Refund Policy

Workshop, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

Effective date: September 8, 2025

At New England Bonsai Gardens (NEBG), workshops are event tickets with very limited seats that typically sell out. Think of it like a concert: you can’t call Guns N’ Roses the morning of the show to request a refund because you can’t make it. We’ll always try to be fair, but last-minute cancellations usually mean we can’t fill your seat.

By registering for a workshop, you acknowledge and agree to the terms below.

Purchasing

• Reserve your seat by clicking Register Now and paying by credit card.
• You may also call us to register, but online checkout is the fastest way to secure a seat.

If You Cancel

We understand life happens, but please remember: workshop seats are like event tickets. Classes are small, always in demand, and your registration holds a spot someone else could have taken.

• 7+ days before the workshop start:
  You’ll receive a full credit for a future workshop (same workshop if available).
• Less than 7 days before the start (standard workshops):
  We usually keep a waiting list and will do our best to reassign your ticket.
  If we’re able to find a replacement, we’ll issue you a full refund.
  Please note: this takes time — we need to see your email, get to a computer, and contact people on the list. If you email us at least 3 days before the event (typically by Wednesday), we’ll likely be able to fill your seat.
• Day-of or last-minute cancellations:
  Unless we’re able to replace you (rare at this point), your tuition is forfeited.
• Workshops we run often (like Bonsai Basics, Bonsai Basics II, and Open Worksbench):
  The replacement/refund option above applies.
• Exclusive or one-time workshops (guest artists, rare species events):
  These require a full 7 days’ notice for credit.
  With less notice, we’re sorry, but no credits or refunds are available. If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to transfer your seat to someone else or even resell your ticket online.

Substitutions (Send Someone in Your Place)

• You may substitute another participant at no charge up to one (1) day before the workshop begins.
• Email us as soon as possible with your name/email and your substitute’s name/email so we can update the roster and any prep materials.
• For most workshops, earlier notice (e.g., two weeks) is appreciated so the new participant can review any pre-work — especially if it’s an advanced workshop.

If We Cancel

Sometimes we must cancel or reschedule (e.g., instructor illness, facility issues, insufficient enrollment, or weather). If NEBG cancels, you may choose one of the following:

1. Full refund to the original payment method, or
2. Transfer to another workshop/date (space permitting), or
3. Credit for a future workshop (valid for one year from issuance).

We’ll notify you using the contact information you provided at registration.

Inclement Weather

• If severe weather is forecast, please check your email and the workshop page for updates.
• If NEBG cancels due to weather, you’ll receive the same options listed in If We Cancel.
• If the workshop is not cancelled and you decide not to attend due to weather, you must notify us before the start time to receive a credit (valid one year). No credit is issued without timely notice.

Additional Terms

• No cash refunds for participant-initiated cancellations; credits only as outlined above.
• Credits are single-use, non-cash, non-extendable, and expire one (1) year from issuance.
• NEBG reserves the right to update this policy at any time; the version posted on our website at the time of purchase governs.
• By registering, you confirm you understand the nature of bonsai instruction (tools, soil, live material), agree to follow instructor safety guidance, and accept responsibility for your own participation.

Questions or Changes?

Email nebonsai@nebonsai.com or call 508-883-2842. We’re happy to help.