Terms & Conditions
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
On The Square Auctions Limited trading as On The Square Emporium
Registered in Northern Ireland
Unit A3, Sydenham Business Park, 17 Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9LE
Last Updated: 28th November 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
1. About Us – Commission-Based Marketplace
2. Product Descriptions
3. Orders and Pricing
4. Payment
5. Delivery and Collection
6. Storage and Deposits
7. Returns and Refunds – In-Store Purchases
8. Returns and Refunds – Online Purchases
9. Gift Vouchers
10. Promotional Offers
11. Liability
12. Data Protection
13. Intellectual Property
14. Website Use
15. General Terms
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
17. Definitions and Interpretation
Contact Information
INTRODUCTION
These Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website, online shop, and in-store purchases at On The Square Emporium. By using our services or making a purchase, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Please read these terms carefully before using our services. If you do not agree to these terms, you should not use our website or services.
Note: For our Competition Terms and Conditions, please see our separate Competition Terms document. For our Promotional Offers (including Birthday Club), please see our separate Promotions Terms document.
1. ABOUT US – COMMISSION-BASED MARKETPLACE
1.1. Who We Are: On The Square Auctions Limited (trading as On The Square Emporium) is a company registered in Northern Ireland. Our registered office is at Unit A3, Sydenham Business Park, 17 Heron Road, Belfast BT3 9LE.
1.2. Our Business Model: On The Square Emporium is a commission-based retailer of third-party items that are sold on behalf of commission-vendors on consignment or at auction. On The Square Emporium does not own the stock. All items are owned by third-party sellers (commission-vendors) and we act as their agent for the sale.
1.3. Acting as Agent: For all sales:
(a) We act as agent for the commission-vendor (the seller);
(b) The contract of sale is between you (the buyer) and the commission-vendor (the seller);
(c) On The Square Emporium is not responsible for any default by the Seller or the Buyer;
(d) However, we will assist with any issues and act as the point of contact for all transactions.
1.4. Commission-Vendor Payment: We pay commission-vendors after a set period following your purchase:
(a) Most items: 30 days after sale;
(b) Rugs: 14 days after sale.
This payment timing is important as it affects your ability to return items (see sections 7 and 8).
1.5. Contact: You can contact us by email at conor@onthesquareemporium.com or by post at the address above, or visit us in-store.
2. PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS
2.1. Nature of Products: We specialise in antiques, vintage items, curios, and second-hand goods. Due to the nature of these items, they are typically aged and varied in condition.
2.2. Items Sold “As Is”: All items are sold “as is” unless otherwise stated. It is the customer’s responsibility to inspect items prior to purchase.
2.3. Descriptions: We endeavour to describe all items accurately, including details of their age, origin, condition, and any known defects or imperfections. However, all descriptions are provided as guidance only and represent our opinion (or the commission-vendor’s opinion) based on available information.
2.4. Pointing Out Faults: We will, at the time of sale (whether in-store or in the product listing online), point out any known imperfections or faults with the item to the best of our knowledge.
2.5. Condition: The absence of any description of a defect, damage, modification, or restoration does not imply that there are none. Given the age and nature of our stock, wear and imperfections are to be expected.
2.6. Images: Photographs and images are for general identification and illustration purposes only. Colours, size, and condition may vary slightly from images due to screen settings, photography conditions, and lighting.
2.7. Viewing In-Store: We strongly recommend viewing items in person at our store before purchasing where possible, particularly for high-value items. This allows you to inspect the item’s condition fully.
2.8. Copyright: All images, descriptions, and content on our website and marketing materials belong to On The Square Emporium and may not be reproduced without permission.
3. ORDERS AND PRICING
3.1. Placing Orders: When you place an order through our website or in-store, you are making an offer to purchase the item(s) at the stated price.
3.2. Order Acceptance: We will confirm acceptance of your order by:
• Sending you an order confirmation email (for online orders); or
• Providing a receipt (for in-store purchases).
The contract between us (or the commission-vendor, where applicable) is formed at this point.
3.3. Pricing: All prices are in pounds sterling (£ GBP) and include VAT where applicable at the current rate.
3.4. Price Changes: We reserve the right to change prices at any time without prior notice. However, changes will not affect orders already confirmed.
3.5. Pricing Errors: If we discover a pricing error after you have placed an order, we will contact you to inform you. You will have the option to either proceed at the correct price or cancel the order for a full refund.
