Terms and Conditions

Earls Court Man and Van Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Earls Court Man and Van provides man and van, removal, delivery and related services within the United Kingdom. By making a booking, using our services, or allowing work to begin, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming a booking.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings shown:

1.1 "Company" means Earls Court Man and Van, the provider of the services.

1.2 "Customer" means the person, firm or organisation booking or using the services.

1.3 "Services" means any man and van, removal, delivery, packing, loading, unloading, or related services provided by the Company.

1.4 "Goods" means any items, contents, furniture, personal effects, equipment, or other property handled, moved or transported by the Company.

1.5 "Service Area" refers to the areas in which the Company operates and offers removal and man and van services within the United Kingdom.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides local and regional man and van and removal services, including collection, transportation and delivery of Goods, as agreed at the time of booking.

2.2 The Company may also, by prior agreement, provide additional services such as packing, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, and provision of packing materials. Any such additional services will be itemised in the booking confirmation.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any Goods which, in its sole opinion, pose a health and safety risk, are prohibited by law, or are outside the agreed scope of work.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by the Customer through the Company's accepted communication channels. The Customer must provide accurate information about the collection and delivery addresses, access conditions, parking availability, property type, number of flights of stairs, presence of lifts, and the nature and approximate volume of Goods.

3.2 Any quotation issued by the Company is based on the information supplied by the Customer. The quotation will specify whether it is an hourly rate or a fixed price, as well as the services included.

3.3 A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has accepted the quotation, and the Company has acknowledged acceptance, which may include the request and receipt of a deposit where applicable.

3.4 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all details contained in the booking confirmation are correct. Any errors must be reported to the Company as soon as possible. Changes to the booking may result in an adjustment to the quoted price.

4. Access, Parking and Service Conditions

4.1 The Customer must ensure that adequate parking is available as close as reasonably possible to the collection and delivery addresses and, where required, must arrange any necessary permits, vouchers or permissions from the relevant authority.

4.2 Any parking fines, penalties, or additional charges incurred as a direct result of insufficient or unsuitable parking arrangements at the collection or delivery addresses may be added to the Customer's invoice.

4.3 The Customer must ensure that the property is accessible and safe for the Company's staff. This includes safe access via stairs, lifts, hallways, driveways and entrances that are suitable for carrying and moving Goods.

4.4 If access is significantly more difficult than described at the time of booking, or if there are unexpected access issues within the service area, the Company may apply additional charges to cover extra time, labour or equipment required.

5. Customer Responsibilities

5.1 The Customer is responsible for:

a. Ensuring that Goods are properly packed, secured and ready for transport, unless the Company has agreed to provide packing services.

b. Removing all personal and valuable items, such as money, jewellery, important documents, electronic devices and sentimental items, prior to the service.

c. Ensuring that all appliances are disconnected, defrosted, drained and made safe before they are moved.

d. Obtaining all necessary permissions for the Company to carry out the work at both collection and delivery addresses.

5.2 The Customer warrants that they are the owner of the Goods or have full authority from the owner to enter into this agreement and to authorise the Company to carry out the services.

6. Payments and Charges

6.1 The Customer agrees to pay the charges quoted by the Company, which may be calculated on an hourly rate or a fixed-price basis, depending on the nature of the booking.

6.2 The Company may require a deposit at the time of booking. The deposit amount and whether it is refundable or non-refundable will be confirmed to the Customer before payment.

6.3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment of the remaining balance is due upon completion of the services on the day of the move or delivery.

6.4 The Company accepts payment by the methods it has specified as acceptable. The Customer must ensure that sufficient funds are available at the time payment is due.

6.5 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to:

a. Suspend or withhold further services until full payment is received.

b. Charge reasonable interest on overdue amounts, calculated on a daily basis from the date payment was due until the date payment is received in full.

6.6 Additional charges may apply where:

a. The move takes longer than the time estimated due to factors beyond the Company's control.

b. Additional Goods or services are requested on the day which were not included in the original quotation.

c. There are delays caused by the Customer, building management, or third parties within or outside the service area.

7. Cancellations and Amendments

7.1 The Customer may cancel or amend a booking by giving notice to the Company.

7.2 If the Customer cancels more than a specified minimum period before the scheduled start time, any refund of deposit or charges will be in accordance with the Company's then-current cancellation policy.

7.3 Cancellations made at short notice may incur a cancellation charge, which may include loss of deposit and a proportion of the quoted fee to reflect the Company's reasonable costs, preparation and loss of opportunity to accept other work in its service area.

