FAQs
1. What can I expect from proto~?
proto~ is a place to become acquainted with young and emerging artists, explore studio environments, collect and become a custodian of small artworks and curious objects. Every purchase at proto~ ensures that you become a mini-patron of the arts, as your contribution goes directly towards A4 Arts Foundation’s mandate to support the arts ecology – offering our services to practitioners and providing access to publics.
2. I am a practitioner. Can my goods be sold at proto~?
Possibly, yes! Please fill out our form to submit a proposal. If your submission is successful we will be in touch.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests proto~ receives, we are only able to respond to successful applicants.
3. What payment methods does proto~ accept?
We accept Visa and MasterCard.
4. Is it safe to use my credit card online at proto~?
Our chosen online service providers work hard to ensure your purchase is safe and secure. Credit card payments are processed by our partner PayTabs which uses the latest version of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) system.
5. How will I know if you have received my order?
After you place your order, you will receive an email acknowledging your order. This does not mean that we have confirmed your order: only after your credit-card details have been approved, the delivery address has been verified and the items are located, will your order be accepted and the items shipped. At this point you will receive a second email from us confirming your order.
6. When will I receive my order?
Orders are shipped and delivered Monday to Friday. Domestic deliveries take two to three days. On the day of delivery, a nominated time slot will be sent to you via text as an approximate window but delivery time may vary.
7. Can I collect my order instead?
Yes, you can arrange pick up from our store in Cape Town at A4 Arts Foundation, 23 Buitenkant Street, District Six. You will be asked to present the order confirmation email when collecting.
8. Am I able to track my order?
Yes. When we dispatch your order for delivery you will receive a unique tracking number by email. Once in receipt of this tracking number you can check the current status of your shipment.
9. Can I exchange my order?
If you would like to exchange one item for another, you must first return the original item and then place a new order. If this occurs within five (5) days, you may be refunded for the original item in accordance with our usual returns policy. You can also choose to receive your refund as credit, which will enable you to purchase a replacement item quickly and seamlessly. No exchanges or returns of items will be accepted after 28 days.
10. How do I return an item?
The provision of goods and services by proto~ is subject to availability. In the unfortunate case where a purchase was processed and the product is unavailable, proto~ will refund the client in full within 30 days.
Cancellation of orders by the client before delivery of purchase will attract a 25% administration fee.
Free-of-charge refunds are applicable within 5 days from the day of delivery of purchase.
The following applies to all products returned after 5 days, and within 28 days from the date of delivery of purchase.
Before returning any products, please make sure that all of the following conditions apply:
The item must be returned in its original packaging;
The item should be in its pre-sale condition, with no signs of wear.
Returns will fall into the categories as outlined below:
If the product has a defect and if all of the above conditions are satisfied, we will refund the value of the returned item. Excluding original shipping costs.
b) Upon receipt of your order, if you are unhappy with your purchase, but the product has no defects, proto~ will offer a suitable replacement within the same price group, or a store credit – provided that the above conditions are satisfied.
c) No refunds or exchanges on any discounted items.
d) No returns or exchanges after 28 days.
11. In what packaging will my goods be delivered?
At proto~ we use a 100% recyclable box with a proto~ seal. All our packaging is free of charge.
12. Do I have to pay duty and import charges?
Duties will differ depending on the country you are shipping to. The shipping company will contact you once your items are with your local customs to let you know the cost. It will be your responsibility to pay the necessary charges for local authorities to release the goods, which may delay your delivery time. Please note, duty is applied as a flat-rate percentage of total item value for all products.
13. Is my personal information kept private?
Yes. Please be assured that we consider all of the information you share with us to be private and confidential. At no point will we share, rent or sell your personal information without your consent.
14. How can I stay up to date with what proto~ is up to?
You can follow us on Instagram at @proto.a4. You can also subscribe to A4’s monthly newsletter here.
