Terms and Sales Conditions

Scope

These General Terms and Conditions (“T&C”) apply to all adult customers with legal capacity who place orders via www.modernista.ch, via advertisements published on third-party platforms, or via third-party websites.

Transaction Model
– as a direct seller of goods, or
– as an intermediary acting under a client mandate for the collection, payment and transport of goods purchased from third-party sellers.

The applicable model is clearly indicated during the checkout process and in the order confirmation.

Brands, Signatures and Labels

Modernista sells authentic vintage and second-hand design objects. However, original labels, signatures or brand marks may not always be present, as manufacturers or designers did not consistently mark items in the past. The absence of such references does not necessarily reduce the value of an item.

Prices and Service Fees – Direct Sales

In the case of direct sales, prices depend on the rarity, age, condition, market value and delivery method of the item. Prices are fixed and not subject to negotiation unless otherwise stated.

Prices and Service Fees – Mandate-Based Transactions

item represents the estimated purchase price of the goods and is shown for informational purposes only.

The price indicated in the order confirmation consists of:
• the purchase price of the goods (advance paid by the customer on behalf of the seller), and
• the service costs related to collection and transport, including travel costs and hourly travel fees.

The purchase price of the goods corresponds to an amount advanced by the customer for the acquisition of the item in the customer’s name. This amount is paid by Modernista to the third-party seller and does not constitute revenue of Modernista.

Modernista invoices exclusively its services, including:
• travel costs,
• hourly travel fees (CHF 50.– per hour based on total travel time, round trip),
• agreed expenses.

The total service price displayed in the order confirmation includes both travel costs and hourly travel fees and is payable by the customer to Modernista.

No additional hourly service fees shall be charged, unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

Condition of the Object

Vintage and antique items naturally show signs of age and use. Each item is carefully inspected by Modernista’s staff and, where possible, conservatively restored. Any visible defects or issues are documented and communicated to the customer prior to order confirmation.

Intermediary Role and Mandate

For mandate-based transactions, Modernista acts exclusively as an intermediary and agent of the customer, pursuant to Articles 394 et seq. of the Swiss Code of Obligations. No contract of sale of the goods is concluded between Modernista and the customer. Ownership of the goods remains at all times with the customer.

Payments and Advances

All amounts collected by Modernista in relation to mandate-based transactions are received exclusively on behalf of the customer, as advances, and do not constitute revenue of Modernista. Such amounts are used solely to pay the third-party seller designated by the customer.

Payment of service fees must be made in advance. Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and PostFinance. Payments must be completed within five (5) business days of order confirmation.

Refusal or Impossibility of Collection

In mandate-based transactions, Modernista may refuse or suspend the collection of goods if, at the time of collection, the goods:
• do not correspond to the information provided,
• are damaged or not suitable for transport,
• present unsafe or inadequate conditions,
• are inaccessible or otherwise unsuitable for collection.

In such cases, Modernista may:
• suspend or refuse the service,
• suspend payment to the seller,
• terminate the mandate.

Modernista will inform the customer promptly and may provide supporting documentation. The customer accepts that costs incurred may be charged, unless otherwise agreed.

Shipping and Delivery

Shipping within Switzerland is carried out via Swiss Post. Delivery times are typically 5–7 business days after confirmation. In-person deliveries and other logistics options may vary depending on the transaction.

Shipping Damages

Any damage caused by the carrier must be reported immediately to customer support and, where possible, directly to the carrier upon delivery.

Shipping Abroad and Customs

Not all items can be shipped abroad. All import taxes, customs duties and related charges are borne exclusively by the customer.

Insurance and Additional Services

All shipments are insured up to CHF 1,500. Additional insurance may be requested at extra cost prior to shipment.

Retention of Title

In direct sales, goods remain the property of Modernista until full payment has been received. This clause does not apply to mandate-based transactions.

Order Cancellation

Orders may be cancelled prior to shipment or collection. Shipping and handling costs are non-refundable.

Third-Party Private Sales

For items sourced under mandate, cancellation is only possible before payment to the seller. Once payment has been made, cancellation is no longer possible except in cases of undisclosed defects.

Returns and Refunds

Returns are accepted within ten (10) working days if the item does not correspond to the description or images. Refunds exclude shipping costs unless due to error or loss.

Warranty

All items are offered “as is”. No additional warranties are provided unless explicitly stated. This applies in particular to vintage and pre-owned objects, which may present natural signs of age and use consistent with their history.

Visual Representation

Product presentation may include a combination of real documentation, editorial imagery, and digitally generated or AI-assisted visual compositions. These are intended to express atmosphere, spatial context, and design intent, and should be understood as interpretative rather than technical representations.

Only images and videos explicitly showing the physical product in its actual condition, as presented in the product gallery or clearly identified as documentary, constitute accurate visual reference of the item offered for sale.

In case of discrepancy, written product specifications and verified documentation shall prevail.

Visual Content Notice

All images, videos, and digital compositions are provided for illustrative and inspirational purposes and form part of the overall product presentation. They do not replace written descriptions or technical specifications.

Data Protection

Customer data is used solely for order processing, invoicing, payment and logistics. All personal data remains confidential.

Order Confirmation and Acceptance

By completing checkout and accepting these T&C, the customer grants a mandate where applicable. Order confirmations constitute valid proof of acceptance.

Customer Service

comQuèst SA
Via Ceresio 6a
6963 Pregassona – Switzerland
Email: info@modernista.ch

Website Ownership

The website www.modernista.ch is owned by comQuèst SA, registered in the Ticino Commercial Register under number CHE-114.984.930. Sole Director: Salvatore Alagna.

Last update:

14 May 2026