General Terms and Conditions: Membership

1. SCOPE OF APPLICATION, AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
   
   1.1 These General Terms and Conditions (hereinafter GTC) govern the legal relationship between db pottery studio GmbH, Schiffbaustrasse 9a, 8005 Zurich (hereinafter db pottery studio or the Studio) and the customer/member (hereinafter the Member; together with db pottery studio, the Parties).
   
   1.2 Deviating or supplementary provisions shall apply only if agreed upon in writing with db pottery studio, and only for the specific individual case. In case of doubt, these GTC shall take precedence. For the purposes of these GTC, written form includes all text-based formats, such as email (denise@db-pottery.ch).
   
   
2. OFFER, CONCLUSION OF CONTRACT AND MEMBERSHIP
   
   2.1 Unless otherwise stated, all offers made by db pottery studio are non-binding. Submitting a Membership subscription application or placing an order constitutes an offer by the Member; the contract is only concluded upon written confirmation from db pottery studio.
   Displaying products or Membership subscription options in the online shop does not constitute a binding offer, but an invitation to submit an offer.
   
   2.2 Membership subscription applications must be submitted in writing or via the designated function on the Studio’s website (www.db-pottery.ch/membership-abo/).
   
   2.3 The GTC are provided to the Member together with the offer. By submitting a Membership subscription application or placing an order, the Member is deemed to have accepted the GTC.
   
   2.4 There is no automatic entitlement to become a Member. Applications are reviewed in the order received.
   
   
3. MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION CONTENT
   
   3.1 All new Members are required to complete a compulsory studio introduction before independently using the Studio. This session is not included in the Membership subscription and is charged separately at the current rate set by the Studio.
   
   3.2 The Membership subscription includes access to the Studio premises and the use of its infrastructure, facilities, and equipment for up to 15 hours per week during regular opening hours (see Section 8).
   
   3.3 Unused hours—whether due to voluntary or involuntary absence—cannot be carried over to subsequent weeks.
   
   3.4 Members may bring a guest to the Studio, provided the visit is registered and approved in advance by the Studio management (hereinafter referred to as "the Management").
   
   Guests may only be present when accompanied by the Member and are subject to the Studio’s current hourly guest fee.
   
   Guest hours will be tracked and invoiced directly to the Member’s account. Even for complimentary guest visits, advance approval from the Management is required. The Member is fully responsible for their guest’s behavior, safety, and compliance with Studio rules at all times.
   
   3.5 Members with an active 12-month Membership subscription are entitled to one complimentary guest visit per year, valid for a single session of up to 3 hours.
    
4.  CONTRACT DURATION AND CANCELLATION
   
   4.1 The duration of the Membership subscription is based on the agreement selected by the Member and comes into effect upon written confirmation by the Studio.
   
   4.2 Membership subscriptions renew automatically at the end of each contract period unless cancelled in writing at least 30 days before the renewal date. If cancellation notice is submitted late, the Member will be charged for one additional month at the current 3-month Membership rate, regardless of whether they plan to use the Studio.
   
   4.3 Membership subscriptions may be changed to a different duration at the time of renewal. Members on a monthly payment plan may also switch to a paid-in-full subscription at any time. Mid-term changes from a paid-in-full subscription to a shorter duration or to monthly payments are not permitted, and no refunds or partial refunds will be issued in such cases.
   
   4.4 Refund of Remaining Credit
   When a Membership is cancelled, any remaining credit on the account will be refunded if the Member requests it in writing.
   
   If the remaining credit is less than CHF 50, the Member can choose to keep the credit on their account for future purchases, or transfer it to another Member’s account.
   
   4.5 Early cancellation before the end of the contract period is permitted only in cases of a serious, unforeseen event (e.g. medical emergency or relocation outside the Zurich region). Appropriate documentation must be provided, and any refund is at the discretion of Studio management.
   
