Terms of Sale

1. SELLER IDENTITY

ARC-Team Engineering S.r.l.s. sells its products through www.directdrive.it

Company details:

Operational address for returns:

  • Via per Due Porte 27/29, 27010 San Genesio ed Uniti (PV), Italy

Customers must not ship products without prior notice and authorisation.

2. SCOPE

These terms govern purchases on www.directdrive.it and distinguish between:

Consumer customers (B2C): natural persons purchasing outside their professional activity, with the protections provided by Legislative Decree 206/2005

Business customers (B2B): parties purchasing in the course of their business activity; the right of withdrawal does not apply to them unless agreed in writing

3. PRODUCT INFORMATION

Photographs and graphic representations are for illustrative purposes only. Before purchasing, the customer must check:

  • Compatibility with their own setup
  • Supported operating systems
  • Required accessories
  • Hardware and software requirements
  • Space and mounting systems
  • Compatibility with consoles, PCs, simulators and components

Technical information is based on the information available at the time of the request.

4. PURCHASE PROCEDURE

The publication of products constitutes an invitation to order, not an irrevocable offer. The contract is concluded when the seller accepts the order.

The seller may carry out checks on:

  • Product availability
  • Price accuracy
  • Customer details
  • Payment validity
  • Possible irregularities or fraud

Reasons for refusing an order:

  • Product not available
  • Manifestly incorrect price
  • Technical error
  • Unauthorised payment
  • Incomplete details
  • Suspected fraud

5. PRICES

All prices include VAT unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs and additional services are shown separately.

For non-EU customers, the price may exclude duties, import taxes and customs charges.

In the event of a manifest error, the seller will offer: confirmation at the correct price or cancellation with a refund.

6. PAYMENT METHODS

Available methods:

  • Credit/debit card
  • Bank transfer
  • PayPal
  • Instalment financing
  • Other systems shown on the website

Bank transfer: the order is processed once the funds have actually been received. If payment does not arrive within the stated time limit, the order may be cancelled.

Advance payments: amounts paid before delivery are advance payments on the price, unless otherwise designated as a confirmatory deposit.

7. PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

The availability shown may be:

  • Available or in stock
  • At an external warehouse
  • Available to order
  • Pre-order
  • On request
  • Customised or made to order

If a product becomes unavailable after the order, the customer may: wait, replace the product or cancel with a refund.

8. PRE-ORDERS

A pre-order concerns products that are not immediately available, with an estimated arrival date subject to change for reasons beyond the seller's control (manufacturer delays, transport, customs checks, strikes, force majeure).

A pre-order does not remove the consumer's right of withdrawal.

9. CUSTOMISED PRODUCTS

The right of withdrawal is excluded for goods made to measure, clearly customised, modified at the customer's specific request, or built in an individual configuration.

Customisation must be clearly stated on the product page before purchase.

Specific contracts may apply to complete simulators, special configurations and dedicated projects.

10. DELIVERY TIMES

The times shown are estimates, unless an essential deadline has been agreed. The seller is not liable for delays due to unforeseeable circumstances.

In the event of a delay, the customer must allow an appropriate additional period, unless delivery has been expressly refused or the date is essential. If this period expires without delivery, the consumer may terminate the contract and obtain a refund.

11. SHIPPING AND TRANSFER OF RISK

The seller uses professional couriers. For consumers, the risk passes when they take possession of the goods.

In the event of loss or damage during shipping organised by the seller, the consumer retains their rights against the seller regardless of any insurance claims.

12. DELIVERY AND PARCEL INSPECTION

On delivery, the customer must check:

  • Number of parcels
  • External condition of the packaging
  • Signs of damage (impacts, holes, crushing, openings, wet parts)
  • That the recipient details match

If damage is visible, accept the delivery with a specific reservation, describing the damage on the carrier's document.

Recommendations:

  • Photograph the packaging before opening it
  • Keep the packaging
  • Report damage promptly
  • Do not use the product if doing so could make the problem worse

Failure to make a reservation does not automatically remove the legal guarantee, but it makes it harder to prove that the damage occurred in transit.

13. CONSUMER RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL

The consumer may withdraw within 14 days of delivery without giving any reason.

The period runs from:

  • Delivery of the goods
  • Delivery of the last item, for orders with separate deliveries
  • Delivery of the last lot, for goods made up of multiple parts

The right does not apply to business customers, unless agreed in writing.

