Terms and Conditions VM & Retail Experience Design Distance Learning Course
Last Updated: 10th April 2026.
1. ABOUT THESE TERMS1.1 These terms and conditions ("Terms") govern your enrollment in and use of the VM & Retail Experience Design Distance Learning Course ("Course") provided by the Shop & Display Equipment Association ("SDEA", "we", "us", "our").
1.2 By enrolling in the Course, you agree to be bound by these Terms. Please read them carefully before enrolling.
1.3 SDEA is a trade association based in the United Kingdom.
Our registered address is: 24 Croydon Road, Caterham CR3 6YR.1.4 You can contact us at:
Email: enquiries@sdea.co.uk
Telephone: 01883 348911
Post: 24 Croydon Road, Caterham CR3 6YR
Website: www.learnvm.co.uk
2. ENROLLMENT AND PAYMENT
2.1 Enrollment Process: Enrollment is confirmed when we receive your completed enrollment form and full payment.
2.2 Payment: The Course fee is £1,250 + VAT. A discount code (VMDISPLAY) may be available for £995 + VAT for a limited period.
2.3 Payment Method: Payment must be made in full at the time of enrollment via our secure payment processor (Stripe).
2.4 VAT: All prices are subject to UK Value Added Tax (VAT) at the prevailing rate. VAT is charged regardless of your location.
2.5 Receipts: A receipt will be sent to your email address following successful payment.
2.6 Rolling Enrollment: The Course operates on a rolling enrollment basis. You may enroll at any time and will receive Module 1 materials within 48 hours of confirmed payment.
3. COURSE ACCESS AND MATERIALS
3.1 Course Structure: The Course consists of 12 modules delivered online.
3.2 Module Delivery: Module 1 will be sent to you by your assigned tutor within 48 hours of enrollment Modules 2-12 will be unlocked sequentially upon successful completion and approval of the previous module. You must complete and submit assignments for each module before progressing.
3.3 Study Period: There is a two-year fixed time limit for completing the Course from your enrolment date. You may study at your own pace.
3.4 Access to Materials: You will have lifetime access to all Course materials once they are delivered to you. Materials are for your personal use only.
3.5 Technical Requirements: You will need internet access and the ability to read PDF files. You are responsible for ensuring you have the necessary equipment and internet connection.
4. TUTOR SUPPORT
4.1 Tutor Assignment: You will be assigned a personal tutor (either Barbara Chapman or John Abbate) who will remain with you throughout the Course.
4.2 Tutor Support Includes: Review and feedback on all assignment submissions, email support for course-related queries, and guidance throughout your learning journey
4.3 Response Times: Tutors will respond to assignment submissions and queries within a reasonable timeframe, typically within 5-7 working days.
4.4 Scope of Support: Tutor support is limited to Course content and assignments. Tutors are not available for general career advice or services outside the scope of the Course.
5. ASSIGNMENTS AND ASSESSMENT
5.1 Assignment Submissions: You must complete and submit an assignment for each module to progress through the Course.
5.2 Assessment Criteria: Your tutor will assess your work based on understanding of course concepts, application of techniques, and completion of assignment requirements.
5.3 Feedback: Your tutor will provide written feedback on each submission.
5.4 Resubmission: If your assignment does not meet the required standard, your tutor will provide feedback and you may resubmit your work. There is no limit on resubmissions.
5.5 Academic Integrity: All submitted work must be your own. Plagiarism or submission of work created by others will result in immediate termination of your enrollment without refund.
6. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
6.1 Certificate Award: Upon successful completion of all 12 modules and approval of all assignments, you will receive a Certificate of Completion from SDEA.
6.2 Certificate Delivery: Certificates will be issued in printed and digital format via email within 30 days of completing the final module.
6.3 Certificate Status: The Certificate confirms completion of the Course but does not constitute a regulated qualification or professional accreditation.
7. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
7.1 Course Materials: All Course materials, including text, images, graphics, and design, are the intellectual property of SDEA or licensed to SDEA for use in the Course.
7.2 Limited License: You are granted a personal, non-transferable, non-exclusive license to access and use the Course materials solely for your own learning purposes.
7.3 Restrictions: You may not: Share, distribute, or publish Course materials to third parties. Use Course materials for commercial purposes. Reproduce, copy, or modify Course materials except for personal study notes. Remove copyright notices or proprietary markings
7.4 Your Work: You retain ownership of your assignment submissions. By submitting assignments, you grant SDEA a non-exclusive license to use anonymized examples of student work for promotional or educational purposes.
8. REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY
8.1 Cooling-Off Period: You have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date of enrollment during which you may cancel for a full refund, provided you have not accessed more than Module 1 materials.
8.2 Cancellation After Cooling-Off Period: After the 14-day cooling-off period, refunds are provided at SDEA's discretion and only in exceptional circumstances.
8.3 Refund Process: To request a refund, email enquiries@sdea.co.uk with your name, enrollment date, and reason for cancellation. Refunds will be processed within 14 days of approval.
8.4 No Refund Circumstances: No refund will be provided if: You have completed or accessed materials beyond Module 1 after the cooling-off period. You have violated these Terms. You simply change your mind after the cooling-off period
9. DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY
9.1 Data Collection: We collect and process your personal data (name, email, phone number, payment information) to provide the Course and communicate with you.
