1. About KI Metals and these terms
These terms apply to orders placed through kimetals.co.uk and to any quotation or order that incorporates them. The website and the KI Metals trading name are operated by N H GLOBAL (UK) LIMITED, a company registered in England and Wales under company number 09833337, whose registered office is at 81A Eyre Street, Birmingham B18 7AD (KI Metals, we, us or our).
Please read these terms before ordering. They explain how the contract is formed, the information the customer must provide, how customised metal is supplied, the checks required before goods are processed or installed, and what happens if goods do not conform to the contract.
2. Consumers and Business Customers
A Consumer is an individual buying wholly or mainly for purposes outside their trade, business, craft or profession. A Business Customer is any other customer.
Where a clause is expressly stated to apply only to Consumers or only to Business Customers, it applies accordingly. Nothing in these terms removes or restricts rights or remedies that the law does not allow us to remove or restrict, including a Consumer’s statutory rights.
If a person orders for a business or another organisation, that person confirms that they have authority to bind it to the contract.
3. Product descriptions, intended use and suitability
We take reasonable care to describe goods accurately. Product photographs are illustrative. Mill finish, colour, oxidation, zinc spangle, handling marks and other normal surface characteristics may vary and are not necessarily defects.
The dimensions, material description, stated grade range, standard, tolerance and finish shown in the applicable product listing or written order confirmation form part of the description of the goods. General guidance, typical applications and technical information on the website are not structural, engineering, design, regulatory or installation advice.
The customer is responsible for deciding whether the goods are suitable for the intended use and for obtaining any necessary design, engineering, regulatory or professional approval. Unless we separately agree a professional service in writing, KI Metals does not determine loads, spans, connections, reinforcement design, concrete cover, anchorage, lap lengths or structural suitability.
4. Quotations, orders and contract formation
A quotation is valid only for the period stated on it. Website prices and stock information may change before an order is accepted.
An order is an offer to buy the goods. An automated acknowledgement confirms receipt but does not necessarily confirm acceptance. A contract is formed when we issue written acceptance, dispatch the goods, or begin cutting, bending, drilling, galvanising, coating, finishing or other custom work for the order, whichever happens first.
Before acceptance, we may decline an order where goods are unavailable, information is incomplete, a requested configuration is impractical or unsafe, there is an obvious pricing error, delivery is not reasonably available, or payment or fraud checks are not satisfied. Any payment taken for goods that we decline to supply will be refunded.
5. Prices, VAT and payment
Unless stated otherwise, website prices exclude VAT and delivery. VAT and available delivery charges are shown at checkout or in the quotation. The payable price is the price confirmed when the order is accepted, except that we may correct an obvious pricing error before acceptance.
Payment must be made using an available payment method. We may delay manufacture or dispatch until cleared payment and all required order information have been received. Separately agreed credit terms may apply to a Business Customer.
6. Availability and disclosed material ranges
All goods are subject to availability. If we cannot supply goods within the material range or specification stated on the product page and accepted in the order, we will contact the customer and may offer material outside that range, a revised timescale or a refund for the affected goods.
If a product listing states that any one of two or more identified grades, tempers, conditions or specifications may be supplied according to stock availability, the order is accepted on that basis. We may supply any material within that disclosed range without contacting the customer again. Supply from within the disclosed range is not a substitution.
We will contact the customer if we cannot supply within the disclosed range and want to propose material outside it, or if another material change to the accepted order is required. We will not knowingly supply outside the disclosed range without agreement.
If an exact grade, standard, temper, origin, manufacturer, certification, traceability, cast or heat number is essential, the customer must contact KI Metals before ordering and obtain our written confirmation by email. Telephone calls, verbal discussions, customer order notes, drawing notes and other instructions submitted with an order are not KI Metals’ written confirmation.
7. Customer information, drawings and specifications
The customer must check that names, addresses, contact details, product selections, dimensions, quantities, orientations, drawings, schedules and all other order information are complete and accurate before ordering.
We manufacture and supply to the details accepted in the order confirmation. A note, drawing or later message does not vary an accepted order unless we expressly confirm the change in writing before manufacture. If documents conflict, we may pause work and ask for clarification.
The customer confirms that it is entitled to provide any drawing, design or specification supplied to us and is responsible for infringement caused by our following customer-supplied material, except to the extent caused by our unauthorised alteration.
8. Customised and made-to-order goods
Goods cut to length, bent, drilled, fabricated, galvanised, coated, finished or otherwise made to the customer’s specification are customised goods. Once work has begun, an order for customised goods cannot normally be changed or cancelled unless we agree in writing. We may charge reasonable material, labour and third-party costs already committed.
