staging estimate plus a 50% recovery fee.

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13. Force Majeure & Health Safety

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13.1 Unforeseen Events:

• We are not liable for delays or disruptions caused by events beyond our control ("Force Majeure"). This includes natural disasters, extreme weather, fires, pandemics, strikes, government restrictions, cyberattacks, software failures, or internet outages.

• If a Force Majeure event prevents scheduled staging, you may reschedule based on our availability. Refunds will not be issued in such cases.

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13.2 Infectious Disease:

• We follow safety protocols to minimize risks related to COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

• You agree to release us from any liability related to exposure or transmission during our services.

• Staging may be subject to delays, modifications, or cancellations due to public health restrictions.

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14. Intellectual Property & Marketing

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14.1 Our Intellectual Property:

• All staging concepts, designs, and photographs remain our exclusive property.

• You may not claim, copy, or replicate our staging designs, layouts, or arrangements without our prior written consent. Unauthorized use of our designs or marketing materials is a violation of intellectual property rights.

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14.2 Marketing Rights:

• We may place small, tasteful marketing materials (e.g., framed signs, business cards) at the property while staging is in place.

• You grant us permission to photograph and film staged areas for our marketing, portfolio, and reference purposes. All photos, videos, and related materials remain our exclusive property. By agreeing, you waive any claims related to their use, distribution, or publication.

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15. Legal & Dispute Resolution

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15.1 Confidentiality:

• All pricing, processes, and business information shared in this agreement and your Proposal are confidential and may not be disclosed to third parties without our prior consent.

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15.2 Limitation of Liability:

• Our liability to you for any direct damages or claims related to this agreement will be limited to 1.8 times the total fees you paid for the staging services.

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15.3 Dispute Resolution:

We’re committed to keeping your experience smooth and professional. If any concerns come up, we’ll always start with a conversation first.

• Before taking any formal steps, both parties agree to try to resolve any issue through direct communication—whether by phone, email, or written message. If we can’t resolve it within 21 days, either party may move forward with arbitration.

• Private Arbitration (Not Court) If needed, any unresolved dispute will be handled through private, binding arbitration (instead of going to court). This will take place in San Joaquin County, California, and follow the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). A neutral third-party arbitrator will help sort things out fairly.​

• The arbitrator can only award actual damages, and neither party will be entitled to consequential, incidental, or punitive damages. Our total liability remains limited to 1.8 times the total fees you paid as stated above.

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15.4 Governing Law: This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California.

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15.5 Severability: If any part of this agreement is found to be invalid, the rest of the agreement remains valid.

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15.6 Data Privacy: We handle your data according to California Data Privacy Policy.

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15.7 Amendments & Waiver: Any changes to this agreement must be in writing (or via email) and signed by both parties. Our failure to enforce a provision does not mean we waive that right.

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15.8 Hold Harmless

• You and the homeowner agree to release and hold us (and our employees, agents, etc.) harmless from any claims, damages, or expenses related to property access or our services. This includes property damage, personal injury, and third-party claims.

• We are responsible for damages we cause during staging or de-staging. However, we are not liable for damages that occur once the property is listed for sale, under contract, or during property showings.

• Pre- and post-staging video walkthroughs and photos will document the property and inventory condition.

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16. Independent Contractor

FIB Home Staging & Interior Design operates as an independent contractor. This agreement does not create an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture between us.

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17. No Guarantees

While staging enhances visual appeal and marketability, we do not guarantee the sale, speed of sale, or final price of your property. The outcome is influenced by factors beyond our control (e.g., pricing, market conditions, buyer demand). No verbal or written statements should be interpreted as a guarantee of results.

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18. Caring for Staged Items

All staging inventory (furniture, decor, bedding, etc.) is for display only and should remain untouched and in its original placement to maintain the property's presentation.

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• What Not to Do:

  • No Remodeling/Repairs/Painting: Do not perform any remodeling, repairs, or painting near staged items.

  • No Smoking or Open Flames: Smoking is prohibited inside and in staged outdoor areas. Do not light candles, incense, or open flames.

  • No Pets: Pets are not allowed on or around staged furnishings (except service dogs).

  • No Pest Treatments: Do not perform pest treatments while staging inventory is in place.

  • No Moving/Altering Items: Staged items must not be moved, altered, or used by you or others without our prior approval.

  • No Unauthorized Events/Activities: Hosting events, parties, or catering without our prior written consent is prohibited. An unapproved event will incur a $1,000 penalty.

