Terms of Service
Adelaide Laser Engraving
Effective July 2026
Adelaide Laser Engraving provides specialty laser engraving across a wide range of customer-supplied and supplied items.
Laser engraving is a permanent process. Every item, material and manufacturing method can respond differently to laser energy. We take reasonable precautions, use appropriate techniques and perform our services with due care and skill. Some characteristics of an item cannot reasonably be identified until engraving has commenced.
These Terms of Service explain the nature of the process, its inherent risks and the responsibilities of both Adelaide Laser Engraving and the customer.
By approving a quote, supplying or leaving an item for engraving, making payment, approving artwork or otherwise authorising us to commence work, you agree to these terms.
1. Customer-Supplied Items
Most items engraved by Adelaide Laser Engraving are supplied by the customer.
You are responsible for:
• Ensuring you are authorised to have the item engraved.
• Providing accurate information about the item, including its material, brand, model, coating, plating or construction where known.
• Advising us of any known repairs, modifications, damage, sentimental significance or unusual characteristics that may affect the engraving process.
• Ensuring the item is clean and reasonably ready for engraving unless preparation has been included in your quote.
We may decline an item if we consider it unsuitable, unsafe, excessively risky or outside the capabilities of our equipment.
2. Permanent Nature of Laser Engraving
Laser engraving permanently alters the surface of an item.
Depending on the material and process, this may involve removing material or coatings, frosting glass, changing the surface colour, annealing metal or permanently marking the surface.
Once engraving has commenced, the item generally cannot be restored to its original condition.
Unlike printing or applying a removable label, there may be no opportunity to undo or restart an engraving on the same item.
By authorising engraving, you acknowledge the permanent nature of the process.
3. Material and Manufacturing Variations
Customer-supplied items may contain characteristics that are not visible or reasonably detectable before engraving.
These may include:
• Variations in material composition or alloy
• Uneven material thickness
• Thin or hollow sections
• Internal voids or cavities
• Casting variations
• Plating or coating thickness
• Surface treatments
• Adhesives or bonded layers
• Previous repairs or modifications
• Heat-sensitive components
• Manufacturing defects
• Variations between items that appear identical
These characteristics may cause an item to react differently from another apparently identical item or from previous examples we have engraved.
An unexpected material response does not necessarily indicate that an inappropriate engraving technique has been used.
4. Testing and Sample Items
Where practical, we may perform testing before final engraving.
Testing may include using a separate sample, an inconspicuous area, a supplied spare or comparable material.
For many customer-supplied items, particularly jewellery, watches, bottles, gifts and one-off items, there is no suitable area on which to perform a meaningful test without permanently marking the finished item.
Unless a separate test piece or spare is supplied, it may therefore be impossible to confirm exactly how the material will respond before engraving begins.
Where a customer supplies a sample or spare, we may recommend testing that item first.
For larger orders, we may require or recommend one or more spare items.
5. Inherent Engraving Risk
We take reasonable precautions and select engraving methods and settings based on the information available to us, the material, the construction of the item and our experience.
Despite appropriate care, unexpected results can occur because laser engraving interacts directly with the material being engraved.
Possible outcomes can include:
• Unexpected colour or contrast
• Uneven or inconsistent marking
• Variations in engraving depth
• Coating or plating reacting differently than expected
• Chipping, cracking or flaking
• Previously hidden layers becoming visible
• Thin material or an internal void becoming exposed
• Localised breakthrough in unexpectedly thin or hollow material
• Heat-related effects
• Differences between otherwise identical items
Where an unexpected result is caused by an inherent, hidden, undisclosed or manufacturing-related characteristic of a customer-supplied item, rather than a failure by Adelaide Laser Engraving to exercise due care and skill, the risk associated with that characteristic remains with the customer to the extent permitted by law.
6. Valuable, Sentimental and Irreplaceable Items
Please tell us before engraving if an item is particularly valuable, sentimental, rare or difficult to replace.