   If the reason is not medical or relocation-related, early cancellation may still be considered if the Member’s spot can be filled—either by the Member or by the Studio. If approved, the Member will be required to pay the difference between their current rate and the applicable shorter-term rate, as longer commitments are discounted. Please note: no refunds or partial refunds will be issued for past months, even in the case of illness or absence. Refunds, if granted, apply only to future months and will take effect from the date written notice and documentation are received.
   
   4.6 If a Member cancels due to medical reasons, a valid doctor’s note must be submitted within 14 days of the written cancellation notice. If documentation is not provided within this timeframe, the cancellation will be handled under the standard policy outlined above.
   
   4.7 A cancellation processing fee of CHF 50 applies to all Membership cancellations.
   
   4.8 Members must clear their personal shelf and remove all personal belongings from the Studio before the end of their final active Membership month, unless otherwise agreed with the Studio.
   
   4.9 Members who violate these GTC or are significantly behind on payments may have their Membership subscription terminated without notice and may be denied access to the Studio.
   
   
5. PAUSING MEMBERSHIP
   
   5.1 Members may request to temporarily pause their Membership subscription in the following cases:

   Medical, parental, or accident-related leave
   Members experiencing illness, injury, maternity, or paternity leave may request a pause for the duration of their documented absence. A written request must be submitted as soon as possible, accompanied by valid documentation (e.g. a medical certificate or employer confirmation). Pauses will take effect only from the date the request and documentation are received by Studio management. No backdated pauses, refunds, or partial refunds will be granted for time missed prior to written notification.

   Extended travel or compelling professional reasons
   Members with an active 12-month Membership subscription may request one pause per subscription year for travel or professional obligations, provided the absence is at least 8 consecutive weeks. The request must be submitted at least 60 days in advance and must include appropriate documentation (e.g. travel confirmation or formal leave notice).
   
   5.2 Only one pause may be granted per 12-month subscription period. Paused time cannot be split across multiple periods.
   
   5.3 Before the pause begins, Members must fully clear their studio shelf and remove all personal belongings from the Studio, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Studio management.
   
   5.4 A CHF 50 pausing fee applies to each approved pause.
   
   5.5 Membership subscriptions and pauses are structured around full calendar months. Membership pauses only begin on the 1st of a future month and end on the last day of a month. Partial-month pauses are not available.
   
   

6. PRICES
   
   6.1 All prices are listed in Swiss francs (CHF) and include applicable value-added tax (VAT).
   
   6.2 The current prices for Membership subscriptions are published on the Studio’s website. db pottery studio reserves the right to adjust prices when necessary. Members will be informed of any changes at least 14 days in advance, in writing.
   
   6.3 The Studio charges material fees based on the final weight of fired work. Different rates apply for bisque firing and glaze firing. The current pricing for firing and materials is available on the Studio’s website or upon request.
   
   6.4 Members wishing to work with fresh porcelain must purchase it separately, as it is not included in the Studio’s standard recycled clay system. Additionally, Members who intend to mix materials into raw clay—such as pigments, grog, fibers, or other clay types—must purchase that clay individually, as it cannot be safely recycled or reused by others. The Studio reserves the right to require individual clay purchases in these cases to maintain the quality and safety of the shared clay supply.
   
   6.5 All material-related purchases must be paid in advance, either through the Studio’s website or on-site. These payments are credited to the Member’s account (referred to as credit).
   
   
7. TERMS OF PAYMENT AND LATE PAYMENT
   
   7.1 Upon entering into a Membership subscription, the Member agrees to pay the associated fees on a monthly basis, unless a paid-in-full subscription has been selected. Members who pay in full may receive a discount, as published on the Studio’s website.
   
   7.2 Membership subscription fees remain due regardless of actual use of the Studio or its facilities.
   
   7.3 If a Member wishes to book additional hours beyond their weekly allowance, this must be requested in advance from the Studio management. Additional studio hours may be purchased in fixed packages, subject to availability. Current pricing is available upon request.
   
   7.4 Material purchases and firing fees must be paid in advance (see Section 6.5).
   
   7.5 Invoices and Late Payments
   Invoices are issued in writing and can be found in your account online. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date.
   