9.2 Legal Basis: We process your data based on:Contract performance (to deliver the Course you've enrolled in), Legitimate interests (to improve our services and communicate about SDEA activities)
9.3 Data Use: Your data will be used to: Deliver Course materials. Assign you to a tutor. Process payments. Send Course-related communications. Comply with legal obligations
9.4 Data Sharing: We do not sell your data. We may share data with: Your assigned tutor (for Course delivery) Our payment processor (Stripe ). Service providers who help us deliver the Course
9.5 Your Rights: Under UK GDPR, you have the right to: Access your personal data. Rectify inaccurate data. Request erasure of your data (subject to our legal obligations) Object to processing. Data portability
9.6 Data Retention: We retain your data for 7 years after Course completion for record-keeping purposes, unless you request earlier deletion.
9.7 Privacy Policy: For full details, see our Privacy Policy at www.learnvm.co.uk/privacypolicy.
10. ACCEPTABLE USE
10.1 Professional Conduct: You agree to communicate professionally and respectfully with tutors and SDEA staff.
10.2 Prohibited Activities: You must not: Harass, abuse, or threaten tutors or staff. Use the Course for any illegal purpose. Attempt to access systems or data you're not authorized to access. Share your login credentials with others
10.3 Consequences: Violation of acceptable use may result in suspension or termination of your Course access without refund.
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
11.1 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for:Death or personal injury caused by our negligence. Fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation. Any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under UK law
11.2 Subject to clause 11.1:We are not liable for any loss of profits, business, revenue, or goodwill. We are not liable for any indirect or consequential losses. Our total liability to you shall not exceed the Course fee you paid
11.3 Course Content: While we make every effort to ensure Course materials are accurate and up-to-date, we do not guarantee that: The Course will meet your specific requirements. Course content is error-free or complete. The Course will result in employment or career advancement
11.4 Technical Issues: We are not liable for technical problems, internet outages, or equipment failures that prevent you from accessing Course materials.
12. CHANGES TO THE COURSE
12.1 Content Updates: We may update Course materials to reflect industry changes, new techniques, or improved teaching methods.
12.2 Tutor Changes: In exceptional circumstances, we may need to assign you to a different tutor. We will notify you in advance where possible.
12.3 Price Changes: Price changes do not affect students already enrolled. You will pay the price confirmed at the time of your enrollment.
13. SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION
13.1 Our Right to Suspend: We may suspend your Course access if: You breach these Terms. Your payment is disputed or reversed. We reasonably believe you have engaged in fraudulent activity.
13.2 Our Right to Terminate: We may terminate your enrollment if: You commit a serious or repeated breach of these Terms. You engage in academic dishonesty. You harass or abuse tutors or staff.
13.3 Your Right to Terminate: You may withdraw from the Course at any time, subject to the refund policy in clause 8.
13.4 Effect of Termination: Upon termination:Your access to Course materials will cease. You will not be entitled to a refund (unless within the cooling-off period)Clauses 7 (Intellectual Property), 9 (Data Protection), and 11 (Limitation of Liability) continue to apply
14. FORCE MAJEURE
14.1 We are not liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations if such failure or delay is due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, pandemic, government restrictions, or technical failures.
14.2 If a force majeure event continues for more than 3 months, either party may terminate the contract and you will receive a pro-rata refund for uncompleted modules.
15. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
15.1 Complaints: If you have a complaint, please contact us at enquiries@sdea.co.uk or telephone 01883 348911. We will investigate and respond within 14 days.
15.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution: We are committed to resolving disputes amicably. If we cannot resolve your complaint internally, you may refer the matter to an alternative dispute resolution service.
15.3 Consumer Rights: Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law.
16. GENERAL
16.1 Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and SDEA regarding the Course.
16.2 Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force.
16.3 Waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
16.4 No Assignment: You may not transfer your Course enrollment to another person without our written consent.
16.5 Third Party Rights: No third party has any rights under these Terms under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
16.6 Changes to Terms: We may update these Terms from time to time. Changes will be posted on our website and will apply to enrollments made after the update date. Changes will not affect existing enrollments unless required by law.
16.7 Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
16.8 Jurisdiction: Any disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
17. CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:
Email: enquiries@sdea.co.uk
Telephone: 01883 348911
Post: Shop & Display Equipment Association, 24 Croydon Road, Caterham CR3 6YR
Website: www.learnvm.co.uk
18. CONSUMER RIGHTS SUMMARY
Your key rights as a consumer:
✓ 14-day cooling-off period for full refund (if you haven't accessed beyond Module 1)
✓ Course materials must be as described
✓ Tutor support must be provided as outlined
✓ Protection under UK consumer law
✓ Right to complain if the service is not satisfactory
For independent consumer advice, contact:
Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Consumer Rights Helpline: 0808 223 1133
By enrolling in the VM & Retail Experience Design Course, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
APPENDIX:
KEY DEFINITIONS
"Course" means the VM & Retail Experience Design Distance Learning Course consisting of 12 modules
"Course Materials" means all learning resources, PDFs, documents, and content provided as part of the Course
"Enrollment" means the point at which you complete the enrollment form and payment is confirmed"
Module" means each of the 12 learning units that comprise the Course
"Student" or "You" means the person enrolled in the Course"
Tutor" means the assigned instructor (Barbara Chapman or John Abbate) who provides feedback and support"
Working Days" means Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays
End of Terms and Conditions