7.4 If the Customer wishes to change the date, time or scope of the booking, the Company will endeavour to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may result in a revised quotation.

7.5 The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone a booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, accidents, or legal restrictions. In such cases, the Company will notify the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable and will either rearrange the service or provide a refund of any deposit paid, as appropriate.

8. Excluded and Special Items

8.1 Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company will not carry:

a. Hazardous, explosive, corrosive, flammable or toxic substances.

b. Illegal items or items obtained unlawfully.

c. Livestock, pets or other animals.

d. Perishable or temperature-sensitive Goods.

e. Any item which, in the Company's opinion, may be unsafe to move or transport.

8.2 The Customer must disclose to the Company any items of unusual value, fragility, or sensitivity prior to the booking so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.

9. Waste and Disposal Regulations

9.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a general rubbish removal contractor and will not remove or dispose of waste unless this service has been specifically agreed in advance.

9.2 Where the Company agrees to remove unwanted items, it will do so in compliance with relevant waste carrier and disposal rules. Additional charges may apply for the handling and disposal of such items.

9.3 The Customer must not request the Company to dispose of items illegally or in a way that breaches local authority or national regulations within the service area or elsewhere.

9.4 The Company reserves the right to refuse to collect, move or dispose of any item it reasonably believes to be controlled waste, hazardous, contaminated, or otherwise unsuitable for standard removals.

10. Liability and Limitations

10.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling, loading, transporting and unloading the Customer's Goods. However, liability is limited as set out in this section.

10.2 The Company will not be liable for loss, damage or failure to deliver Goods where such loss, damage or failure is caused by:

a. Incorrect or incomplete information provided by the Customer.

b. Defective or inadequate packing by the Customer.

c. Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or inherent defects in the Goods.

d. Acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party.

e. Circumstances beyond the Company's reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, traffic, road closures or accidents.

10.3 Fragile items, including but not limited to glass, mirrors, china, artwork, electronics and musical instruments, must be properly protected. The Company accepts no responsibility for damage to such items unless it has been expressly agreed that the Company will pack and protect them.

10.4 The Company's total liability for any loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise, shall be limited to a reasonable amount, having regard to the value of the Goods and the service fee paid, unless a higher value has been declared and specifically agreed in writing in advance.

10.5 The Company shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or loss of enjoyment arising from or in connection with the services.

10.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude or limit the Company's liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded or limited.

11. Claims and Complaints

11.1 The Customer must inspect the Goods and premises as soon as reasonably possible after completion of the services.

11.2 Any visible loss or damage to Goods or property should be reported to the Company on the day of the service or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter.

11.3 Complaints should be raised directly with the Company, providing full details of the issue, including dates, addresses and a description of any alleged damage or loss. The Company will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

11.4 In assessing any claim, the Company may request evidence such as photographs, receipts or valuations. The Customer agrees to cooperate with the Company's reasonable investigations.

12. Time Estimates

12.1 Any times quoted for arrival, completion or duration of the services are estimates only, based on normal traffic and operating conditions in the service area and beyond.

12.2 The Company will use reasonable endeavours to adhere to agreed times but shall not be liable for delays due to traffic, road works, accidents, vehicle breakdown, weather, or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

13. Insurance

13.1 The Company maintains insurance appropriate to its operations, in accordance with applicable UK requirements.

13.2 The Customer is encouraged to hold their own contents or removals insurance to cover the full value of their Goods, particularly where items are of high value or special importance.

14. Subcontracting

14.1 The Company reserves the right to subcontract all or part of the services to suitably qualified third parties.

14.2 Where the Company subcontracts, these Terms and Conditions will still apply, and the Company will remain responsible for the performance of the services, subject to the limitations set out herein.

15. Privacy and Data

15.1 The Company will collect and process personal information from the Customer only as necessary to manage enquiries, provide quotations, perform the services and administer its business.

15.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to protect personal data in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws and will not sell or share such data with third parties except as required to deliver the services or where required by law.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or their subject matter shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

16.2 The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter.

17. General Provisions

17.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed deleted and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

17.2 No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right or remedy prevent any further exercise of that right or remedy.

17.3 These Terms and Conditions form the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the services provided and supersede any prior written or oral agreements, representations or understandings.

17.4 The Customer may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the prior written consent of the Company. The Company may assign or transfer its rights and obligations where reasonably necessary for the operation of its business.

17.5 The Company reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Customer's booking will apply to that booking.