Bespoke, Personalisation & Engraving Policy

Bespoke, Personalising & Engraving Policy

Last updated: October 2026

Personalised and bespoke pieces are some of my favourite things to make. This page explains what I'll engrave, how proofs and approval work, and what to expect when you commission something made just for you.

For anything not covered here, email bespoke@spectrumwoodwright.co.uk.

Part 1: Personalisation and engraving

This applies to engraving added at checkout, ordered by email, or done at a market stall.

What I'll engrave

I want personalised pieces to sound like you. Inside jokes, swearing, innuendo, statements about recreational alcohol or drug use, sexual references, double entendres and creative wordplay are all welcome. I'm not here to be a moral judge of what you and your people find funny, as long as it stays clear of the red lines explained in the sections below.

What I won't engrave

Anything sexual involving, or directed at, anyone under 18.
Anything grossly offensive, threatening or abusive. This includes anything designed to stir up hatred against people because of their race, religion, disability, sexuality, gender identity or any other protected characteristic. Slurs, racism and homophobia are always a no.
Anything that explicitly promotes or glorifies illegal acts or terrorism.
Engravings that turn a piece into drug equipment. For example, wording or markings designed for preparing drugs. Statements are fine; functional drug-use engravings aren't.
Other people's protected work. This covers:
- brand names on their own (e.g. "Nike")
- trademarked phrases (e.g. "Just Do It")
- logos and symbols belonging to other companies
- song lyrics, poems and film or TV quotes that are under copyright

If I can't engrave something, I'll tell you why and suggest an alternative where I can. If we can't find one, I'll give you a full refund.

Your confirmation

When you order personalisation, you'll be asked to confirm:

I confirm my engraving text and any artwork I've supplied are mine to use and don't include anyone else's trademarks, logos or copyrighted material, such as song lyrics, poems or film quotes. I've checked my spelling, wording and dates.

Proofs and approval

Before anything is engraved, I'll send you a digital proof (or show you on screen at a market). Please check it carefully, especially spelling, dates and names.

Natural wood affects the result

Contrast varies by species. Engraving shows boldly on pale woods and more subtly on dark ones like wenge or purpleheart.
Grain and figure can affect how fine detail engraves.
Oiling deepens the engraved areas along with the rest of the wood.

The proof shows the design and placement, not an exact picture of the finished piece.

Production lock and cancellations

Before you approve the proof: you can change your design or cancel for a full refund.
Once you approve the proof: your order is locked and can't be changed.
Between approval and engraving: I may be able to accept a cancellation at my discretion, but please don't expect it.
Once engraving has started: cancellation isn't possible.

Because personalised pieces are made to your specification, they're exempt from the usual 14-day cancellation right under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013.

Errors

My mistake: if the engraving doesn't match your approved proof, I'll remake it or refund you in full, including return postage.
An error in an approved proof: I can't correct this free of charge. Get in touch and I'll tell you what's possible and what it would cost.

Part 2: Bespoke commissions

A bespoke commission is a piece designed and made from scratch for you: your choice of species, pattern, size or design.

How it works

Start a conversation. Use Book A Call or email bespoke@spectrumwoodwright.co.uk.
Consultation. We talk through what you want, by call, video call or in person at a market.
Design and quote. I'll sketch or mock up the design and send a written specification and quote, including the deposit and an estimated completion date.
Confirm in writing. Nothing is made until you've confirmed the specification in writing and paid the deposit.
Making. I'll keep you updated, and tell you straight away about any delay.
Balance and delivery. The balance is due before dispatch or collection.

Deposits

Deposits for bespoke pieces are discussed and agreed during the consultation and quote. The deposit amount, and what happens to it if you cancel, will be set out in writing in your quote before you confirm anything.

Before making begins: you can cancel. Depending on how much design work has been done and how much notice you give, I'll either refund your deposit in full or deduct a design fee. Any fee will only reflect real work already done, and I'll explain exactly what it covers.
Once making has begun: the deposit isn't refundable. Bespoke pieces are made to your specification, so they're exempt from the 14-day cancellation right.

Changes after confirmation

If you'd like to change something once the specification is confirmed, ask me. Changes can affect the price and completion date, and I'll confirm both before going ahead.

Timber

Every board is unique. Grain, colour and figure will vary from the sketch or mock-up, and that's the nature of natural wood, not a fault. If a species becomes unavailable, I'll only substitute it with your agreement.

Designs and photos

I own the design work I create. You own the finished piece.
Each commission is made for you, but the design may inspire similar pieces in the future.
If you supply artwork or a logo, you confirm it's yours to use, and you allow me to use it for your order only.
I'll always ask before sharing photos of your commission in my portfolio or on social media.

Exclusive commissions

If you'd like a design to stay yours alone, ask about an exclusive commission. For an agreed premium, I can either:

promise not to reproduce the design for anyone else, or
transfer the design rights to you in full.

The premium is negotiated during the quote, and any exclusivity is confirmed in writing as part of your order.

If something isn't right

If the finished piece doesn't match the agreed specification, I'll put it right at no extra cost. Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 apply to every bespoke piece.

Your information

Engraving text, designs and any images you send me are used only to make your order.

Designs containing identifiable information (such as full names, photos of people or handwriting) are kept for 12 months in case you need a repair or a matching piece, then deleted.
Designs with nothing identifiable in them (such as patterns or general wording) may be kept with no time limit as part of my design archive.

See my Privacy Policy for details