Examples include:
• Jewellery
• Watches
• Heirlooms
• Memorial items
• Limited-edition products
• Awards or trophies
• Collectables
• Items with significant sentimental value
• Items where replacement cost is substantially higher than its apparent retail value
We may recommend additional testing, request a spare, suggest an alternative engraving method or decline the job where we consider the risk unreasonable.
Acceptance of an item for engraving does not mean we have independently assessed its value, authenticity, internal construction or replacement availability.
7. Crystal, Fine and Specialty Glassware
Most suitable glassware engraves cleanly, but crystal, fine glassware and specialty glass can respond differently depending on their composition and manufacture.
Metal oxides, coatings, internal stresses, wall thickness and other characteristics may affect the engraving result.
Possible variations include uneven frosting, patchiness, small chips, inconsistent colour or areas that respond differently to the laser.
These characteristics may not be visible before engraving.
Where we identify an unusual reaction, we may stop work rather than continue and risk further damage.
Customers supplying expensive, fragile or difficult-to-replace glassware are encouraged to provide a spare where practical.
8. Manual Positioning and Engraving Tolerances
Many engraving jobs require manual positioning, focusing, measurement and alignment.
We aim for a high level of accuracy, but minor variations can occur because of:
• Item shape
• Manufacturing tolerances
• Curved or tapered surfaces
• Existing logos or markings
• Surface reflections
• Small engraving areas
• Differences between individual items
• Manual positioning
This is particularly relevant to jewellery, rings, watches, curved glassware, cylindrical items and highly polished surfaces.
Minor variations that are reasonable for the item and engraving process are not necessarily defects.
If exact positioning or a particular tolerance is critical, you must advise us before engraving begins so we can determine whether the requirement is achievable.
9. Artwork, Wording and Customer Instructions
You are responsible for supplying and checking all customer-provided:
• Names
• Dates
• Spelling
• Numbers
• Wording
• Logos
• Artwork
• Layout instructions
• Placement instructions
Please check all information carefully before submission or approval.
We are not responsible for an error that accurately reproduces information, artwork or instructions supplied or approved by you.
Where no exact size, orientation or placement has been specified, you authorise us to use our professional judgement to produce what we consider the most suitable visual result for the item.
10. Proofs and Approval
Proofs are available where appropriate and may be requested before engraving.
A digital proof represents the proposed artwork and general layout. It may not perfectly represent the final physical appearance, colour, contrast or exact positioning on a three-dimensional item.
Where a physical test or proof is required, the item and engraving equipment may need to be fully prepared, positioned, focused and ready for production before approval can be requested.
Where a proof is provided:
• You are responsible for checking spelling, dates, names, artwork, layout, sizing, orientation and other details.
• Engraving will not commence until approval is received unless you have expressly authorised us to proceed without further approval.
• Once approved, customer-approved errors are the customer's responsibility.
• Changes requested after approval may incur additional artwork, setup or production charges.
• Delayed approval may affect the completion date and may incur additional setup costs where the job, machine or item has already been physically prepared and positioned for engraving and must be removed or set up again at a later time.
• Any additional charge will reflect the extra setup or production time required and will be confirmed before work resumes.
• Where approval is delayed, the original production position or completion time cannot always be held, as other scheduled jobs may need to proceed.
Standard proofing covers reasonable minor adjustments such as small changes to font size, spacing or positioning.
New concepts, substantial artwork changes, different artwork, logo reconstruction, multiple alternative designs or repeated proofing may incur an additional design or setup fee.
Where a physical proof or test engraving has already been performed on the customer's item or a supplied sample, that engraving is permanent and cannot be reversed.
11. Fonts and Customer-Supplied Artwork
Our preferred artwork formats are SVG, PNG or PDF. High-quality JPG files may also be suitable depending on the design.
Where a specific font is required, please provide the exact font file in .ttf or .otf format or an exact source from which the correct font can be obtained.
Screenshots, mock-ups and photographs may be used as references but may not provide sufficient information to reproduce artwork or typography exactly.
