🌴 Kahiwa Design Studio — Business Policies

1. Payment Policy

To begin any project, a non-refundable retainer of 50% is required to reserve your spot and cover the initial creative development phase.
The remaining 50% is due before final file delivery or website launch.

Accepted Methods: Credit Card, PayPal, Zelle, or Bank Transfer.
Late Payments: Invoices not paid within 7 days of the due date will incur a 5% late fee. Work may pause until payment is received.
All design files, proofs, and intellectual property remain the property of Kahiwa Design Studio until full payment is made.

2. Refund & Cancellation Policy

All payments made to Kahiwa Design Studio are non-refundable, as they compensate for time, labor, and creative resources already invested.
Refunds may be issued only in exceptional cases where no work has begun.

If a client chooses to cancel the project after work has started, the following applies:

  • The retainer is non-refundable.

  • Any work completed up to cancellation remains the property of Kahiwa Design Studio.

  • If the project is beyond 50% completion, no refunds will be issued.

Should Kahiwa Design Studio need to cancel a project for any reason, a fair prorated refund will be issued for unfinished work.

3. Revisions Policy

Each package includes a set number of revisions (typically 2 rounds unless otherwise stated).
Additional revisions or major design changes beyond the included rounds will be billed at $39/hour.

Revisions are defined as minor adjustments — not complete redesigns or new concepts.
Requests made after final approval will require a Change Order Form and new estimate.

4. Communication Policy

All official communication must occur via email or approved platforms (e.g., ClickUp, Bloom, or CoPilot client portal).
Messages sent through social media or text are not considered official project communication.

Kahiwa Design Studio’s business hours are:
🕘 Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Weekend responses are limited and reserved for urgent deadlines only.

Clients are encouraged to consolidate feedback into one message per revision round to ensure clarity and efficiency.

5. Turnaround & Deadlines Policy

Turnaround times vary per project and depend on timely client communication and approvals.
Delays in providing content, feedback, or payments will result in adjusted timelines.

Kahiwa Design Studio is not responsible for missed deadlines due to client delays.
Rush fees may apply for requests requiring less than the standard turnaround time.

6. File Ownership & Copyright Policy

All design work, concepts, and creative materials remain the property of Kahiwa Design Studio until full payment is received.

Once final payment is made:

  • The client receives usage rights for the approved final design only.

  • Unused concepts, drafts, and rejected versions remain the property of Kahiwa Design Studio.

  • Kahiwa Design Studio retains the right to showcase completed work for portfolio, marketing, or social media purposes unless an NDA is signed.

Raw, working, or layered files (e.g., .AI, .PSD) are not included unless specifically agreed upon and licensed separately.

7. Client Responsibilities Policy

To ensure project success, clients agree to:

  • Provide all necessary materials (content, logos, images, brand files) before the project start date.

  • Respond to emails and feedback requests within 3 business days to maintain project momentum.

  • Review and approve proofs carefully before production or delivery.

Failure to communicate for 14 days may result in project suspension. Projects inactive for over 30 days may be closed without refund.

8. Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Policy

Kahiwa Design Studio values client privacy and will not share or disclose project details, brand strategies, or sensitive business information without written consent.
Likewise, clients agree not to share private pricing, contracts, or studio resources without permission.

9. Creative Direction Policy

Kahiwa Design Studio maintains full creative control over artistic direction based on brand strategy and professional expertise.
Clients are welcome to provide inspiration and feedback, but design decisions are made with the best creative outcome in mind.

Requests that compromise quality, copyright laws, or brand integrity may be declined.

10. Portfolio & Promotion Policy

Unless otherwise stated in writing, Kahiwa Design Studio reserves the right to display completed projects in portfolios, social media, print, or other promotional materials.
Confidential projects may be exempted with a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).

11. Print Production Disclaimer

For print services:

  • Kahiwa Design Studio is not responsible for color variations caused by printers, screens, or materials.

  • Clients must approve proofs before printing.

  • Once proof approval is signed, any reprints due to client oversight are at the client’s expense.

12. Limitation of Liability

Kahiwa Design Studio shall not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from project use, including lost profits, loss of reputation, or delays caused by third-party vendors.

13. Policy Agreement

By hiring Kahiwa Design Studio, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the above business policies.