3.6. Availability: All items are subject to availability. Due to the unique nature of antiques and vintage items, we typically have only one of each item in stock. Items are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
3.7. Information Provided: At the time of sale or order, we will provide you with:
• A description of the goods;
• The total price of goods (including VAT);
• Information on delivery charges and other relevant costs (if applicable);
• Details of our return policy.
4. PAYMENT
4.1. Payment Methods: We accept payment by credit card, debit card, cash (in-store), and other methods as displayed at checkout or in-store.
4.2. Payment Timing: Payment is required in full at the time of purchase for both online and in-store transactions, unless a deposit arrangement has been agreed (see section 6.5).
4.3. Payment Security: All online payments are processed securely through our payment provider. We do not store full credit or debit card details.
4.4. Failed Payments: If payment fails or is declined, your order will not be processed, and the item will not be reserved.
4.5. Receipt: You must produce a receipt of sale or proof of transaction (e.g., order confirmation email, credit card receipt) if you wish to request a refund or return.
5. DELIVERY AND COLLECTION
5.1. In-Store Purchases – Delivery
5.1.1. If delivery is requested at the time of in-store purchase, we will deliver items within 30 days of the date of purchase.
5.1.2. Delivery days and times may vary. We will attempt to schedule delivery to suit you; however, specific dates and times cannot be guaranteed.
5.1.3. If items are not delivered within 30 days of the date of sale, you have the right to request and receive a full refund.
5.1.4. All delivery costs are payable by the buyer and will be agreed at the time of purchase.
5.2. Online Purchases – Delivery
5.2.1. Delivery Area: We offer delivery within the United Kingdom. Delivery charges will be calculated at checkout based on the size, weight, and destination of your order.
5.2.2. Dispatch: We will dispatch items within 2 working days of the purchase date. If for any reason dispatch is delayed, you will be contacted within 24 hours of the purchase date and advised of the expected delivery date.
5.2.3. Delivery Times: Estimated delivery times will be provided at checkout. These are estimates only and not guaranteed. We will make reasonable efforts to deliver within the estimated timeframe.
5.2.4. Responsibility: We are responsible for purchased items until they reach you. Risk passes to you upon delivery.
5.2.5. Failed Delivery: If you are not available to receive delivery, the courier may leave a card. It is your responsibility to rearrange delivery or collect from the courier depot.
5.3. Collection from Store
5.3.1. You may choose to collect your purchase from our store (whether purchased online or in-store).
5.3.2. Items should be collected as soon as reasonably possible after purchase. See section 6 below for storage terms if collection is delayed.
5.4. Risk and Title
5.4.1. Risk in the item passes to you upon delivery or collection.
5.4.2. However, ownership (title) does not pass to you until we (or the commission-vendor) receive full payment.
5.5. Inspection on Delivery/Collection
5.5.1. You must inspect items upon delivery or collection.
5.5.2. Any damage, defects, or discrepancies must be reported to us within 24 hours of receipt (for deliveries) or at the time of collection (for in-store collection).
5.5.3. We will not be responsible for any discrepancies discovered after this time, unless the fault could not reasonably have been discovered upon inspection.
5.6. Import/Export
5.6.1. If you arrange for items to be exported, it is your responsibility to obtain any necessary import, export, or other licences.
6. STORAGE AND DEPOSITS
6.1. Free Storage Period
6.1.1. If you pay for an item in full but cannot take immediate delivery, we can store it for 14 days from the date of purchase free of charge.
6.1.2. You must arrange collection or delivery within this 14-day period.
6.2. Extended Storage Charges
6.2.1. If you fail to collect an item or arrange delivery within 14 days, we reserve the right to charge you storage fees.
6.2.2. Storage fees are up to £100 per month, for a maximum of six months.
6.2.3. Storage fees will be invoiced to you and must be paid before the item is released.
6.3. Abandonment of Items
6.3.1. If you fail to collect an item within six months of the purchase date (despite our reasonable attempts to contact you), the item will be considered abandoned.
6.3.2. We reserve the right to list the item for sale again, and you will not receive a refund.
6.4. Liability During Storage
6.4.1. We accept no liability for any loss or damage that occurs to your items from the date of purchase to the time it is collected or delivered, except where caused by our negligence.
6.4.2. We take reasonable care of items in our possession but are not insurers of the goods.
6.5. Holding Deposits
6.5.1. If you wish to reserve an item, you may leave a holding deposit (amount to be agreed at the time).
6.5.2. We will hold the item for 30 days from the date of the deposit.
6.5.3. You must pay the balance outstanding within 30 days to complete the purchase.
6.5.4. If you do not finalize the purchase and pay the balance within 30 days, the item will be put back out for sale and the deposit will not be refunded.
