Man with Van Watford Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man with Van Watford provides removal and transport services across its operating area. By placing a booking, confirming a quotation, or allowing the collection or loading of your goods, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before using our services.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:

1.1 "Company" means Man with Van Watford, the provider of removal and transport services.

1.2 "Customer" means any individual, partnership, company or organisation booking or receiving services from the Company.

1.3 "Services" means any removal, transport, loading, unloading, packing, storage, or related services provided by the Company.

1.4 "Goods" means any items, belongings, furniture, equipment, or materials handled, transported, or stored by the Company on behalf of the Customer.

1.5 "Service Area" means the locations in which the Company offers its man and van and removal services, including collections or deliveries to and from the Customer’s chosen addresses.

1.6 "Contract" means the agreement between the Company and the Customer incorporating these Terms and Conditions.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides man and van and related removal services for domestic and commercial customers, including but not limited to collection, loading, transportation, unloading, and where agreed, packing and unpacking of Goods.

2.2 The specific Services to be carried out, including the number of staff, size of vehicle, and locations for collection and delivery, will be as described in the confirmed booking or quotation.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to use such vehicles, equipment, and staffing levels as it considers appropriate to provide the Services safely and efficiently, subject to any specific arrangements made with the Customer in writing.

2.4 The Company does not undertake services that would breach health and safety requirements, road transport regulations, or waste and environmental laws.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be requested by the Customer through the Company’s chosen communication methods. A booking is not confirmed until the Company issues a written or verbal confirmation and, where required, receives any deposit or prepayment.

3.2 The Customer must provide accurate information when making a booking, including:

(a) Full collection and delivery addresses.

(b) Details of access restrictions, such as parking limitations, narrow roads, stairs, lifts, or time restrictions.

(c) An honest and accurate description of the volume and nature of Goods to be moved.

(d) Any items that are particularly heavy, fragile, or awkward to handle.

3.3 Quotations are based on the information supplied by the Customer. If at the time of the move it becomes clear that the work involved is greater than stated, the Company reserves the right to amend the price or charge additional fees.

3.4 Unless otherwise stated, quotations are valid for a limited time from the date of issue and are subject to availability of vehicles and staff on the requested date.

4. Pricing and Payments

4.1 The cost of the Services may be calculated on an hourly rate, a fixed price, or a combination of both, as agreed at the time of booking.

4.2 Prices may take into account factors such as distance, volume of Goods, number of staff required, size of vehicle, access conditions, and any additional services requested.

4.3 The Company may require a deposit or full prepayment to secure a booking. Any such requirement will be notified to the Customer at the time of booking.

4.4 Unless otherwise agreed in advance, payment of any balance is due immediately upon completion of the Services on the day of the move.

4.5 The Company reserves the right to refuse to commence or continue the Services if payment terms have not been met or if there is reasonable doubt over the Customer’s ability or willingness to pay.

4.6 Where payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest and reasonable administrative fees for late payment and may take steps to recover any outstanding amounts.

5. Customer Responsibilities

5.1 The Customer is responsible for:

(a) Ensuring suitable access and parking arrangements for the Company’s vehicles at all addresses.

(b) Obtaining any permits, permissions, or authorisations required for loading or unloading.

(c) Supervising the move or appointing a representative to do so and ensuring that all Goods to be moved are present at the agreed time.

(d) Properly packing and securing Goods, unless packing Services have been explicitly agreed in advance.

(e) Complying with all relevant laws and regulations concerning the Goods being moved or disposed of.

5.2 The Customer must not request the Company to handle, transport, or dispose of prohibited or illegal items.

6. Packing and Preparation of Goods

6.1 Unless packing Services are expressly included in the booking, the Customer is responsible for ensuring that all Goods are adequately packed and protected for transport.

6.2 The Company does not accept liability for damage to Goods that are inadequately packed or prepared by the Customer, including items in open boxes, loosely packed containers, or unsuitable packaging.