14. HOW TO EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL

The consumer must send an explicit statement containing:

  • First name and surname
  • Order number
  • Products concerned
  • Unequivocal intention to withdraw
  • Email address

Communication channels:

  • Electronic withdrawal function on the website
  • Email: info@directdrive.it
  • Model withdrawal form (optional)
  • Any other explicit statement permitted by law

The communication is timely if sent before the 14-day period expires. The seller sends an acknowledgement of receipt on a durable medium.

15. RETURN OF GOODS

After notifying withdrawal, the consumer must ship the goods within 14 days.

Return requirements:

  • Complete with accessories, cables, adapters and manuals
  • Adequately cleaned
  • Properly protected
  • With the order number or case reference
  • Shipped in a way that prevents damage

Recommendation: use the original packaging, especially for heavy or electronic products.

The absence of the original packaging does not automatically invalidate the withdrawal, but if it causes a reduction in value, a replacement cost or a risk of damage, the amount may be deducted from the refund.

Returns sent cash on delivery may be refused.

16. RETURN COSTS

If the consumer has simply changed their mind, the cost of the return is borne by the consumer.

If the product is defective or incorrect due to the seller's responsibility, the costs of return and warranty handling are borne by the seller once the defect has been confirmed.

17. HANDLING, TESTING AND REDUCTION IN VALUE

The consumer may examine and test the product to establish its nature, characteristics, compatibility and functioning. Testing must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

For sim racing products, a reasonable check may require:

  • Opening the box
  • Temporary connection
  • Driver installation
  • Switching on
  • Firmware update
  • Calibration
  • Temporary mounting with suitable tools
  • A brief functional test

The consumer is liable for any reduction in value resulting from handling beyond what is necessary.

Examples of reduction in value:

  • Scratches, dents, permanent marks
  • Damaged threads
  • Stripped screws
  • Damage from overtightening
  • Marks caused by unsuitable mounts
  • Prolonged use or wear
  • Significant dirt
  • Odours
  • Abrasions
  • Protective films removed unnecessarily
  • Stickers removed or damaged
  • Missing accessories
  • Damaged cables
  • Irreversible hardware/software modifications
  • Tampering
  • Incorrect installation
  • Missing packaging
  • Irreversible linking to an account

Simple assembly does not automatically result in loss of the right of withdrawal, but damage caused during assembly/use/disassembly may give rise to liability for reduction in value.

18. CRITERIA FOR ASSESSING THE REDUCTION IN VALUE

The reduction is not calculated using automatic percentages.

The seller carries out an individual assessment, taking into account:

  • Condition of the goods on return
  • Photographs and documentation
  • Cost of spare parts
  • Labour costs
  • Cost of cleaning or restoration
  • Cost of replacing packaging/accessories
  • Whether the defect can be eliminated
  • Actual loss of resale price
  • Inability to sell as new
  • Need to classify as refurbished, open box or used
  • Extent and location of cosmetic damage
  • Functional impact of the damage
  • Value of the individual components of a bundle

The seller informs the customer of the defect found, the documentation, the criterion used and the amount proposed as a reduction. The customer may submit comments.

19. REFUND IN THE EVENT OF WITHDRAWAL

In the event of a valid withdrawal, the seller refunds:

  • The price paid
  • The original standard delivery costs

Supplementary costs resulting from choosing a more expensive delivery method are not refunded.

The refund is made within 14 days of notification of the withdrawal.

The seller may withhold the refund until it has received the goods or the consumer has provided proof of having shipped them.

The refund is made using the same means of payment used, unless otherwise agreed at no cost to the consumer.

Any documented reduction in value may be deducted from the refund.

20. PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL AND BUNDLES

The consumer may withdraw from one or more independent products in the same order, where they are separable and individually priced.

For a single bundle/kit/indivisible promotional offer, withdrawal from one component may involve: return of the entire bundle or recalculation of the price of the components kept.

If the partial return removes the conditions for the bundle discount, the refund may be recalculated on the basis of the prices applicable to the products kept.

21. EXCEPTIONS TO THE RIGHT OF WITHDRAWAL

The right of withdrawal is excluded solely in the cases provided for by law, including:

  • Goods made to measure or clearly customised
  • Sealed software opened after delivery (where the legal conditions are met)
  • Digital content whose performance has begun with express consent
  • Services fully performed at the consumer's request
  • Other cases expressly listed in article 59 of the Italian Consumer Code

The right of withdrawal cannot be excluded simply because the customer has changed their mind, found a lower price, found another product, made an error of judgement, or because the item was bought on pre-order. These reasons normally fall within the right of withdrawal.