7. RETURNS AND REFUNDS – IN-STORE PURCHASES
7.1. General Position
7.1.1. For in-store face-to-face purchases, we are not legally obliged to offer a refund unless you can demonstrate that:
(a) You have been misinformed about the item; or
(b) The item sold was faulty or not fit for purpose; and
(c) These faults were not pointed out to you at the time of purchase.
7.1.2. If you can demonstrate that we did not point out a known fault at the time of sale, a refund will be offered (subject to the time limits below).
7.2. Return Period
7.2.1. There is a strict 30-day return period for most items after which we pay out commission-vendors and the sale cannot be refunded.
7.2.2. RUGS: For rugs, there is a strict 14-day return period after which the commission-vendor is paid out and the sale cannot be refunded.
7.2.3. After these periods, refunds are at our discretion and depend on whether the commission-vendor has been paid.
7.3. Proof of Purchase
7.3.1. You must produce a receipt of sale or proof of transaction (e.g., credit card receipt) before a refund is issued.
7.4. Refund Processing
7.4.1. If a refund is due, it will be issued within fourteen days of the agreed refund date.
7.4.2. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method where possible.
7.5. Commission-Vendor Items
7.5.1. If you return before we have paid the commission-vendor: We will accept the return, advise the commission-vendor, and put the item back out for sale. You will receive a full refund.
7.5.2. If you return after we have paid the commission-vendor: The item is considered ours and we may, at our discretion, accept the return and issue a refund. However, we are not obliged to do so.
7.6. Sale/Second-Hand Items
7.6.1. All of the refund rights detailed above apply regardless of whether you purchased a product on sale or second-hand.
7.7. Replacement Items
7.7.1. We rarely stock more than one of any item; however, if you return a faulty item, a replacement will be offered if one is available.
7.7.2. Once a replacement has been agreed, you must return the faulty item within fourteen days of the replacement agreed date.
8. RETURNS AND REFUNDS – ONLINE PURCHASES
8.1. Your Statutory Cancellation Rights
8.1.1. Cooling-Off Period: For online and telephone purchases, you have the right to cancel your order within 14 days without giving any reason. This is known as the “cooling-off period” under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.
8.1.2. This right begins from the moment you complete your online purchase and ends 14 days from the date you receive the goods.
8.2. How to Cancel
8.2.1. To cancel, you must inform us clearly of your decision. You can:
• Email us at conor@onthesquareemporium.com with your order number and a clear statement of cancellation;
• Write to us at our registered office address;
• Call us or visit us in-store.
8.2.2. Example wording: “I hereby give notice that I cancel my contract for the purchase of the following item(s): [insert item details and order number].”
8.3. Cancellation Before Dispatch
8.3.1. If you cancel before the purchased item is shipped, a full refund (including delivery charges) will be issued immediately.
8.4. Returning Items After Receipt
8.4.1. If you cancel after receiving the item, you have 14 days after receipt to initiate a return and return the goods to us.
8.4.2. You are responsible for the cost of return postage, unless the item is faulty or not as described.
8.4.3. Items must be returned in the same condition as received. You are liable for any diminished value resulting from handling beyond what is necessary to inspect the item.
8.5. Refunds for Online Returns
8.5.1. Once we receive the returned item (or proof of postage), we will refund the price paid for the item(s) within 14 days.
8.5.2. We will refund standard delivery charges (if you paid them) unless you cancelled after receiving the goods (in which case we will refund the item price only, not the return postage you paid).
8.6. Risk During Return
8.6.1. Important: We will not take responsibility for any items that get lost or damaged during transit when you are returning them.
8.6.2. We recommend using a tracked and insured postal service.
8.6.3. If goods are returned damaged (due to poor packaging or courier mishandling during your return), a refund will not be issued.
8.7. Faulty or Damaged Items
8.7.1. If you receive an item and it is damaged or faulty (and this was not pointed out in the listing), we will cover the cost of any return postage.
8.7.2. Please contact us immediately with photos of the damage/fault and your order number.
8.7.3. You may be entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
8.8. Special Rules for Rugs (Online Purchases)
8.8.1. Rugs must be returned within 14 days of receipt.
8.8.2. This timeframe aligns with the statutory cancellation period. After 14 days, rug returns will not be accepted as commission-vendors are paid.