  • No Commercial Photography/Filming: Do not take, use, or distribute photos or videos of the staged property for promotional or commercial purposes without our explicit permission.

  • No Unauthorized Removal: All staging materials must remain on the property until de-staging. Unauthorized removal will result in a recovery charge.

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• Your Responsibilities:

  • Protection: You must take reasonable precautions to protect staged inventory from damage, theft, or misuse.

  • Showings: You are responsible for ensuring real estate agents, prospective buyers, and other visitors follow these handling guidelines. Any damage caused during showings is your responsibility.

  • Outdoor Staging: If applicable, you are responsible for protecting outdoor furnishings from weather and securing items in publicly accessible areas (e.g., front porch) to prevent theft.

  • Wall Modifications: Minor wall modifications (e.g., nails for hanging decor) may be necessary. We will patch and repair these holes during de-staging.

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19. Property Readiness for Staging

To ensure a smooth staging process, please ensure your property is ready as follows:

• Cleanliness: The home must be thoroughly cleaned.

• Utilities: HVAC, water, and electricity must be functional.

• Access During Staging: Only FIB Home Staging personnel are allowed on premises during staging and de-staging. Agents and clients may return once complete.

• Gate Access: Provide gate access for the duration of staging.

• Security Systems: Provide clear instructions for disarming and arming any security systems.

• Debris-Free: The property must be free of construction debris, storage containers, or obstacles.

• Spare Key: A spare key to vacant properties is required; it will be returned or disposed of as you request after staging.

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20. Your Agreement (Summary of Key Commitments)

By signing this agreement, you confirm your understanding and acceptance of the following key commitments:

• Property Access: You will provide us with continuous access and a key for the duration of the staging contract or until the property sells, whichever is first. This includes access to all necessary areas.

• Property Condition: You will ensure the property is clean, safe, and presentable. No remodeling, painting, or repairs that could damage our inventory will be conducted during staging.

• Changes to Staging: Any requests for changes must be communicated within 48 hours of final installation. If no feedback is provided, the staging is considered completed to your satisfaction.

• Pest Control: You will refrain from pest control treatments while our inventory is on the property.

• Hanging Artwork: You grant us permission to hang artwork and make necessary installations. We will repair any holes or damage to walls we cause during de-staging.

• Window Treatments: Our window treatments are for staging only and are not included in the property sale. Your listing agent is responsible for noting this in the MLS.

• Smoking Policy: Smoking is prohibited on or around the property during the staging period. If smoking occurs, we may remove affected inventory and charge for replacements.

• Photography & Marketing: You grant us permission to take photographs of the staged property for our promotional and marketing use.

• Payments: You agree to the payment terms outlined in this agreement and your Proposal. Failure to meet the payment schedule may delay services.

• Legal Compliance: You affirm you have the legal authority to enter into this agreement and will comply with all relevant local and state regulations.

• Termination/Cancellation: You understand and agree to the cancellation policies outlined in this agreement. Any payments made are subject to the non-refundable clauses.

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21. Other Important Details

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21.1 Digital Content Accuracy

• While we strive for accurate digital representations of our inventory, variations in color, texture, and scale may occur between digital images and physical items due to display settings or manufacturing. Minor variations are acceptable and do not breach this agreement.

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21.2 Remote Consultation & Approval:

• If we provide remote consultations or presentations, your electronic approvals (via email, video call, etc.) are binding. You are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of your remote approvals.

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21.3 Data Usage:

• We may collect and analyze data related to staging logistics, property characteristics, space utilization, and client feedback to improve our services. Personal information is handled securely as per our privacy policy.

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21.4 Third-Party Vendors:

• We may coordinate with third-party vendors (e.g., for delivery/installation). While we aim for quality and reliability, we are not liable for damages or delays caused by these vendors. You agree to their terms and conditions where applicable.

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21.5 Social Media & Online Reviews

• You agree that any public postings about FIB Home Staging & Interior Design will be truthful. Please contact us directly with any concerns before posting publicly.

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21.6 Staging Material Disposal

• Any disposable staging materials (packing materials, temporary coverings) used during the process will be disposed of by us after staging. 

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21.7 Website Usage & Content

• All content, designs, images, and intellectual property on our company website are our sole property. You agree not to copy, reproduce, or distribute any website content without our prior written consent. Unauthorized use may result in legal action.

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22. Electronic Signatures

Both parties agree that electronic signatures (digital or encrypted) are valid and have the same legal force as a handwritten signature. By signing electronically, you consent to the terms and conditions outlined here and in your Custom Staging Proposal & Service Terms.

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