Cancellations, Returns and Refunds Policy

Last updated: 3 August 2026

1. About This Policy

This Cancellations, Returns and Refunds Policy (“Policy”) explains how cancellation requests, returned products, refunds, defective products, incorrect supply, transport damage and related claims are handled by:

Legal entity: UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC
Trading name: The Bark Co.
Registration number: 1050003007029
Registered address: 310-0024 Ibaraki, Mito, Bizemmachi 2-5 Tokan Mito Park Heights #216, Japan
Email: sales@barkhabitat.com
Website: barkhabitat.com

In this Policy:

“The Bark Co.”, “we”, “us” and “our” mean UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC trading as The Bark Co.
“Customer”, “you” and “your” mean the person or entity purchasing or proposing to purchase a Product.
“Product” means a modular building, expandable modular home, steel-frame modular home, component, fixture, material or related item supplied under an Order.
“Order” has the meaning given in our Terms of Sale and Supply.
“Custom Product” means a Product manufactured, configured, modified, finished, sourced or procured specifically for a Customer.
“Contract Documents” means the documents governing the applicable Order, as identified in our Terms of Sale and Supply.

This Policy forms part of our Terms of Sale and Supply where it is incorporated into an Order.

Nothing in this Policy excludes, restricts or modifies a consumer guarantee, cancellation right, refund right or other legal remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or modified.

2. Application of This Policy

This Policy applies to:

Standard Products
Custom Products
Modular buildings
Expandable modular homes
Steel-frame modular homes
Building components and accessories
Documentation and design-coordination services
Freight or delivery services arranged by The Bark Co.
Deposits and other payments made under an Order

This Policy does not independently create a change-of-mind return right where no such right exists under the Contract Documents or applicable law.

Project-specific cancellation, return or refund provisions stated in an accepted quotation or signed agreement take priority over this general Policy to the extent of any inconsistency, provided those provisions comply with applicable law.

3. Custom-Made Nature of Products

Many Products supplied by The Bark Co. are manufactured, configured or procured for a specific Customer.

Customisation may include:

Building dimensions
Floor-plan configuration
Doors and windows
Exterior cladding
Roofing
Insulation
Internal finishes
Kitchen or bathroom selections
Electrical or plumbing provisions
Colours and materials
Structural or transport modifications
Customer branding
Destination-specific documentation
Optional upgrades

Once design, procurement or manufacturing work has commenced, the Product may not reasonably be capable of being resold, repurposed or returned to the manufacturer without substantial loss.

For that reason, cancellation and change-of-mind returns are handled according to the stage reached, work completed, commitments made, recoverable value and applicable law.

4. Before an Order Is Formed

Submitting an enquiry, requesting documentation or requesting a quotation does not create a binding Order.

You may withdraw a general enquiry or unaccepted quotation request at any time without a cancellation charge.

A binding Order is formed only in accordance with the Terms of Sale and Supply and applicable Contract Documents.

5. Customer Change of Mind

Unless a mandatory legal right applies or the Contract Documents expressly provide otherwise, The Bark Co. is not required to provide a refund, exchange or cancellation because a Customer:

Changes their mind
Finds another product or supplier at a lower price
No longer wants or needs the Product
Changes the intended use of the Product
Changes the preferred design after approval
Cannot obtain finance
Experiences a change in personal or business circumstances
Decides that the Product is unsuitable for reasons not caused by a defect, misdescription or breach by The Bark Co.
Fails to investigate local planning, building, transport or site requirements

We may nevertheless consider a change-of-mind cancellation request in accordance with Sections 7 to 12.

6. Statutory Cancellation and Cooling-Off Rights

Certain transactions may be subject to mandatory cancellation or cooling-off rights under applicable law.

Any legally required cooling-off or cancellation right will apply according to its statutory conditions, time limits and procedures.

Nothing in this Policy is intended to limit such a right.

A Customer wishing to exercise a statutory cancellation right should notify us promptly in writing and identify the legal basis relied upon where reasonably possible.

7. How to Request Cancellation

A cancellation request must be sent to sales@barkhabitat.com and should include:

Customer name
Order or quotation number
Product or project name
Reason for the cancellation request
Date of the request
Relevant supporting information
Preferred contact details

A cancellation request does not automatically cancel an Order.