22. LEGAL GUARANTEE FOR CONSUMERS

Products are covered by the legal guarantee of conformity (articles 128+ of the Italian Consumer Code).

ARC-Team is responsible for lack of conformity existing at the time of delivery and becoming apparent within the period provided for by law.

The legal guarantee is owed by the seller regardless of any commercial guarantees from the manufacturer.

A product is in conformity when it:

  • Matches the description
  • Has the promised quality, functionality and compatibility
  • Is fit for ordinary uses
  • Comes with the expected accessories, instructions and updates
  • Meets reasonable expectations arising from the contract and applicable public statements

23. WARRANTY REMEDIES

In the event of a lack of conformity, the consumer may request:

  • Repair
  • Or replacement

Unless the chosen remedy is impossible or would entail disproportionate costs.

Repair and replacement are carried out free of charge for the consumer, within a reasonable time and without significant inconvenience.

Where the legal conditions are met, the consumer may obtain: a price reduction or termination of the contract.

The seller may use service centres, the manufacturer or specialist parties, while remaining responsible to the consumer.

24. WARRANTY COSTS AND PROCEDURE

If a defect is confirmed, the costs of diagnosis, shipping, collection, repair, spare parts and return are borne by the seller.

The customer must cooperate by providing:

  • Order number or proof of purchase
  • A precise description of the problem
  • Photographs and videos
  • Log files
  • Hardware/software configuration
  • Driver and firmware versions
  • Requested tests, where relevant

The seller may request remote checks before the product is returned.

If the product turns out to be fully functional, free of the reported defect, damaged by improper use, tampered with, damaged by incorrect installation, damaged by impacts/liquids/power surges/external causes, or excluded from the warranty for other documentable reasons, the seller may issue a quote for diagnosis, repair, spare parts and transport.

No chargeable work is carried out without prior notice and acceptance.

25. WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS

The warranty does not cover (unless resulting from an original defect):

  • Normal wear and tear
  • Consumables
  • Accidental damage
  • Drops, impacts, liquids, fire, power surges
  • Incorrect electrical connections
  • Unauthorised power supplies
  • Incompatible installations
  • Improper tightening
  • Tampering
  • Unauthorised modifications
  • Repairs carried out by unqualified persons
  • Use contrary to the instructions
  • Intensive professional use of products intended exclusively for home use
  • Incompatible third-party software/hardware
  • Damage from unofficial firmware/drivers/procedures
  • Defects already disclosed and accepted in used/refurbished products

Exclusions are assessed on a case-by-case basis and must be causally linked to the problem.

26. WARRANTY FOR BUSINESS CUSTOMERS

For B2B purchases, articles 1490+ of the Italian Civil Code apply, unless different terms are agreed in writing.

Business customers must report defects within the time limits provided for by law.

Unless there is a different commercial guarantee from the manufacturer or a written agreement, the contractual warranty lasts 12 months from delivery.

The B2B warranty does not include the right of withdrawal.

27. TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Support requests must be opened via: https://assistenza.arc-team.it

The customer must:

  1. Select the brand
  2. Consult the available technical documentation
  3. Open a ticket
  4. Provide the requested information
  5. Follow the technician's instructions

The ticket is the official channel for tracking, gathering information, diagnosis, return authorisation, updates and closure.

Communications via WhatsApp, social networks, private messages or unofficial channels may not be handled as formal requests, although this does not limit the consumer's mandatory rights.

28. UPDATES, DRIVERS AND SOFTWARE

Some products require drivers, firmware, applications, a manufacturer account, an internet connection and periodic updates.

The customer must check the requirements stated on the product page.

The seller is not liable for malfunctions caused by:

  • Independent changes to operating systems
  • Third-party software
  • Unsupported configurations
  • Unofficial updates
  • Unauthorised modifications
  • Temporary unavailability of manufacturer services

Unless there is nonetheless a lack of conformity or a legal obligation on the part of the seller.

29. SAFE USE OF PRODUCTS

The customer must use the products in accordance with the instructions, with suitable mounts and correct mounting systems, respecting force, torque, weight and power supply limits. They must keep children and persons who are not adequately supervised away, and stop using the product in the event of any anomaly.

