The Nova Studio Do-It-Yourself Classes: Policies & FAQ

*BEFORE* signing up for a class, please read the text below. By signing up,
you are saying that you understand the information below (including the cancellation policy).
Questions? You can reach us at email(at)thenovastudio.com or by calling 510-234-5700.

PAYMENT OPTIONS

• Checks - Accepted in person or via mail. Be sure to include the Registration Form with your payment.
• Cash - Accepted in person only at The Nova Studio (please do not mail cash) - use the Registration Form.
• Credit Cards - Accepted on-line only via PayPal (links are on class description pages, via the Calendar Page).

HOW TO REGISTER

• Check or Cash: If you would like to register for a class and pay by check or cash, check the class description page (linked on the Calendar Page) to see if the class still has openings. As long as you don't see "Class Full" or "Registration Closed", print out the Registration Form and follow the instructions. If a class fills before we receive your payment, we will call immediately to let you know. If you write a check that is returned by your bank for any reason, you will be responsible to pay a $20 fee to cover bank fees and inconvenience (in addition to the class fee).

• Credit Cards: We accept credit card payments on-line only (through our website) using PayPal, a secure site used for safely transferring money on-line. There is no cost to you for using this service. To pay on-line using your credit card, visit the individual class description page (linked on the Calendar Page) and click on the Visa/Mastercard "Buy Now" button associated with the date you want. You will be taken to the PayPal website where further instructions will be given. You can make an instant payment using your credit card without creating a PayPal account. Once your payment goes through, you will receive an e-mail from us within one week (usually) confirming your registration. If you do not receive an e-mail confirmation, or if you sign-up for a class with less than five days notice, please call 510-234-5700 to confirm your enrollment.

REGISTRATION MISCELLANEOUS

• Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Prepayment is required at the time you sign-up to reserve your space.
• Many classes fill up in advance, so early registration is strongly recommended.
• To give personal attention, class size is limited to 8 - 14 students, depending on the class.
• The following contact information is required for all students: Name, Contact Phone(s) and E-mail Address.
• By signing up, you are saying that you have read this entire page, including our refund policy directly below.

• No Refunds: All payments are non-refundable (i.e., we do not offer refunds). If you cannot attend a class that you have committed to, please refer to the options below.

• Rescheduling Option: If you sign up for a class and need to change the date for any reason, there will be a $15 change fee for the work that goes into moving the information, reconfirming, and attempting to fill your space. This option is good as long as you call us (510-234-5700) with at least 7 DAYS NOTICE, but please try to give us as much advance notice as possible. At the time of rescheduling, you'll need to let us know which class you would like to transfer into.

• Half Credit Option: If you need to cancel (for any reason) and you call us with at least 48 hours notice (but less than 7 days before the class), you are eligible for a HALF CREDIT of your class fee to use for any future class. Note, this is not a refund, but a credit. You'll have up to 2 weeks from the date of the class to notify us which class you would like to apply your credit to, otherwise the credit will be forfeited.

• No Credits/Refunds for No Shows: If you sign up for a class & do not call or show up FOR ANY REASON (you got the date/time wrong, car broke down, you are sick, had to work late, etc.) the entire class fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, nontransferable, and no future credit will be given - no exceptions. There is limited space available in each class and many of the classes involve a minimum materials cost and considerable preparation time for the instructors. When a seat is empty that could have been filled, we feel this is only fair.

• Class Cancellations (if we cancel): If enrollment is below the studio minimum of 5 students, the teacher has the right to cancel a class one week prior to the class. If a class is cancelled, you will be contacted using the phone number and/or e-mail that you gave when signing up, and will receive a full refund or a credit for any future class (your choice). Your credit will be good for 6 months from the date of the class.

WHAT TO BRING

For almost all of our classes, we provide everything you need for the class - simply show up and we'll do the rest. In rare cases where an instructor wants you to bring something, that will be indicated in the on-line class description (viewable from the Calendar Page) and also in the confirmation e-mail we send you. Please be sure we have your best contact info (phone & e-mail) when signing up.

CLASS LOCATION

Unless otherwise specified, all classes are held at The Nova Studio located at 24 West Richmond Ave. in Point Richmond, CA 94801. If you've never been to The Nova Studio, please visit our Location Page with a map and detailed driving directions. Please research & print out directions before the day of the class, as you may not be able to reach someone by phone on the day of class. Students can normally find non-metered parking within one block of the studio. Although Point Richmond is generally considered very safe, as a common sense reminder, please don't leave any valuables in view in your car.

WHAT NOT TO BRING TO CLASS

As much as I love pets, some people are allergic to them, so I have to ask that you leave them at home. Also, please do not show up for the class with any additional people (that includes husbands, babies or small children). Unexpected guests often cause distractions that are not appreciated by paying customers. I wouldn't even think to mention this, but I once had a dog, a baby, and a five-year-old all show up unexpectedly in the same sold-out class!

MINIMUM AGE & KIDS CLASSES

Although our classes are designed for adults, we have had young people as young as 6 attend with an adult. If you feel your child is mature enough to attend a class with or without you, please discuss it with us before signing up (as some classes are better for young people than others). We occasionally offer classes specifically for those under 18. Check the current Calendar to find out if any are coming up. We do offer private parties if you have a group of young people (or adults) who want to do a class for a special occasion. If interested, contact us with as much advance notice as possible (3 months is ideal, but less time might work if we have an available dates).

LOST HANDOUTS / REPRINTS

We could be kept busy at least one day per week responding to email and filling requests to replace lost handouts. So, due to the large number of requests we receive, here is our handout reprint policy: If you have taken a class with Lori Nova and lose your handouts (your dog ate them, they flew out of your convertible, etc.) there is a $20 charge to replace them. Please submit all requests in writing and mail it to us (at 24 W. Richmond Ave., Point Richmond, CA 94801) with your $20 check (per class) along with your name, class title, approximate date you took the class, your mailing address, and your $20 check made out to "The Nova Studio." We do not send handouts via e-mail. Once we verify that you have taken the class, we will send a CURRENT copy of the class handouts, which may include different information/recipes than those in the class you took (we are always improving and updating our handouts). If you are requesting handouts for a class you have not yet taken, the price for the handouts is the same price as the class fee (approx $49-$59). If you need a reprint of a class with another teacher, please contact the teacher directly.

TEACHER INFORMATION

On each class description page, the teacher's name is listed under the title of each class. The majority of the classes (soapmaking, candle making, and bath & body product making classes) are taught by the owner, Lori Nova. Other classes are taught by talented and creative individuals and artists from all over the Bay Area. You can find each instructor's bio on the same page as their class description as well as on our Teacher Page. If you have teaching experience and a unique/creative class idea you think would work at The Nova Studio, please contact us at: email(at)thenovastudio.com with a class proposal, your resume & references.