We will confirm in writing:

Whether cancellation is accepted
The stage reached by the Order
Work already completed
Materials or services already committed
Any amount proposed to be retained or charged
Any amount proposed to be refunded
Any further action required

Unless a mandatory cancellation right applies, an Order remains active until cancellation is confirmed in writing.

8. Cancellation Before Work or Procurement Begins

If cancellation is requested before we or our suppliers have begun design, documentation, procurement, manufacturing, inspection or freight-related work, we will ordinarily refund amounts paid, less any reasonable and properly incurred non-recoverable costs.

Such costs may include:

Bank or payment-processing charges
Currency-conversion losses directly caused by receiving and returning the payment
Project-specific administrative work already completed
Third-party fees already incurred with the Customer’s knowledge
Other unavoidable direct costs connected with the Order

No deduction will be made merely to impose a penalty.

9. Cancellation After Design or Documentation Begins

If cancellation is requested after project-specific design, drawing, specification or documentation work has started, an amount may be retained or charged for work reasonably completed before cancellation.

This may include:

Floor-plan development
Technical drawing coordination
Product configuration
Material and finish scheduling
Manufacturer consultation
Engineering or technical-document coordination
Freight assessment
Project administration
Third-party professional work

We will take reasonable steps to stop further avoidable work after receiving a valid cancellation request.

10. Cancellation After Materials Are Ordered

If cancellation is requested after materials, components, fixtures or custom items have been ordered, the cancellation calculation may include:

Non-refundable supplier charges
Custom materials already purchased
Restocking charges imposed by suppliers
Return freight
Storage or handling charges
Currency losses directly connected with reversing the procurement
Materials that cannot reasonably be reused or resold
Work completed before cancellation

Where reasonably possible, we will seek to cancel, return, reuse or reassign materials to reduce avoidable loss.

Any recovered value will be considered when calculating the final cancellation amount.

11. Cancellation After Manufacturing Begins

If manufacturing has commenced, cancellation may result in substantial costs.

Subject to applicable law, the amount retained or payable may reflect:

Manufacturing work completed
Materials consumed or committed
Manufacturer cancellation charges
Customised components
Labour already performed
Inspection or quality-control costs
Packaging and storage
Reasonable project-administration costs
Other direct and non-recoverable commitments
The reduced resale value of a Customer-specific Product

We will not automatically retain every payment solely because manufacturing has started. The calculation must remain reasonably connected to the actual stage of work, costs, commitments and loss arising from cancellation.

12. Cancellation After Production Completion or Shipment

Cancellation may not be accepted after a Product has been completed, released, loaded, shipped or delivered unless:

The Bark Co. agrees in writing;
A cancellation right exists under the Contract Documents; or
Applicable law requires cancellation or another remedy.

If cancellation is accepted at this stage, the Customer may be responsible, subject to applicable law, for reasonable costs including:

The completed Product
International freight
Inland transportation
Customs and port charges
Import duties and taxes
Insurance
Demurrage, detention or storage
Unloading and handling
Return freight
Re-export or disposal costs
Diminished resale value
Other non-recoverable project expenses

We will consider any value reasonably recovered through resale, supplier credit, insurance or cancellation of remaining services.

13. Deposits

A deposit may be used to reserve manufacturing capacity, commence design coordination, obtain drawings, procure materials or authorise manufacturing.

A deposit is not automatically forfeited in every cancellation.

Subject to applicable law, we may apply a deposit toward reasonable costs, work, liabilities and commitments arising from the Order, including:

Completed design or documentation
Manufacturer commitments
Custom materials
Procurement expenses
Inspection bookings
Freight reservations
Banking and transaction charges
Other direct non-recoverable project costs

If the lawful cancellation amount is less than the deposit paid, the remaining balance will be refunded.

If the lawful cancellation amount exceeds the deposit, the Customer may be required to pay the properly documented balance, subject to the Contract Documents and applicable law.

Any cancellation fee, liquidated-damages amount or deposit deduction will apply only to the extent legally permitted.

14. Customer-Requested Variations

A request to change an approved Product is not automatically treated as a cancellation.

Where feasible, the change may be processed as a Variation under the Terms of Sale and Supply.

