General terms and conditions

§ 1) General

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) serve to clearly regulate the mutual legal relationship between the customer and Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH. The GTC become valid upon publication in the online shop. Unless special conditions have been agreed upon and confirmed by us, the following terms of business, delivery, and payment apply, to which the customer agrees upon placing an order.

Names, product descriptions, and item numbers in our product range and on this website (specifically on swissbells.com, swissbells.ch, and glocken.ch) are intended only for customers with a billing address in Switzerland. For data protection and trademark reasons, international customers must refrain from using any product names in correspondence. All brand names, trademarks, and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.

§ 2) Offer and contract

The offers of Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH in price lists and advertisements are subject to change and non-binding. Orders, agreements, additions, and amendments are only binding for Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH after confirmation. Order confirmations are only issued upon explicit request. The information in our sales documents (drawings, illustrations, dimensions, weights, and other specifications) are to be understood as guidelines only and do not constitute a guarantee of properties unless they are expressly designated as binding. We expressly point out that our products are handmade. The illustrations may therefore differ from the delivered product. Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH assumes no responsibility for spelling errors in inscriptions unless the inscription has been confirmed by us. If a buyer exceeds their credit limit with an order or has insufficient creditworthiness, we are released from our delivery obligation or may offer an alternative payment method. With the payment method "prepayment," the items are reserved for 10 days. After this period, the reserved items are offered for sale again, and the customer must expect a longer delivery time. Personalized items are only produced after full payment has been received when paying in advance.

§ 3) Prices

The prices stated in our order confirmation or order acknowledgement are binding. However, we reserve the right to correct errors and make price changes. With the publication of a new price list or a change on our website, the previous price automatically becomes invalid. For special offers, we are only bound to the stated prices for the validity period specified in the offer, and the goods will only be issued while they are available. In the event of supply shortages or special orders, the daily price on the day of the order applies. Unless otherwise agreed, all prices are exclusive of shipping costs, including statutory VAT in Switzerland, and exclusive of VAT abroad.

§ 4) Delivery and service time

Dates and delivery periods are non-binding unless expressly agreed otherwise. Any indication of specific delivery periods and dates by Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH is subject to the correct and timely delivery to Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH by its suppliers and manufacturers. Delivery is immediate or as agreed. Goods available from stock are shipped within 1-4 days whenever possible. The online shop is updated several times a day. Therefore, there may be discrepancies in the displayed stock levels, meaning that your item may be shown as available but is no longer in stock. If this is the case, we will contact you immediately and offer a suitable solution. Items that we need to produce or order have a longer delivery time (depending on production capacity and the delivery capabilities of our suppliers). Operational and transport disruptions, as well as other cases of force majeure, release us from the agreed delivery deadline and from the obligation to fully fulfill the order. For backorders of items that are listed as unavailable or not yet available in our shop, the shipping costs are borne by the customer. Offline orders are always subject to shipping costs. Items that need to be produced or ordered have a longer delivery time (depending on production capacity and the delivery capabilities of our suppliers).

§ 5) Default of acceptance

If the buyer refuses to accept the delivery items after expiry of a grace period granted to him or declares that he does not want to take the goods, Glockengiesserei Berger may refuse to fulfill the contract and claim damages for non-performance. The bell foundry Berger is entitled to claim either as a lump sum compensation 25% of the agreed purchase price or the replacement of the damage effectively incurred by the buyer.

§ 6) Delivery

You are generally free to choose the shipping method. Our shipments are insured by us with the respective carrier. In the event of any damage to the goods during transport, you are responsible for clarifying the circumstances and the further course of action. Visible discrepancies in quantity must be reported immediately upon receipt of the goods, and concealed discrepancies in quantity within 8 days of receipt of the goods to Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH and the carrier. Complaints regarding damage, delay, loss, or inadequate packaging must be reported immediately upon receipt of the shipment. Shipping is climate-neutral via Swiss Post Economy, Swiss Post Priority, Swiss Post Express Moon, or Swiss Post International, unless you request a different shipping method. Any additional costs for a different shipping method are borne by the customer. Delivery is generally available worldwide via Swiss Post International for a corresponding shipping fee. Please note that for international shipments, customs duties and any applicable VAT are charged by the authorities. We have no control over these. Delivery times abroad are estimates and can vary considerably. This is generally due to customs authorities, over which we have no influence. Delivery delays due to lengthy customs processing times are not grounds for contract cancellation and do not release the buyer from their payment obligations, and no price reduction can be claimed. If packages are not collected from the post office, subsequent delivery will generally be subject to a fee, as the tracking number is available to the recipient and the shipment status can be checked. Order adjustments, including for items marked as out of stock, or address changes, will be charged at CHF 20.00.

§ 7) Transfer of risk

When Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH ships the goods to the customer, the risk passes to the customer upon handover of the goods by the carrier. If shipment is delayed or becomes impossible through no fault of our own, Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH cannot be held liable. Any agreement in individual cases for Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH to bear the transport costs does not affect the transfer of risk.

