Fiber Processing Terms of Service
Please read carefully and complete the acknowledgment below to proceed with your reservation
1. Acceptance of Terms
By submitting fiber to Blue Thistle Fibers for processing services or fiber/yarn for custom natural dyeing, you ("Customer") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
These terms apply to all fiber preparation services including wool processing, alpaca processing, mohair processing, fiber scouring, fiber picking, natural dye services, wet felting, and white label product creation.
2. Fiber Assessment and Processing Determination
Blue Thistle Fibers reserves the sole right to assess all incoming fiber to determine its quality, condition, and suitability for various processing methods. Based on this professional assessment, we will determine the most appropriate processing method and end product that the fiber can reasonably achieve.
Customers acknowledge that not all fiber is suitable for all processing methods or end products. Factors affecting processing include:
- Fiber type and breed characteristics (Merino, Corriedale, Romney, alpaca, mohair, etc.)
- Staple length and crimp pattern
- Presence of vegetable matter or contamination
- Grease and lanolin content
- Pre-existing damage or felting
- Color and consistency
⚠️ IMPORTANT There is no Guarantee of Specific End Products
Blue Thistle Fibers makes no guarantee that your fiber will be processed into your desired end product. The final processing method and resulting product will be determined solely by Blue Thistle Fibers based on the fiber's assessed quality, condition, and characteristics.
Customer understands and accepts that their requested processing method may not be feasible for their particular fiber.
We will communicate with you if your fiber is not suitable for your requested processing method and offer alternatives. However, the final determination rests with our professional assessment and our current equipment capabilities.
📌 Current Services
Blue Thistle Fibers currently offers fiber PREPARATION services:
- Scouring (washing)
- Picking to cloud
- Natural dyeing
- Wet felting
- White label felted products
We do NOT currently offer: Carding to batts, spinning, or roving production. We prepare your fiber so YOU can spin, card, or craft with it.
4. Incoming Fiber Condition Disclaimer
⚠️ CRITICAL NOTICE
Blue Thistle Fibers is NOT RESPONSIBLE for the incoming condition of any fiber submitted for processing.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Pre-existing damage, stains, or contamination
- Vegetable matter or foreign debris
- Uneven staple length or crimp
- Color variations or fading
- Felting or matting
- Insect damage or other deterioration
- Weather damage from improper storage
- Marking crayon or show oil
- Any other condition present upon receipt
Customer acknowledges that they are solely responsible for the quality and condition of fiber submitted for processing.
5. No Refund Policy
⚠️ NO MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Blue Thistle Fibers offers NO REFUNDS if the Customer does not "like" the end result of the processing services.
Customer acknowledges that satisfaction with the final product is subjective and that no refunds will be issued based on personal preference, including but not limited to:
- Color variations or tone
- Texture or hand feel
- Fiber crimp or loft
- Natural dye color results
- Any other subjective assessment of the finished product
A 50% nonrefundable deposit is required upon fiber receipt. The remaining 50% balance is due when processing is complete. No fiber will be released until payment is received in full.
6. Processing Timeline
Processing times are estimates only and may vary based on:
- Current order volume
- Complexity of services requested
- Seasonal demands (higher volume during shearing season)
- Equipment availability and maintenance
- Fiber condition requiring additional processing
Blue Thistle Fibers is not liable for delays in processing. We will communicate expected timelines and notify you when your fiber is complete.
7. Fiber Loss During Processing
Customer acknowledges that some fiber loss during processing is normal and expected. Typical fiber loss ranges from 10-40% depending on:
- Initial fleece condition and cleanliness
- Amount of lanolin and grease
- Vegetable matter content
- Processing methods selected
- Fiber type and characteristics
💰 Pricing Based on Incoming Weight
All charges are based on incoming fiber weight, not finished weight. If you submit 5 pounds of raw fleece and it processes down to 3 pounds of finished fiber, charges are based on the initial 5 pounds received.
Blue Thistle Fibers will make reasonable efforts to minimize loss but is not responsible for standard processing loss. Orders under 2 pounds have a $25 setup fee.
8. Custom Natural Dye Services
Blue Thistle Fibers offers custom natural dye services using botanically-sourced materials including:
- Commercial natural dyes from Botanical Colors & Maiwa
- Dye plants grown on our farm in West Virginia
- Foraged materials from family land at Lake Bonaparte, NY
- Other sustainably sourced natural dye materials
🌿 Natural Dye Variability
Customer acknowledges that natural dyes produce variable results. Factors affecting final color include:
- Botanical material availability and growing conditions
- Seasonal variations in plant chemistry
- Fiber type and protein content
- Water mineral content and pH
- Natural fiber color and tone
Color matching across batches is not guaranteed. This is the inherent nature of working with botanical materials and is part of the beauty of natural dyes.
Pricing: Custom dye services are $35 per pound, with additional colors at $10 each.
9. Abandoned Property
⚠️ 90-DAY PICKUP DEADLINE
Fiber not claimed within ninety (90) days of completion notification will be considered abandoned property and may be disposed of at Blue Thistle Fibers' discretion.
After the 90-day period:
- We have no obligation to store or maintain the fiber
- The fiber may be sold, donated, or disposed of at our discretion
- No refund of any fees paid will be issued
- Customer forfeits all rights to the processed fiber
Customers are responsible for arranging pickup or shipping within 90 days of completion notification. Shipping costs are additional and not included in processing fees.
10. Limitation of Liability
Blue Thistle Fibers' liability is limited to the value of the processing service fee paid. Under no circumstances shall Blue Thistle Fibers be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, including but not limited to:
- Loss of profits or business opportunities
- Loss of fiber value beyond processing fees
- Sentimental value of fiber
- Consequential damages of any kind
We are not liable for:
- Results that differ from customer expectations but meet industry standards
- Damage caused by inherent fiber defects or pre-existing conditions
- Natural variations in processing results
- Equipment breakdown, power outages, or force majeure events
11. Modification of Terms
Blue Thistle Fibers reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. Updated terms will be posted on our website and effective immediately upon posting. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
Pricing is subject to change without notice due to:
- Fluctuations in tariffs and import costs
- Supply chain disruptions
- Material shortages
- Rising utility costs
12. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of West Virginia. Any disputes will be resolved in the appropriate court in Fayette County, West Virginia.
Blue Thistle Fibers
314 Main Street
Gauley Bridge, WV 25085
For questions regarding these terms, please contact us before submitting your fiber for processing.
Customer Acknowledgment
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✅ Terms Accepted!
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