Sim racing products equipped with high-torque motors, dynamic systems, actuators, power supplies or moving parts can generate high forces. The customer must read the manuals and take all safety precautions.

Any exclusion of liability does not apply in cases of wilful misconduct, gross negligence, personal injury, liability for defective products, breach of mandatory obligations or other cases in which the law prohibits such exclusion.

30. LIABILITY

The seller is liable for its contractual obligations and for the mandatory liabilities provided for by law.

To the extent permitted, it is not liable for damage resulting from:

  • Improper use
  • Failure to follow the instructions
  • Incorrect installation
  • Unauthorised modifications
  • Undeclared incompatibilities
  • Professional use not in line with the intended purpose
  • Third-party interventions
  • Unforeseeable external events

In B2B relationships, except in cases of wilful misconduct, gross negligence or mandatory liability, liability for direct damage may not exceed the value of the product/service. Indirect damage, loss of profit, business interruption, data loss and reputational damage are excluded.

The B2B limitations do not apply to consumers where incompatible with the Italian Consumer Code.

31. FORCE MAJEURE

The seller is not responsible for delays/impossibility resulting from events beyond its reasonable control, including: natural disasters, wars, terrorism, riots, pandemics, general strikes, customs blockades, embargoes, transport disruptions, unavailability of raw materials, orders of the authorities, fires, floods, infrastructure failures.

The seller informs the customer and takes reasonable measures to limit the effects.

Force majeure does not deprive the consumer of the mandatory remedies provided for by law in the event of non-delivery or definitive impossibility.

32. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Trademarks, texts, photographs, videos, graphics, configurations, manuals, documents and software on the website are protected by intellectual property law.

Using, reproducing or distributing such content without authorisation is prohibited, except for uses permitted by law.

Manufacturers' trademarks belong to their respective owners.

33. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

Personal data is processed in accordance with EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR) and applicable national legislation.

Full information is provided in the Privacy Policy published on the website.

Data for orders, payments, shipping, support, warranty, fraud prevention and tax compliance is processed on the relevant legal bases.

34. COMPLAINTS

The customer may send a complaint to: commerciale@arc-team.it

The complaint must contain (where available):

  • Name
  • Order number
  • Description of the facts
  • Documentation
  • The request being made

The seller examines the complaint and responds within a reasonable time.

Any attempt at amicable settlement does not limit the parties' right to turn to the competent ADR bodies or to the judicial authorities.

35. APPLICABLE LAW

The contract is governed by Italian law.

For consumers resident in another EU Member State, the more favourable mandatory provisions of the law of their country of residence remain applicable, where relevant.

36. COMPETENT COURT

For disputes with consumers, the competent court is that of the consumer's place of residence or domicile within the territory of the State, unless a mandatory provision states otherwise.

For disputes with business customers, the Court of Pavia has exclusive jurisdiction, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

37. CHANGES TO THE TERMS

The seller may amend the Terms for: regulatory adjustments, organisational changes, service developments, technical changes.

Changes apply to orders placed after their publication.

Orders already concluded are governed by the terms accepted at the time of purchase, unless the changes are more favourable or required by law.

38. PARTIAL INVALIDITY

The nullity, ineffectiveness or unenforceability of any clause does not render the remaining provisions invalid.

The invalid clause is replaced by the applicable statutory provision.

Mandatory rules protecting consumers always prevail.

39. COMMUNICATIONS

Communications relating to orders are sent to the addresses provided by the customer.

The customer must keep the following up to date: email, telephone, shipping address, billing address.

Changes notified after shipping may incur additional costs.

The customer should also check their spam folders.

40. ACCEPTANCE OF THE TERMS

Before submitting the order, the customer can view, download and save these Terms.

Acceptance of the Terms does not entail waiving mandatory rights, the legal guarantee, the right to complain or the possibility of turning to the competent authority.

For business customers, clauses requiring specific approval (articles 1341 and 1342 of the Italian Civil Code) must be approved separately, where applicable.

MODEL WITHDRAWAL FORM (OPTIONAL)

To:

ARC-Team Engineering S.r.l.s. Email: info@directdrive.it

Details to complete:

  • Order number
  • Date ordered / date received
  • Consumer's first name and surname
  • Address
  • Email
  • Date
  • Signature (if submitted on paper)