§ 8) Warranty and guarantee

We provide a warranty for the delivered goods within the framework of the statutory provisions. This warranty applies only to defects that occur under normal operating conditions and with proper use. It does not apply to defects caused by improper use, excessive strain, unauthorized repairs, inadequate storage and handling, or normal wear and tear. Returns will not be accepted without prior agreement. Minor deviations from the warranted characteristics of the goods do not give rise to any warranty claims. We must be given the opportunity to rectify the reported defects within a reasonable period. For defects acknowledged by us, repair or replacement will be carried out free of charge.

§ 9) Returns

The return of products by the customer requires the prior consent of Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH and is at the customer's expense and risk. Returned products must be in their original packaging and accompanied by a detailed description of the defect/fault. Products that we procure at the customer's request or do not keep in stock (e.g., inscriptions on bells, buckles, custom-made carvings, etc.) are excluded from returns. The replacement of parts or entire products does not extend the warranty period. The warranty is limited exclusively to the repair or replacement of the damaged items. All goods kept in stock by us are generally accepted for return within 14 days of receipt. You will then receive a credit note for the value of the goods. Condition: No alterations may be made to the goods. Goods that are not in perfect condition or that have been maliciously damaged are excluded from returns. If these conditions are not met, we will have to charge for damaged and/or missing returned goods and also levy a processing fee of CHF 50.00. Furthermore, in the case of abusive returns, we reserve the right to return the goods unprocessed at the recipient's expense.

§ 10) Retention of title

The delivered goods remain the property of Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH until full payment has been received. This also applies if the delivered goods have been processed, modified, or resold.

§ 11) Terms of payment

The invoice payments are due in cash or net within 10 days, as agreed, unless otherwise agreed. Payment by invoice is subject to a prior credit check by Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH. If the creditworthiness is insufficient, Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH may offer an alternative payment method. Delivery is generally ex works, i.e., at the buyer's expense, via parcel post, freight forwarder, or our own vehicle, unless expressly agreed otherwise. Payment is only considered complete when the funds are available to us. Checks are not accepted. If the buyer defaults on payment, we are entitled to charge interest at a rate of 5% from the date of default, as well as reminder fees of CHF 20.00 for the first reminder, CHF 50.00 for the second, and CHF 80.00 for the third. In case of repeated late payments, a reminder fee of CHF 40.00 will be charged starting with the first reminder, CHF 80.00 with the second reminder, and CHF 100.00 with the third reminder. During the period of default, Glockengiesserei Berger GmbH is also entitled at any time to withdraw from the contract, demand the return of the delivered goods, and claim damages for breach of contract. All claims become due immediately if the customer defaults on payment, culpably fails to comply with other material obligations under the contract, or if we become aware of circumstances that could impair the customer's creditworthiness, in particular, suspension of payments, the commencement of composition or bankruptcy proceedings. In these cases, we are entitled to withhold any outstanding deliveries or to execute them only against prepayment or provision of security. Shipments abroad are always made only against prepayment. In the case of prepayment, shipment will only take place after final credit of the invoice amount. Payment by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, or American Express) and electronically (Twint, PayPal) is possible. For advance payments, VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, and PayPal, payments can be made in CHF, USD, and EUR. With advance payment, items are reserved for 10 days. After this period, the items are released for sale again.

§ 12) Declaration of consent to credit and risk assessment

To determine whether delivery on account is possible, an address and creditworthiness check is carried out. The personal information relevant for order and payment processing may be transmitted to the Swiss Creditreform Association and also to partner companies. The Creditreform Data Protection Declaration (DPD) applies in this regard.

§ 13) Technical details and detailed explanations

Technical specifications are provided by us to the best of our knowledge and belief. These may vary slightly, as all products are handmade. We cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies provided by our suppliers. Detailed explanations and other product-specific information are partly copied from supplier information and are provided for clarity. We cannot be held liable for errors or omissions.

§ 14) Sample Shipmendts

A handling fee of CHF 20.00 plus shipping costs will be charged for sample shipments. This fee will be waived if an order is subsequently placed. Sample shipments will be invoiced after 14 days and are non-returnable.

§ 15) Limitation of Liability

Claims for damages arising from impossibility of performance, breach of contract, negligence in the formation of the contract, and tort are excluded against both us and our agents or subcontractors, unless caused by intent or gross negligence. We disclaim all liability for consequential damages resulting from the use of the products.

§ 16) Changes to the terms and conditions

We reserve the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. The terms and conditions published in the online shop apply.

§ 17) Applicable law and jurisdiction

Swiss law applies. The place of jurisdiction for all disputes between the parties arising from a contractual relationship is Langnau im Emmental (Canton of Bern, Switzerland).

§ 18) Severability clause

Should any provision of this text be or become invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this text shall remain unaffected.

Baerau, 1th June, 2026