Service & Collection Policy
This page outlines the service, collection, storage, and workshop procedures used by Balmain Bicycle Mechanic.
Service Authorisation
By leaving your bicycle with Balmain Bicycle Mechanic, you authorise the requested inspection, service, or repair work to be carried out in accordance with this policy.
We may contact you if additional work is recommended before proceeding.
Estimates & Additional Work
Initial estimates are provided at no charge based on a visual inspection. Where work does not proceed, a $25 assessment fee may apply.
During servicing, additional issues may become apparent that were not visible during the initial inspection.
If additional repairs or parts are required, we will normally contact you for approval before proceeding. Where we are unable to reach you and the additional work is necessary to safely complete the service, we may proceed with reasonable repairs.
Final invoices may differ from the original estimate where additional labour or parts are required.
Payment Terms
Payment timing
All services, repairs, and purchases must be paid in full prior to collection or dispatch.
Deposits
A deposit may be required for special orders, pre-orders, custom builds, restorations, and selected first-time customer jobs.
Deposits secure workshop time, stock, or supplier commitments, and may be non-refundable where work has commenced or items have been ordered or allocated.
Work in progress
Bicycles are assessed on arrival. Where additional work is identified, we will contact you for approval before proceeding.
Approval of quoted work constitutes authorisation to proceed with the agreed scope of work.
Once a service or repair has commenced, labour performed and any parts ordered or installed are chargeable. If a customer chooses not to proceed after approval has been given, charges will apply for all work completed and costs incurred up to that point.
Assessment
Workshop quotes are free where work proceeds. A $25 assessment fee applies where quoted work is declined. This fee is waived if the work is approved.
Release of goods
Bicycles and goods will not be released until all outstanding charges have been paid in full.
Changes & Cancellations
We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please let us know as soon as possible.
Where work has not yet commenced, cancellations may be accommodated. Deposits may be retained or applied as store credit where workshop time has been reserved or stock has been ordered or allocated.
Once work has been approved and commenced, labour performed and any parts ordered or installed are chargeable in accordance with our Payment Terms.
Pre-orders, special orders, and custom work may not be cancelled once supplier or workshop commitments have been made.
Missed appointments or late changes may require an administration fee and deposit for future bookings.
Safety
Where safety-critical issues are identified, we will advise the recommended work required to bring the bicycle to a safe and serviceable condition.
If recommended safety-critical repairs are declined, the bicycle may be deemed unsafe to ride. In such cases, we may limit or decline reassembly to a rideable standard.
Any labour performed and costs incurred remain chargeable in accordance with our Payment Terms.
Bicycles returned without recommended safety work completed are released as-is, and we cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising from declined repairs.
Post-Service Adjustments
Following servicing, customers may return within 7 days for minor adjustment checks directly related to the original work performed (for example, gear or brake fine-tuning).
This is limited to minor adjustments only and does not include additional repairs, replacement parts, wear and tear, or issues unrelated to the original scope of work. Where further work is identified, this will be advised and may incur additional charges.
Collection Timeframes
Bicycles
Once a bicycle is ready for collection, whether following servicing or after purchase, we will notify you. Due to limited workshop space, we ask that bicycles are collected within 7 days of notification.
Accessories & Parts
Purchased accessories or parts (including items ordered specifically for you) should normally be collected within 14 days of notification.
Storage Fees
Due to limited workshop space, bicycles remaining beyond 7 days may incur storage fees of $10 per day.
Uncollected / Abandoned Items
If bicycles, parts, or accessories remain uncollected after 30 days, despite reasonable attempts to contact you using the details provided, items may be treated as uncollected goods and handled in accordance with applicable NSW regulations.
Balmain Bicycle Mechanic reserves the right to dispose of, recycle, or sell abandoned items to recover reasonable costs associated with storage and inspection.
Additional Workshop Terms
Pre-Existing Condition of Bicycles
Many bicycles presented for service are used, older, or may have existing wear, corrosion, or previous repairs. While we take great care during inspection and servicing, Balmain Bicycle Mechanic is not responsible for pre-existing damage, hidden faults, or previously worn components that become apparent during service.
If we discover significant issues during inspection, we will normally contact you before continuing with additional work.
Seized, Worn, or Aged Components
Older bicycles or bicycles that have not been serviced regularly may have seized, corroded, or heavily worn components. In some cases, removing or servicing these parts can result in components breaking, threads stripping, or parts becoming unusable.
By authorising service, you acknowledge that this risk exists when working on older or heavily used bicycles. Where possible, we will discuss risks with you before proceeding.
Safety and Repair Decisions
Our priority is rider safety. If we believe a bicycle is unsafe to repair, unsafe to ride, or requires work beyond what was originally requested, we may recommend additional repairs or decline to complete certain work. In these situations we will explain our recommendation and discuss available options.
Test Riding
Bicycles may be test ridden by Balmain Bicycle Mechanic staff where necessary to diagnose faults or confirm that repairs have been completed correctly.
E-Bikes and Electrical Components
E-bikes and electrically assisted bicycles contain electrical systems, batteries, and software that may require specialised diagnostic tools or manufacturer support. Balmain Bicycle Mechanic may decline to service or diagnose certain electrical or battery-related faults if appropriate tools, parts, or manufacturer support are not available.
We are not responsible for faults relating to battery systems, motor units, or software unless explicitly agreed as part of the service.
Customer-Supplied (Third-Party) Parts
Customers are welcome to supply their own components for installation. A $25 surcharge per part applies to customer-supplied items, in addition to standard labour.
All third-party components must be supplied in original, unused packaging.
Installation of customer-supplied parts is at the sole discretion of Balmain Bicycle Mechanic. We reserve the right to decline installation where parts are deemed unsuitable, incompatible, or of uncertain quality.
While all care is taken, we cannot guarantee compatibility, performance, or longevity of externally supplied components, and accept no responsibility for faults arising from their use.
If accepted parts require additional labour or create unforeseen issues during installation, we will advise you before proceeding where possible.
Quotes and Declined Repairs
Workshop quotes are free when the work proceeds. If a bicycle is inspected and a repair quote is provided but you choose not to proceed, a $25 assessment fee may apply.
Bicycles that are declined for repair must still be collected within 7 days of notification. Storage fees may apply if the bicycle remains in the workshop beyond this period.
Relationship with Terms of Service
This Service & Collection Policy should be read together with our Terms of Service. If there is any inconsistency between this policy and our Terms of Service, the Terms of Service will prevail.
Closing Statement
Our goal is to provide careful, honest bicycle service and a positive workshop experience for every customer.