What’s the difference between an item that is in stock and an item that is made to order?

In stock/made to order status is indicated in the item description for each item that is available as an instant purchase. Some common configurations and frequently ordered items are kept in stock. These items are typically shipped within 5 business days.

Made to order items take a little longer. You should normally allow 5-10 business days for us to make up and ship these items.

In the event of not being able to meet this timescale, we will inform you by email of the expected delivery date. If this is not acceptable, your payment will be refunded in full.

Do I have to have a PayPal account to purchase things from this website?

No. You can pay with any major credit card through PayPal, even if you don't have a PayPal account.

We now only use PayPal for small individual items and many Buy It Now buttons are disabled. Please contact us for a quotation on other items.

Can you accept payment in currencies other than Sterling?

We now recommend Wise for all non-Sterling payments. If you do not already have an account please contact us for details and an invitation to obtain a discount on your first transfer.

What about tax and duties?

Tax and duties are not included in the published prices on this website. The current VAT rate (20%) will be charged on orders within the United Kingdom. For orders placed from the European Union, VAT and duties applicable at point of entry are payable to the delivery agent. For all other countries customs duties are payable to the delivery agent.

How are international parcels shipped?

Small packages will be shipped by International Tracked & Signed Air Mail. Larger packages and parcels are shipped by courier. If you have an account with a preferred courier, shipping and duty charges may be billed directly to your account. This saves the shipping being part of the currency exchange and duty calculations and eliminates customs delays.

What are the conditions of sale?

All orders are accepted and executed under the following conditions unless varied in writing:

1. Standard List items are strictly payment with order. Overseas orders should make payment in Sterling funds with all charges paid. Custom items over £1000 usually require a minimum 50% deposit with order (determined on a case-by-case basis) with the balance due upon completion before shipping.
2. Every effort will be made to maintain the quoted delivery, but no responsibility for late delivery will be accepted.
3. Goods are guaranteed for parts and labour for one year from the date of purchase on a return to distributor basis only. The cost of carriage and packing or field maintenance must be borne by the customer. The sole remedy will be replacement with repaired or refurbished parts.
4. No liability is accepted for any injury, loss or damage, direct or consequential, caused by any application or inability to use the equipment or information supplied.
5. In the event that the customers' order forms contain printed conditions at variance with these conditions the customer shall waive their conditions in favour of those of Hinton Instruments.
6. In countries with no distributor the end customer is the importer and is responsible and liable for all customs fees, duties and taxes levied and compliance with any regulations covering the importation or use of the equipment particularly, but not limited to, legislation regarding radio frequency interference, safety, and restricted materials. Any such charges directed to Hinton Instruments by any legal authority shall be paid by the customer without delay.
7. The contract is subject to English Law.