For Consumers, the statutory cancellation right for distance contracts does not generally apply to goods made to the Consumer’s specifications or clearly personalised. This does not affect rights where customised goods are faulty, not as described or otherwise do not conform to the contract.
Standard stock goods that have not been customised may be returned only in accordance with our Returns Policy and applicable law.
9. Dimensions, tolerances and cut edges
Unless the product page, quotation or written order confirmation states a different tolerance, straight cut-to-length products are supplied with a standard cutting tolerance of plus or minus 3 mm. Bent products are subject to the dimensional and manufacturing tolerances stated on the applicable product page or written order confirmation.
Products are normally supplied as-cut and are not deburred. Cut edges, burrs and metal swarf may be sharp. Suitable gloves, eye protection, footwear and handling methods must be used. Tighter tolerances, deburring, machining or specific end preparation must be agreed in writing before ordering and may cost extra.
10. Material certificates and traceability
A material certificate or traceability is included only where the product listing or our written order confirmation expressly says so. Certificates may be unavailable for offcuts, broken bundles, mixed stock or material that is no longer linked to the original cast or batch.
A grade described as normal, common or typical supply information is not a guarantee for an individual order. An exact grade, certificate or traceability is guaranteed only when KI Metals confirms it in writing before the order is placed.
11. Galvanised, coated and finished products
Hot-dip galvanising is an industrial protective process, not a decorative finish. Colour, brightness, texture, zinc spangle, drainage marks, runs, minor handling marks, surface roughness and variations around edges, welds and process holes can occur.
Where a listing explains that process holes, drainage or venting holes, hanging points, cut-end repair coatings or other production features may be used, those features form part of the agreed production method. If zinc-rich repair coating, process holes or a particular galvanising sequence is not permitted, the customer must obtain written confirmation of an alternative method before ordering.
Powder coating, red-oxide primer, drilling or another finishing or customisation service is included only when selected and confirmed in the order. Availability, colour and finish remain subject to the accepted written specification.
Powder Coating Charges
A minimum powder coating charge of £95 applies to each coated item. This minimum covers coated weight of up to 12 kg.
Where an item’s total coated weight exceeds 12 kg, an additional £5 per kg is applied to the weight above 12 kg only — not to the full weight of the item.
The total coated weight is calculated as the item’s weight multiplied by the quantity ordered.
Examples:
- Item weighing 10 kg → £95 (minimum charge applies)
- Item weighing 12 kg → £95 (minimum charge applies)
- Item weighing 15 kg → £95 + (3 kg × £5) = £110
- Item weighing 20 kg → £95 + (8 kg × £5) = £135
12. Cut and bent reinforcement
Cut and bent reinforcement is supplied to the selected descriptive profile and customer-entered dimensions, subject to practical manufacturing limits for the selected bar diameter. Unless KI Metals expressly confirms otherwise in writing, a profile name is an identification aid and is not a representation that the goods are certified to a particular reinforcement shape-code standard.
The customer is responsible for reinforcement design and for checking the profile, bar diameter, dimensions, bend direction or orientation, quantity and project schedule before ordering. KI Metals does not design or verify the reinforcement layout.
If a drawing, schedule, minimum bend radius, exact grade, certificate, traceability or special bending requirement is essential, the customer must obtain our written confirmation before ordering. We may query, reject or, with the customer’s agreement, correct dimensions that are conflicting or impractical.
13. Inspection and acceptance before processing or installation
Cutting, bending, handling, labelling, picking and delivery involve human and mechanical processes. An error or visible damage can occasionally occur. Customers must inspect the goods promptly after delivery and before cutting, drilling, welding, machining, coating, fabrication, assembly, incorporation, use or installation.
The inspection must be carried out by a person who is competent to compare the goods with the order and intended application. As relevant, it must confirm the product type or profile, dimensions, section size, bar diameter, wall thickness, quantity, cut length, bent dimensions, bend direction or orientation, visible condition and, where stated on the goods or accompanying documentation, material grade. Any exact grade or certification requirement expressly confirmed by KI Metals in writing must also be checked.
Goods that appear incorrect, incomplete, damaged or unsuitable must not be processed, incorporated, used or installed. They must be kept unaltered and safely stored while the customer contacts KI Metals with the order number, photographs, measurements and a description of the issue.
KI Metals will not be responsible for avoidable fabrication, installation, removal, labour, plant, crane, contractor or similar costs incurred after the customer continued to use goods where the discrepancy was apparent, or should reasonably have been identified, during this inspection. This does not exclude liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or affect a Consumer’s statutory rights.