15. How do I buy a gift card?
Gift cards are unavailable at present.
proto~ is a place to become acquainted with young and emerging artists, explore studio environments, collect and become a custodian of small artworks and curious objects. Every purchase at proto~ ensures that you become a mini-patron of the arts, as your contribution goes directly towards A4 Arts Foundation’s mandate to support the arts ecology – offering our services to practitioners and providing access to publics.
2. I am a practitioner. Can my goods be sold at proto~?
Possibly, yes! Please fill out our form to submit a proposal. If your submission is successful we will be in touch.
Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests proto~ receives, we are only able to respond to successful applicants.
3. What payment methods does proto~ accept?
We accept Visa and MasterCard.
4. Is it safe to use my credit card online at proto~?
Our chosen online service providers work hard to ensure your purchase is safe and secure. Credit card payments are processed by our partner PayTabs which uses the latest version of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) system.
5. How will I know if you have received my order?
After you place your order, you will receive an email acknowledging your order. This does not mean that we have confirmed your order: only after your credit-card details have been approved, the delivery address has been verified and the items are located, will your order be accepted and the items shipped. At this point you will receive a second email from us confirming your order.
6. When will I receive my order?
Orders are shipped and delivered Monday to Friday. Domestic deliveries take two to three days. On the day of delivery, a nominated time slot will be sent to you via text as an approximate window but delivery time may vary.
7. Can I collect my order instead?
Yes, you can arrange pick up from our store in Cape Town at A4 Arts Foundation, 23 Buitenkant Street, District Six. You will be asked to present the order confirmation email when collecting.
8. Am I able to track my order?
Yes. When we dispatch your order for delivery you will receive a unique tracking number by email. Once in receipt of this tracking number you can check the current status of your shipment.
9. Can I exchange my order?
If you would like to exchange one item for another, you must first return the original item and then place a new order. If this occurs within five (5) days, you may be refunded for the original item in accordance with our usual returns policy. You can also choose to receive your refund as credit, which will enable you to purchase a replacement item quickly and seamlessly. No exchanges or returns of items will be accepted after 28 days.
10. How do I return an item?
The provision of goods and services by proto~ is subject to availability. In the unfortunate case where a purchase was processed and the product is unavailable, proto~ will refund the client in full within 30 days.
Cancellation of orders by the client before delivery of purchase will attract a 25% administration fee.
Free-of-charge refunds are applicable within 5 days from the day of delivery of purchase.
The following applies to all products returned after 5 days, and within 28 days from the date of delivery of purchase.
Before returning any products, please make sure that all of the following conditions apply:
The item must be returned in its original packaging;
The item should be in its pre-sale condition, with no signs of wear.
Returns will fall into the categories as outlined below:
If the product has a defect and if all of the above conditions are satisfied, we will refund the value of the returned item. Excluding original shipping costs.
b) Upon receipt of your order, if you are unhappy with your purchase, but the product has no defects, proto~ will offer a suitable replacement within the same price group, or a store credit – provided that the above conditions are satisfied.
c) No refunds or exchanges on any discounted items.
d) No returns or exchanges after 28 days.
11. In what packaging will my goods be delivered?
At proto~ we use a 100% recyclable box with a proto~ seal. All our packaging is free of charge.
12. Do I have to pay duty and import charges?
Duties will differ depending on the country you are shipping to. The shipping company will contact you once your items are with your local customs to let you know the cost. It will be your responsibility to pay the necessary charges for local authorities to release the goods, which may delay your delivery time. Please note, duty is applied as a flat-rate percentage of total item value for all products.
13. Is my personal information kept private?
Yes. Please be assured that we consider all of the information you share with us to be private and confidential. At no point will we share, rent or sell your personal information without your consent.
14. How can I stay up to date with what proto~ is up to?
You can follow us on Instagram at @proto.a4. You can also subscribe to A4’s monthly newsletter here.
15. How do I buy a gift card?
Gift cards are unavailable at present.