A Variation may affect:

Product price
Manufacturing time
Freight requirements
Documentation
Material availability
Engineering requirements
Previously completed work

If a requested change makes completed work or procured materials unusable, the reasonable resulting costs may be included in the Variation price.

We will not implement a material Customer-requested Variation without written approval of its documented effect, except where immediate action is legally or practically necessary to prevent harm.

15. Cancellation by The Bark Co.

The Bark Co. may suspend or cancel an Order only in accordance with the Terms of Sale and Supply and applicable law.

Possible grounds may include:

Failure to pay an undisputed amount after notice and a reasonable opportunity to remedy
Material breach that is not remedied within a reasonable stated period
Materially false or misleading information
Sanctions, export restrictions or other legal prohibitions
Product or material unavailability that cannot reasonably be resolved
Extended obstruction or failure to provide required approvals
An event outside reasonable control that materially prevents performance
Insolvency, subject to applicable insolvency law

If we cancel an Order without Customer breach or another lawful basis for retaining payment, we will refund amounts paid for Products or Services that will not be supplied.

Reasonable amounts may still be allocated to completed and accepted work where this is permitted by the Contract Documents and applicable law.

16. Returns of Modular Buildings and Custom Products

Because of their size, weight, custom configuration, international transport requirements and installation status, modular buildings and Custom Products cannot ordinarily be returned through a standard retail return process.

A Product must not be shipped or returned to The Bark Co., a manufacturer, port, warehouse or other location without prior written authorisation.

Before authorising a return, we may need to determine:

The reason for return
Whether the Product is defective or non-conforming
Whether repair or replacement is appropriate
Whether the Product has been installed or altered
The condition of the Product
The location of the Product
Applicable transport, customs and safety requirements
Which party is legally responsible for return costs

Unauthorised return, shipment or disposal may create additional cost, safety or customs issues and may affect our ability to assess the claim. It does not, however, remove a right that cannot legally be excluded.

17. Returns of Standard Components or Accessories

Where we approve the change-of-mind return of an eligible standard component or accessory, the item may be required to be:

Unused
Uninstalled
Unaltered
Undamaged
Complete
In its original packaging where reasonably required
Accompanied by proof of purchase
Returned within the period stated in the written return authorisation

Change-of-mind return freight, insurance, customs charges, duties and other return expenses are generally the Customer’s responsibility unless we agree otherwise.

This section does not apply to a defective or incorrectly supplied item where applicable law places those costs on us.

18. Products That Cannot Ordinarily Be Returned for Change of Mind

Unless required by law or agreed in writing, change-of-mind returns will not ordinarily be accepted for:

Custom Products
Completed modular buildings
Products already installed, assembled or connected
Customer-specific dimensions or layouts
Custom colours, finishes or branding
Specially ordered components
Products altered after delivery
Products damaged after risk transferred for reasons not attributable to us
Clearance or discontinued items expressly sold as such
Digital or technical documents already supplied
Design, coordination or consultation services already performed
Products that cannot lawfully or safely be transported or re-imported
Products whose resale value has been materially reduced by Customer-specific work

This does not limit remedies for a defect, incorrect supply, misdescription or other failure covered by applicable law.

19. Incorrect, Incomplete or Non-Conforming Supply

If you believe a Product is incorrect, incomplete or materially inconsistent with the Contract Documents, notify us promptly.

Your notice should include:

Order or invoice number
Description of the issue
Identification of the affected component
Photographs or video
Relevant drawings or specifications
Delivery records where applicable
Date the issue was discovered

We may reasonably request an opportunity to inspect the Product, review documents and consult the manufacturer.

Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, an appropriate remedy may include:

Supplying a missing item
Correcting documentation
Repair
Replacing an affected component
Reimbursement of an agreed reasonable rectification cost
Replacement of the Product
Price reduction
Refund
Another remedy agreed by the parties

20. Defective Products

If a Product has a suspected defect, stop using or altering the affected part where continued use could cause additional damage or create a safety risk.

Notify us promptly and provide sufficient information for an initial assessment.

We may request:

Photographs or video
Serial or identification information
Installation records
Maintenance records
Electrical, plumbing or engineering reports
Access for inspection
Evidence of the condition at delivery
Information about site conditions or third-party work

Approval of pre-shipment photographs, videos or inspection reports does not waive rights concerning concealed defects that could not reasonably have been identified at that time.