8.9. Exceptions to Cancellation Rights
8.9.1. Consumer contract regulations state that you do not have the right to cancel in the following instances:
• Purchase of CDs/DVDs or software if the seal is broken;
• Perishable items;
• Tailor-made items;
• Personalised items.
8.10. Commission-Vendor Items (Online)
8.10.1. The same rules apply as for in-store purchases (see section 7.5):
8.10.2. If you return before we have paid the commission-vendor: Full refund issued.
8.10.3. If you return after we have paid the commission-vendor: The item is considered ours. We may accept the return at our discretion, but we are not obliged to (except for faulty items or your statutory cancellation rights within 14 days).
9. GIFT VOUCHERS
9.1. Purchasing Vouchers
9.1.1. If a gift voucher is purchased online, it will be dispatched within 2 working days of purchase.
9.2. Redeeming Your Voucher
9.2.1. Vouchers can be redeemed in-store or online (as specified on the voucher).
9.2.2. Vouchers cannot be exchanged for a cash equivalent.
9.2.3. Vouchers must be used by the expiry date stated (if any).
9.3. Refunds on Vouchers
9.3.1. Vouchers bought in-store: We do not offer refunds on vouchers bought in-store.
9.3.2. Vouchers bought online: Your consumer rights for online purchases apply. You have the right to cancel from the moment an online purchase is completed. You will be refunded if you cancel within 14 days from the date you receive the voucher. After 14 days, refunds cannot be issued.
10. PROMOTIONAL OFFERS
10.1. Black Friday 40% Cashback Promotion (November 2025)
10.1.1. Promotion Period: Friday 28th November 2025, 10:00am to Saturday 29th November 2025, 5:00pm. In-store only.
10.1.2. Offer: Customers who spend £25 or more on eligible items will receive a gift card worth 40% of their qualifying spend (e.g., spend £25, receive a £10 gift card).
10.1.3. Request Required: This promotion will not be automatically applied. Customers must request the cashback offer at the point of sale to receive the gift card.
10.1.4. Excluded Items: The following items are excluded from this promotion and do not count towards qualifying spend:
(a) Gold, silver, and jewellery;
(b) Artist Showcase items;
(c) Sale items;
(d) Gift vouchers.
10.1.5. Gift Card Value: The gift card value may be rounded down to the nearest pound for accounting purposes (e.g., a spend of £27 may result in a £10 gift card rather than £10.80).
10.1.6. Gift Card Validity: Gift cards issued under this promotion are valid from 1st December 2025 to 31st January 2026 only. Gift cards not redeemed by 31st January 2026 will expire and hold no value.
10.1.7. No Returns – Sales Final: All purchases made under this promotion are final. No returns or refunds will be offered on items purchased as part of this promotion. This is because the gift card is issued at the point of sale; allowing returns would permit customers to return items while retaining the gift card. This does not affect your statutory rights where goods are faulty or not as described.
10.1.8. One Per Transaction: One gift card will be issued per qualifying transaction.
10.1.9. Cannot Be Combined: This promotion cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. The gift card issued cannot be used in conjunction with other promotional offers when redeemed.
10.1.10. Discretion: On The Square Emporium reserves the right to withdraw or amend this promotion at any time without prior notice.
11. LIABILITY
11.1. Consumer Rights
11.1.1. Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for:
(a) Death or personal injury caused by our negligence;
(b) Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) Any matter for which it would be illegal for us to exclude or limit our liability.
11.2. Product Descriptions and Condition
11.2.1. Given the nature of antiques and vintage items sold “as is,” we do not provide any warranty or guarantee regarding authenticity, age, origin, condition, or value beyond what is explicitly stated in writing at the time of sale.
11.2.2. It is your responsibility to inspect items before purchase (in-store) or within the cancellation period (online).
11.3. Commission-Vendor Items
11.3.1. Where we act as agent for a commission-vendor, we are not responsible for the condition, authenticity, or description provided by the vendor beyond what we have communicated to you.
11.3.2. However, we will assist in resolving any issues and act as the point of contact.
11.4. Limitation of Liability
11.4.1. Subject to clause 11.1, our maximum liability to you in connection with any purchase is limited to the purchase price paid by you for the item(s) in question.
11.4.2. We shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special losses, including:
• Loss of profits or business;
• Loss of opportunity or goodwill;
• Any other economic losses not directly caused by our breach.
11.5. Force Majeure
11.5.1. We shall not be liable for any failure to perform our obligations due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control (including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, pandemics, government restrictions, transport delays).
12. DATA PROTECTION
12.1. Privacy Policy: Our full Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data. It should be read alongside these Terms and Conditions. You can view our Privacy Policy at [link].