   If payment is late, the following process applies:

   First reminder: Sent free of charge.
   Second reminder: Sent after at least 14 days of first reminder if payment is still outstanding; an administration fee of CHF 20.00 applies.

   From the date of the second reminder, the Member is considered in default.
   
   If payment is not received within 14 days after the second reminder, the outstanding balance may be forwarded to a debt collection agency. The Member will be responsible for any additional costs incurred through the collection process.
   
   

8. OPENING HOURS
   
   8.1 db pottery studio reserves the right to adjust opening hours as needed for courses, workshops, maintenance, special events, or other operational reasons. The current opening hours and any changes are published on the calendar of the internal membership platform (Social Wall) and are determined by Studio management.
   
   8.2 Unless otherwise communicated, the Studio is accessible to Members between 07:00 and 24:00 daily. Members are expected to respect these hours and plan their studio use accordingly.
   
   
9. HEALTH AND SAFETY
   
   9.1 Members must use the designated Studio Member entrance. Access through the workshop room is prohibited. In case of fire or emergency, the nearest available exit must be used.
   
   9.2 Members enter and use the Studio premises at their own risk. They acknowledge that working in a ceramics studio involves inherent hazards (e.g. sharp tools, hot surfaces, electrical equipment, etc.).
   
   9.3 Members are not permitted to mix glazes independently. Glaze mixing is only allowed under supervision or with prior approval from Studio management.
   
   9.4 The kilns are operated exclusively by Studio mentors or management. The Studio reserves the right to refuse to fire any work that does not meet safety or quality standards. This includes—but is not limited to—pieces made with foreign clay, improperly applied glaze (e.g. uncleaned bases), or any work that poses a firing risk.
   
   9.5 Members are fully liable for any damage caused to the kiln due to improper use. This includes excessive glaze application, use of unapproved materials, or incorrectly placed work. In such cases, Members may be charged kiln damage fees to cover cleaning or repair costs.
   
   9.6 Members must fully clean their workspaces after each session. This includes removing all clay and glaze residues from tables, tools, and floors. Work areas must be left in the condition they were found. Proper cleanup helps reduce fine dust and maintain a safe, healthy environment for everyone.
   
   9.7 Members are required to wipe down their personal shelf at least once per month using a damp cloth. This helps reduce the buildup of silica dust, which poses a health risk if left unmanaged.
   
   9.8 For safety reasons, no items may be placed on, against, or near the kilns at any time. The area surrounding all kilns must remain clear, regardless of whether the kilns are in use.
   
   9.9 Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the Studio premises or directly in front of the entrance.
   
   9.10 Children under the age of 16 may only enter the Studio if accompanied by an adult. Dogs are only permitted with prior approval from Studio management and must be well-behaved and supervised at all times.
   
   
10. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
    
    10.1 Use of the Studio, including its infrastructure, facilities, and participation in courses or events, is at the Member’s own risk. To the extent permitted by law, db pottery studio accepts no liability for direct or indirect damages arising from the use of its services.
    
    10.2 Members are responsible for maintaining personal accident and liability insurance for the duration of their Membership subscription.
    
    10.3 db pottery studio is not liable for the loss, theft, or damage of personal belongings brought onto the Studio premises.
    
    10.4 Members are liable for any damage they cause to Studio facilities, equipment, or property, whether intentional or due to negligence. This includes full reimbursement for repair or replacement costs, as well as the replacement of loaned items that are lost or damaged.

     

11. FINAL PROVISIONS
    
    11.1 If any provision of these GTC is found to be invalid or unenforceable, in whole or in part, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. The invalid provision shall be replaced by a legally valid provision that most closely reflects the original intent and economic purpose of the invalid clause.
    
    11.2 These GTC and the legal relationship between the Parties are governed exclusively by substantive Swiss law.

The exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from or in connection with these GTC is Zurich, Switzerland.

This document is protected by copyright.
Updated Aug 2025