Where artwork requires substantial cleaning, tracing, reconstruction or preparation, an additional artwork fee may apply.
12. Intellectual Property
By providing artwork, logos, photographs, trademarks or other content for engraving, you confirm that you own the relevant rights or have permission to use that content.
Adelaide Laser Engraving does not independently verify ownership or licensing of customer-supplied intellectual property.
You are responsible for obtaining any permission required for the requested use.
We may decline work where we reasonably believe the requested engraving may infringe another party's rights.
13. Changes After Work Has Commenced
Once engraving, artwork preparation, jig creation, testing or other production work has commenced, changes may incur additional charges.
If a customer changes the wording, design, quantity, placement, item type or other requirements after work has begun, we will advise of any additional cost where reasonably practicable before continuing.
Completed permanent engraving cannot be altered or removed simply because the customer changes their mind.
14. Bulk Orders and Repeatability
Bulk pricing generally assumes:
• Items are substantially identical
• The same artwork or layout is repeated
• Items arrive clean and ready to engrave
• Items can be processed using a repeatable production method
• Packaging does not require substantial additional handling
Minor manufacturing differences between nominally identical items may result in small variations in placement or engraving appearance.
Individual names, different artwork, changing layouts, sorting, matching, special packaging or additional handling may incur additional charges.
For large orders, we may recommend or require spare items to cover testing, manufacturing defects or unexpected material reactions.
14.1 Bulk Production Spares & Finished Quantity
• Bulk engraving is priced on the basis of a repeatable production process, allowing larger quantities to be completed at a substantially lower per-item cost than individual or small-batch engraving.
• Adelaide Laser Engraving takes reasonable care with every item. However, due to the nature of bulk production, a 100% finished yield from exactly the quantity supplied cannot always be guaranteed.
• Bulk orders may involve individual handling, positioning, manual personalisation, material variations and repeated machine operation. Unexpected issues can occasionally occur, including manufacturing defects, inconsistent materials or coatings, breakage, software or equipment issues, or human input errors.
• For standard bulk pricing, we recommend customers supply approximately 5% additional items as production spares, with a minimum of one spare item wherever practical. As a general guide, this means supplying at least one spare for every 20 items.
• Any unused spare items remain the customer's property and will be returned with the completed order.
• Where only the exact required quantity is supplied, we will still take reasonable care to complete every item. However, the customer acknowledges that an unexpected production or material issue may result in an additional item being required and may affect the final quantity or agreed completion date.
• Where the exact finished quantity is essential, particularly for orders with a fixed deadline, customers should advise us before production begins. Depending on the item and order, we may recommend additional spares or quote a higher production rate to allow additional individual checking, preparation and production time.
• On selected bulk orders where replacement items are readily available, a Guaranteed Quantity option may be offered for an additional quoted premium. Where this option has been expressly included in the quote, Adelaide Laser Engraving will take responsibility for replacing and re-engraving an item affected by an engraving or production error on our part, subject to the agreed terms of that quote.
• The Guaranteed Quantity option does not cover inherent material or manufacturing defects, undisclosed item characteristics, incorrect information or artwork supplied or approved by the customer, or other circumstances outside our reasonable control.
• Guaranteed Quantity may not be available for high-value, rare, sentimental, specialist, irreplaceable or difficult-to-source items. These items are individually assessed and priced according to the additional care, preparation and risk involved.
• If replacement items need to be sourced or collected because insufficient production spares were supplied, additional sourcing, collection, delivery, setup or engraving charges may apply where appropriate. Any such additional costs will be discussed before proceeding.
• Nothing in this section excludes or restricts any rights or remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.
15. Packaging and Preparation
Minor packaging or simple labels that can be quickly removed may be included at no additional charge.
Where items require more involved preparation, such as:
• Cutting or removing tape
• Removing plastic wrapping
• Opening individual boxes or bags
• Removing multiple packaging layers
• Removing labels or adhesive residue
• Matching items to packaging
• Repacking individual items
• Assembling presentation boxes
an additional handling charge may apply from $2.