12.2. Data Controller: On The Square Auctions Limited is the data controller for personal information we collect.
12.3. What We Collect: We collect personal data necessary to process your orders, communicate with you, comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records), and (where you consent) send marketing communications.
12.4. Sharing Data: Where we act as agent for commission-vendors, we may need to share your contact details with the vendor for the purposes of completing the sale (e.g., arranging delivery). We will only share what is necessary.
12.5. Your Rights: You have rights under UK GDPR including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict, object, and port your data. You also have the right to withdraw marketing consent at any time.
12.6. Contact: For any data protection queries, contact our Data Protection Officer, Conor Stewart, at conor@onthesquareemporium.com.
13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
13.1. Our Content: All content on our website, in our catalogues, and in our marketing materials (including text, images, logos, designs, and photographs) is owned by or licensed to On The Square Emporium and is protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws.
13.2. Permitted Use: You may view, print, and download content for your personal, non-commercial use only.
13.3. Prohibited Use: You may not reproduce, modify, distribute, transmit, or use our content for commercial purposes without our prior written consent.
14. WEBSITE USE
14.1. Acceptable Use: You must not use our website:
(a) In any way that breaches any applicable law or regulation;
(b) In any way that is unlawful or fraudulent;
(c) To transmit any harmful code, viruses, or malicious software;
(d) To attempt to gain unauthorised access to our systems.
14.2. Availability: We do not guarantee that our website will always be available or that access will be uninterrupted. We may suspend, withdraw, or restrict access at any time for maintenance or other reasons.
14.3. Accuracy: While we make reasonable efforts to ensure information on our website is accurate, we do not warrant that content is always accurate, complete, or up to date. Item availability can change rapidly.
14.4. Third-Party Links: Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We have no control over these websites and accept no responsibility for their content.
15. GENERAL TERMS
15.1. Entire Agreement
15.1.1. These Terms and Conditions, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and On The Square Emporium (or the commission-vendor, where applicable).
15.2. Variation
15.2.1. We reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be published on our website with the date of last update.
15.2.2. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.
15.3. Assignment
15.3.1. We may transfer or assign our rights and obligations under these Terms to another entity.
15.3.2. Your rights are personal to you and may not be transferred.
15.4. Notices
15.4.1. We may give notice to you at the email address or postal address you have provided.
15.4.2. You may give notice to us at conor@onthesquareemporium.com or our registered office address.
15.5. Severability
15.5.1. If any provision of these Terms is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
15.6. Waiver
15.6.1. No failure or delay by us in exercising any right shall be deemed a waiver of that right.
15.7. Third-Party Rights
15.7.1. These Terms do not create any rights for third parties under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
15.8. Selling Items Back to Us
15.8.1. We are not obligated to buy back items from customers.
15.8.2. We will consider each request on a case-by-case basis, at a price that need not reflect the original purchase price.
16. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
16.1. Governing Law: These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Northern Ireland.
16.2. Jurisdiction: The courts of Northern Ireland shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms.
16.3. Consumer Rights: If you are a consumer, nothing in this clause affects your statutory rights or your right to bring proceedings in another jurisdiction if you live outside Northern Ireland.
17. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
17.1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions:
‘On The Square’, ‘On The Square Emporium’, ‘we’, ‘us’, or ‘our’ means On The Square Auctions Limited, a company registered in Northern Ireland;
‘You’, ‘your’, or ‘customer’ means the person using our services or making a purchase;
‘Commission-vendor’ or ‘vendor’ means a third-party seller whose items we sell on consignment for a commission;
‘Item’ or ‘goods’ means any product offered for sale through our shop or website;
‘Purchase Price’ means the total amount payable, including the item price, VAT, delivery charges (if applicable), and any other fees;
‘Website’ means www.onthesquareemporium.com and any associated sub-domains;
‘Consumer’ means an individual acting for purposes wholly or mainly outside that individual’s trade, business, craft, or profession;
17.2. Interpretation
17.2.1. Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation.
17.2.2. Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa.
17.2.3. References to one gender include all genders.
CONTACT INFORMATION
On The Square Emporium
(On The Square Auctions Limited)
Unit A3, Sydenham Business Park
17 Heron Road
Belfast BT3 9LE
Northern Ireland
Email: info@onthesquareemporium.com
Website: www.onthesquareemporium.com
Data Protection Officer: Conor Stewart
Email: conor@onthesquareemporium.com
Last Updated: 28th November 2025
By using our services, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.