21. Major and Minor Problems

he available remedy depends on the applicable law, Contract Documents, seriousness of the problem and whether the issue can be corrected within a reasonable time.

For a problem that is lawfully treated as minor, the appropriate remedy may initially be:

Repair
Rectification
Replacement of an affected component
Completion of missing work
Another reasonable corrective measure

For a problem that is lawfully treated as major, the Customer may have the right to reject the Product, obtain a replacement, receive a refund, cancel the applicable contract or receive another statutory remedy.

Nothing in this Policy allows The Bark Co. to insist on repair where applicable law gives the Customer the right to choose a refund or replacement.

22. Transport Damage

If freight or delivery was arranged by The Bark Co., notify us promptly of visible or suspected transport damage.

Where practicable, the Customer or authorised recipient should:

Inspect the Product before signing the carrier’s delivery record
Record visible damage on the delivery record
Photograph the Product, packaging, container and damage
Retain relevant packaging
Obtain the driver’s or carrier’s acknowledgement
Avoid altering or disposing of damaged parts before assessment
Take reasonable action to prevent further damage

Failure to record damage immediately does not remove a legal right that cannot be excluded. However, an unreasonable delay may make it more difficult to establish when damage occurred or pursue a carrier or insurance claim.

If the Customer independently arranged freight, the Customer should also notify its carrier or insurer. We will provide reasonably available documents needed to support the investigation.

23. Damage Caused After Delivery

Subject to applicable law and the transfer-of-risk provisions in the Contract Documents, The Bark Co. is not responsible for a problem caused by:

Improper unloading or lifting
Unsafe or unsuitable storage
Improper assembly or installation
Defective foundations
Unauthorised modifications
Customer or third-party misuse
Site movement or unsuitable ground conditions
Failure to protect the Product from weather
Failure to follow installation or maintenance instructions
Electrical, plumbing or utility work performed by others
Damage occurring during independently arranged transport
Normal wear and tear

An exclusion applies only to the extent that the relevant act, omission or condition caused or contributed to the problem.

24. Assessment Before a Remedy

The Bark Co. may reasonably assess a Product before approving a return, repair, replacement or refund.

Assessment may be undertaken through:

Photographs or video
Document review
Remote technical consultation
Inspection by The Bark Co.
Manufacturer assessment
Independent professional inspection
Testing of the affected component

Assessment must be performed within a reasonable period having regard to the Product, location, technical complexity and urgency of the issue.

If the claim is valid, reasonable assessment expenses will be allocated according to applicable law and the Contract Documents.

25. Repairs and Rectification

Where repair or rectification is an appropriate remedy, we may:

Arrange for a component to be supplied
Coordinate an authorised repair
Engage a suitable local contractor
Agree to reimburse a reasonable repair cost
Provide technical instructions
Coordinate a manufacturer-approved solution

You must not undertake substantial non-emergency repair work for which reimbursement is sought without first giving us a reasonable opportunity to assess and respond.

This does not prevent urgent action reasonably required to protect people or property or prevent further damage. Urgent action should be documented, and we should be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

26. Replacements

Where replacement is the appropriate remedy, the replacement may involve:

An affected component
A fixture or material
A building module
The complete Product
A substantially equivalent item where the original is unavailable and the Customer agrees or applicable law permits

Replacement timing may be affected by manufacturing, component availability, freight and customs requirements. We will provide a reasonable estimate and material updates.

27. Refund Amounts

Where a refund is approved or legally required, the refund amount will be determined according to:

The reason for the refund
The relevant Contract Documents
Work or Products already lawfully supplied
Applicable cancellation costs
Mandatory consumer remedies
Taxes and duties
Third-party charges
Amounts recovered from suppliers, carriers or insurers
Applicable law

A refund for a valid major product failure will not be reduced by an unlawful cancellation fee or an amount that mandatory law prohibits us from deducting.

A voluntary change-of-mind cancellation may be subject to the reasonable cost deductions described in this Policy.

28. Refund Method and Timing

Approved refunds will ordinarily be made using the original payment method where reasonably practicable.

If that is not possible, we may request verified bank details or arrange another lawful payment method.

The person or entity receiving the refund should ordinarily be the person or entity that made the original payment, unless:

Written authority is provided;
The original payer no longer exists;
A legal representative is authorised to receive it; or
Applicable law requires another arrangement.