For a Consumer, prompt inspection and reporting help us investigate but do not remove statutory rights or require the Consumer to identify a hidden defect.
A Business Customer must notify us in writing of an apparent shortage, incorrect item, visible damage or other discrepancy within five working days after delivery and before the goods are processed or used. A defect that could not reasonably have been found on delivery must be reported promptly after discovery. Failure to report an apparent discrepancy within that period may be treated as acceptance of the goods in respect of that apparent matter, subject to any right that cannot lawfully be restricted.
14. Opportunity to inspect and investigate a claim
The customer must give KI Metals a reasonable opportunity to inspect, measure or test the affected goods before they are returned, altered or disposed of, unless immediate action is reasonably necessary for safety. Packaging and labels should be retained where they may assist the investigation.
Collection, inspection, testing or discussion of a complaint is not by itself an admission that KI Metals is responsible. Goods must not be returned without agreed instructions. We will act reasonably when arranging an inspection, collection, replacement or other remedy.
15. Handling, storage, fabrication and installation
Metal products can be heavy, long, flexible and sharp. Suitable lifting equipment, supports, restraints, personal protective equipment and trained personnel must be used, together with all applicable health and safety precautions.
Goods must be stored securely and protected from instability, impact, contamination and environmental conditions inappropriate for the material. Where the agreed delivery method requires customer assistance, the customer is responsible for providing a safe unloading area and suitable assistance or lifting equipment.
Cutting, drilling, grinding, welding, heating, coating or installation can change dimensions, expose base metal, damage protective coatings and create hazardous fumes or dust. Competent procedures, suitable controls, ventilation and repair coatings must be used. Galvanised metal must not be welded or heated without appropriate fume controls.
16. Delivery
Delivery dates, estimated times of arrival and carrier tracking information are estimates unless KI Metals expressly confirms in writing that a particular delivery date or timed service is guaranteed. Stock, production, galvanising, carriers, access, weather and other factors can affect delivery. We will use reasonable efforts to meet an estimate and will provide information about a material delay where reasonably possible.
The customer must provide a complete and accessible delivery address, a contact telephone number and relevant access restrictions. Long or heavy goods may require a suitable unloading area, lifting equipment or assistance. Reasonable additional costs caused by incorrect information, failed delivery, refusal, restricted access or re-delivery may be charged.
Customers should not make non-cancellable arrangements for installers, cranes, lifting equipment, plant, labour or other work that depends on the goods until the goods have been delivered and inspected. If delivery on a particular date is essential, the customer must tell KI Metals before ordering and obtain written confirmation that the required date has been accepted.
For a Business Customer, an estimated delivery date is not of the essence of the contract. Unless KI Metals has expressly accepted a guaranteed delivery date in writing, KI Metals is not responsible for avoidable waiting time, idle labour, plant-hire charges, crane charges, contractor cancellation charges or similar costs incurred because the Business Customer arranged dependent work before delivery and inspection. Any liability that remains is subject to clause 22.
For a Consumer, this clause does not remove statutory delivery rights or any remedy that cannot legally be excluded. A Consumer is nevertheless expected to take reasonable steps to avoid unnecessary or disproportionate loss.
17. Risk and ownership
For a Consumer, risk passes when the goods come into the physical possession of the Consumer or a person identified by the Consumer to receive them, unless the Consumer independently appoints a carrier that we did not offer.
For a Business Customer, risk passes on delivery at the agreed delivery point or collection by the customer or its carrier. Ownership of goods does not pass until we have received cleared payment in full for those goods.
18. Faulty, damaged or non-conforming goods
If goods are damaged before risk passes, faulty, not as described or otherwise do not conform to the contract, the customer should contact KI Metals promptly through the Contact Us page. The customer should provide the order number, photographs, measurements and a clear description so that we can investigate.
For Consumers, the remedies available are those provided by applicable law and may include rejection, repair, replacement, price reduction or refund depending on the facts and timing. Nothing in these terms replaces or narrows those rights.
For a Business Customer, once we have had a reasonable opportunity to inspect the affected goods, our obligation will be, at our reasonable option, to correct or repair them, replace them, or refund or credit the price paid for them. This clause does not apply to damage arising after risk has passed, misuse, unsuitable storage, incorrect processing or installation, normal wear, or use contrary to supplied instructions.
For a Business Customer, the remedies in the preceding paragraph are the exclusive remedies for non-conforming goods, subject to clause 22. This does not prevent the customer from recovering any liability that the law does not allow us to exclude or limit.