Where possible, additional preparation charges will be discussed before work proceeds.
16. Customer-Supplied Quantities and Spares
For bulk orders, the customer is responsible for supplying the agreed quantity plus any recommended spares.
If no spares are supplied and an item has a manufacturing defect, hidden material issue or other inherent problem, completion of the full requested quantity may require additional items and may affect the completion date.
Where Adelaide Laser Engraving supplies the products as part of the quoted job, any agreed allowance for normal production spares will be managed by us.
17. Turnaround Times
Quoted completion dates and turnaround times are estimates unless expressly agreed otherwise.
We make reasonable efforts to meet agreed deadlines.
Turnaround can be affected by artwork approval, customer responses, material testing, unexpected item characteristics, changes to the order, supplier delays or other circumstances outside our reasonable control.
If no specific completion time has been agreed, work will be completed within a reasonable time having regard to the nature and complexity of the job.
Express or priority services may be available for an additional charge.
18. Drop-Off and Collection
Face-to-face drop-off and collection can be arranged by appointment.
A secure monitored contactless drop-off and collection facility may also be available.
Where a locker or other contactless collection method is used, customers should collect items promptly after being advised that the order is ready.
Please ensure items are appropriately protected when being left for engraving.
19. Uncollected Items
Customers are responsible for collecting completed items within a reasonable period after notification.
If an item remains uncollected for an extended period, we will make reasonable attempts to contact you using the details provided.
Any further action concerning uncollected goods will be taken in accordance with applicable South Australian law.
20. Pricing and Additional Work
Pricing is based on the information available when the quote is provided.
If the actual item, artwork, packaging, preparation or engraving requirements materially differ from what was described, we may revise the quote before proceeding with the affected additional work.
Additional work will not normally be undertaken without customer approval where it materially increases the agreed price.
21. Payment
Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due upon completion of the order.
Accepted payment methods may include:
• Bank transfer
• PayID
• Cash
• Credit or debit card via Tap to Pay
Any applicable card processing surcharge will be disclosed before payment.
For larger, custom or specially ordered jobs, a deposit or payment in advance may be required.
22. Supplied Products and Special Orders
Where Adelaide Laser Engraving purchases or specially orders an item at the customer's request, the price may include sourcing, handling, collection, freight, preparation and an appropriate supply margin.
Specially sourced or personalised products may not be cancellable once ordering or production has commenced, except where the customer has a right to cancel or obtain a remedy under applicable law.
23. Problems With an Engraving
If you believe there is a problem with completed work, please contact us as soon as reasonably possible and provide photographs where helpful.
Please allow us a reasonable opportunity to inspect the item and understand what has occurred.
Depending on the circumstances, possible solutions may include:
• Further engraving or adjustment where appropriate
• Re-performing the engraving service
• An alternative design or technique
• Another remedy required under Australian Consumer Law
The appropriate solution will depend on the item, the nature of the issue and the applicable legal rights.
24. Australian Consumer Law
Our services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law.
Nothing in these Terms of Service is intended to exclude, restrict or modify any consumer guarantee, right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.
Adelaide Laser Engraving will provide its engraving services with due care and skill and comply with applicable obligations under Australian Consumer Law.
Where Australian Consumer Law entitles a customer to a remedy, these terms do not restrict that entitlement.
25. Acceptance of Terms
By approving a quote, paying a deposit or invoice, approving artwork, supplying or leaving an item for engraving, or otherwise instructing Adelaide Laser Engraving to commence work, you acknowledge that:
• You have had an opportunity to review these Terms of Service.
• You understand that laser engraving permanently alters an item.
• You understand that customer-supplied items may contain hidden or unknown characteristics that cannot reasonably be identified before engraving.
• You understand that unexpected material reactions can occur despite appropriate care and technique.
• You have provided any material information known to you that may affect the engraving process.
• You authorise Adelaide Laser Engraving to perform the agreed engraving service.
26. Contact
If you have questions about your item, artwork or these terms, please contact Adelaide Laser Engraving before authorising the work.