Refund processing will begin within a reasonable period after:

The refund is approved;
The amount is agreed or legally determined;
Required return or inspection conditions are completed;
Necessary payment information is verified; and
Any required cancellation documents are signed.

Banking systems, international transfers and payment providers may require additional processing time outside our control.

We will not issue a refund solely as store credit where applicable law requires a monetary refund.

29. Freight and Return Costs for Valid Claims

Where a Product must be returned because of a valid defect, incorrect supply or other failure for which The Bark Co. is legally responsible, return, collection or reasonable freight costs will be handled according to applicable law.

Because modular buildings can be difficult and expensive to transport, we may arrange inspection, repair, component replacement or local rectification instead of immediate physical return where that remedy is lawful and appropriate.

The Customer should not independently arrange costly return transportation unless:

We authorise it in writing;
Urgent action is reasonably necessary; or
Applicable law clearly entitles the Customer to do so.

30. Customer Responsibilities During a Claim

While a cancellation, return or remedy claim is being assessed, the Customer should:

Take reasonable care of the Product
Avoid unnecessary use of a potentially defective item
Protect the Product from further damage
Preserve relevant evidence
Provide reasonable access for inspection
Follow lawful safety instructions
Avoid unauthorised structural changes
Take reasonable steps to minimise avoidable loss

Failure to take reasonable care may affect responsibility for additional damage caused after the original problem arose. It does not remove rights relating to the original defect or failure.

31. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

This Policy does not prevent a Customer from exercising any lawful right through a bank, card provider, payment service, court, tribunal or consumer authority.

However, before initiating a payment dispute, the Customer is encouraged to contact us so that we can review the issue and attempt a direct resolution.

A chargeback or payment dispute does not automatically determine the parties’ contractual or legal rights.

We will not provide false, incomplete or misleading information in response to a lawful payment dispute.

32. Business Customers

Where a Product is acquired wholly or predominantly for business purposes, the Customer’s cancellation, return and refund rights may differ from those of an individual consumer.

Business Customers remain entitled to any protections that apply under mandatory law, including applicable protections concerning unfair contract terms, misleading conduct, contractual performance and qualifying consumer guarantees.

No provision of this Policy removes a legal protection merely because the Customer operates a business.

33. Consumer Rights

Nothing in this Policy excludes, restricts or modifies any guarantee, right or remedy that cannot legally be excluded, restricted or modified.

Depending on the Customer, transaction and project location, rights may arise under:

Japanese consumer-protection laws
The Australian Consumer Law
Other applicable national, state, territorial or local laws

Mandatory rights may include, depending on the circumstances:

Repair
Replacement
Refund
Contract cancellation
Repeat performance
Price reduction
Compensation for reasonably foreseeable loss
Other statutory remedies

Contractual warranties and this Policy operate in addition to mandatory consumer rights.

34. Disputes

If you disagree with a cancellation calculation, return decision or proposed remedy, contact us in writing and provide:

Order number
Description of the dispute
Relevant documents and evidence
The outcome sought

We will review the matter and attempt to resolve it through good-faith discussions.

Nothing in this section prevents either party from:

Exercising a mandatory consumer right
Contacting an applicable consumer authority
Seeking urgent protective relief
Commencing legal proceedings before a limitation period expires

35. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes to:

Our products or services
Our order processes
Applicable laws
Freight or manufacturing practices
Payment systems
Consumer-protection requirements

The current version will be published with a revised “Last updated” date.

A change to this Policy will not retrospectively alter an existing Order unless the applicable Contract Documents or law permit the change.

36. Governing Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of Japan unless a project-specific agreement expressly states otherwise.

This does not exclude any mandatory consumer right, jurisdiction or remedy that applies in the Customer’s location and cannot lawfully be excluded.

37. Contact Us

To request a cancellation, return, refund or remedy, contact:

The Bark Co.
UNIVERSAL TRADING LLC
Registration number: 1050003007029
Address: 310-0024 Ibaraki, Mito, Bizemmachi 2-5 Tokan Mito Park Heights #216, Japan
Email: sales@barkhabitat.com
Website: barkhabitat.com

Please include your Order number and supporting information so that we can assess the request efficiently.