19. Avoidable costs and mitigation
The customer must take reasonable steps to prevent an apparent problem from causing further loss. In particular, goods that appear wrong or damaged must not be processed or installed while the issue is investigated.
For a Business Customer, KI Metals is not responsible for removal, reinstallation, re-fabrication, labour, plant, delay or other additional costs to the extent that those costs were caused or increased because the customer processed or installed goods despite an apparent discrepancy, or failed to carry out the reasonable pre-use inspection required by clause 13.
This clause applies only to loss that reasonable inspection or mitigation could have prevented. It does not make the customer responsible for a hidden defect that could not reasonably have been identified before use, and it does not restrict a Consumer’s statutory rights.
20. Returns and refunds
Returns must be agreed with KI Metals before goods are sent back. Goods must be packaged safely and returned by the agreed method. Where the law permits, we may reduce a refund to reflect loss in value caused by handling beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Customised goods cannot be returned merely because they are no longer wanted or the customer ordered the wrong dimensions. This restriction does not apply where the goods do not conform to the contract.
An agreed refund will be made to the original payment method within the time required by law or, for a Business Customer, within a reasonable time following inspection. Delivery and collection charges will be handled according to the reason for return, applicable law and our Returns Policy.
21. Express and third-party delivery services
An express or timed service is performed by a third-party carrier. It is guaranteed only where KI Metals expressly confirms that guarantee in writing. If a separately charged guaranteed service is not achieved, the available remedy may include refund of the additional express charge, subject to applicable law and any carrier terms disclosed before ordering.
We are not responsible for delay caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control. Consumer rights and any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded remain unaffected.
22. Liability
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited, and nothing affects a Consumer’s statutory rights.
For a Consumer, KI Metals is responsible for loss or damage that is a foreseeable result of our breach of contract or failure to use reasonable care and skill. We are not responsible for commercial or business loss suffered where a Consumer uses goods for a trade or business purpose.
For a Business Customer, subject to the first paragraph of this clause, KI Metals is not liable for loss of profit, revenue, business, production, contracts, anticipated savings or goodwill, or for indirect or consequential loss.
For a Business Customer, subject to the first paragraph of this clause, KI Metals’ total liability arising out of or connected with an order, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty or otherwise, will not exceed the price paid for the goods giving rise to the claim. The customer is responsible for maintaining insurance appropriate to its project, operations and potential consequential losses.
Each restriction in this clause is intended to operate separately. It applies only so far as it is reasonable and legally enforceable in the circumstances.
23. Events outside our reasonable control
We are not liable for delay or failure caused by an event outside our reasonable control, including severe weather, transport disruption, carrier failure, industrial action, fire, flood, utility or network failure, supplier or galvaniser disruption, material shortage, epidemic, government action or import restriction. We will take reasonable steps to reduce the effect and will contact the customer where the order is materially affected.
If such an event causes a prolonged delay, either party may cancel the unperformed part of the order. Where lawful, the customer remains responsible for customised work completed and non-recoverable costs properly committed before cancellation.
24. Website use and intellectual property
Website content is provided for lawful use when considering and purchasing our goods. Product text, photographs, graphics, tools and other content belong to KI Metals or its licensors and may not be reproduced commercially without permission.
A user must not misuse the website, attempt unauthorised access, introduce malicious code, scrape it in a way that disrupts the service, or use it for unlawful or fraudulent activity.
25. Personal information
We use personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, including to process orders, arrange delivery, prevent fraud and provide customer service.
26. Changes to these terms
We may update these terms from time to time. The terms applying to an order are those in force when the contract is formed, unless a change is required by law or expressly agreed with the customer.
27. General contract provisions
If a provision is found unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in effect. A delay in enforcing a right is not a waiver. No person other than the customer and KI Metals has a right to enforce the contract under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
The accepted order, applicable product listing, these terms and any written specification expressly accepted by KI Metals form the agreement. If they conflict, a specifically agreed written order confirmation or specification takes priority for the point concerned.
28. Governing law and courts
These terms and each contract are governed by the law of England and Wales. A Consumer may bring proceedings in the courts of the part of the United Kingdom in which they live. Business Customers submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
29. Contact and complaints
Questions, order issues and complaints should be sent through the Contact Us page at [email protected] or raised by telephone on 0121 328 3380 during published opening hours. Please include the order number and sufficient information for us to investigate.
We aim to deal with complaints fairly and promptly. If a complaint concerns dimensions, identity, damage or condition, the goods should remain unaltered and safely stored until we give reasonable inspection or return instructions, unless immediate action is necessary for safety.