Changes to Stone's standard terms and conditions, effective 1st March 2010

Changes to certain company procedures and to our standard terms and conditions of sale effective from 1 March 2010

We are currently reviewing certain procedures in advance of the implementation of a new computer system and also to update them and bring them in line with current industry practice.These changes will be incorporated into our standard terms and conditions of sale and will be operated with effect from 1 March 2010.The majority will have no immediate tangible affect on the way we interact with you; however I thought it would be helpful if I gave advance notice of certain of the changes as they will affect the procedures you will need to follow to return goods.

Advance replacement components (“AdReps”)

Our customer service department will continue to ship advance replacement components where existing arrangements are in place, however from 1 March the value of these components will be invoiced to you. Our customer service department will provide you with a Returned Material Authorisation (“RMA”) number for the return of the faulty components. On receipt of the returned components and closure of the RMA you will receive a credit equal to the value of the advance replacement components.

Return of goods for credit

From 1 March this will require an RMA number to be authorised by the finance department. The main criteria for authorisation of the RMA will be:
·         the request is received within 14 days of delivery;
·         the reason for the request is for example incorrectly picked or faulty product.
·         At the Company’s absolute discretion goods delivered in accordance with the contract may be accepted for return if they are a standard stock item, or if the Company’s terms with its supplier allow the relevant goods to be returned, although restocking, freight and/or administrative charges will apply.

Goods supplied for evaluation purposes

From time to time the Company may supply goods for customer or prospective customer evaluation on a sale or return basis. From 1 March such items will be supplied on a 28 day sale or return basis. The value of the goods will be invoiced, but will be credited if returned by the end of the evaluation period in a saleable condition.

An updated copy of our standard terms and conditions will be available in due course.