6.3 The Customer should empty and secure all appliances before removal. The Company will not disconnect, reconnect, or install appliances unless specifically agreed and only where it is safe and lawful to do so.

7. Cancellations and Amendments

7.1 If the Customer wishes to cancel or amend a booking, notice must be given as early as possible through the Company’s accepted communication channels.

7.2 The Company may apply cancellation charges, which may include all or part of the agreed price, depending on the amount of notice provided and the likelihood of rebooking the scheduled slot.

7.3 Where the Customer significantly changes the date, time, location, or scope of the Services, the Company may treat this as a cancellation and new booking, potentially with revised pricing.

7.4 The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone a booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, or other events of force majeure. In such cases, the Company will seek to reschedule the Services but will not be liable for any consequential loss.

8. Access, Parking and Delays

8.1 The Customer must ensure that the Company’s vehicles can park legally and safely at or near the collection and delivery points.

8.2 Any parking fees, fines, or penalties incurred as a direct result of issues not disclosed by the Customer or due to the Customer’s instructions may be charged to the Customer.

8.3 The Company is not liable for delays due to circumstances beyond its control, including traffic, accidents, roadworks, or restrictions caused by authorities or third parties.

8.4 Where delays occur that are outside the Company’s control but cause additional time to be spent on the job, the Company reserves the right to charge for the extra time at the applicable rate.

9. Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in handling, loading, transporting, and unloading the Customer’s Goods.

9.2 The Company’s liability for loss or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, is limited to a reasonable sum per job or per item as may be notified to the Customer or contained in any insurance arrangements. The Customer may request details of any applicable limits.

9.3 The Company will not be liable for:

(a) Loss or damage arising from inherent defects, pre-existing damage, or the fragile nature of Goods, including but not limited to glass, mirrors, artwork, or electronics, particularly where these are not professionally packed.

(b) Loss of or damage to items that have not been packed by the Company and are not adequately protected.

(c) Indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of income, or loss of opportunity.

(d) Losses arising from delays or failure to perform the Services due to events beyond the Company’s reasonable control.

9.4 The Customer must inspect Goods at the time of unloading and notify the Company of any apparent loss or damage as soon as reasonably practicable.

9.5 Any claim for loss or damage must be made in writing to the Company within a reasonable period after completion of the Services, together with sufficient details for investigation.

10. Excluded Items

10.1 The Company does not carry or move:

(a) Illegal, stolen, or prohibited items.

(b) Explosives, firearms, ammunition, or weapons.

(c) Hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials such as chemicals, fuels, or asbestos.

(d) Perishable goods requiring special storage conditions.

(e) Animals, plants, or live organisms.

10.2 If such items are found among the Goods, the Company may remove, refuse to handle, or dispose of them and may charge the Customer for any costs, fines, or damages arising.

11. Waste and Environmental Regulations

11.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations. It does not act as a general waste carrier unless this has been clearly agreed and is lawful.

11.2 Where the Customer requests removal or disposal of unwanted items, the Company will only do so in compliance with relevant waste disposal laws and may charge additional fees for this service.

11.3 The Customer is responsible for informing the Company if any items to be removed constitute waste, including furniture, electrical items, or building materials intended for disposal rather than reuse.

11.4 The Company may refuse to remove or dispose of items that cannot lawfully or safely be transported to an appropriate facility.

11.5 Any fly-tipping or unlawful disposal requested by the Customer will be refused. The Company will not participate in or be held responsible for any illegal disposal of waste.

12. Insurance

12.1 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover for its operations as required by law and standard industry practice.

12.2 The Customer is encouraged to maintain their own insurance for high-value or fragile items, and to check whether existing home or business insurance policies cover items in transit.

12.3 Any specific insurance requirements must be discussed and agreed with the Company prior to the commencement of the Services.

13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

13.1 If the Customer is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the matter with the Company as soon as possible so that it can be addressed promptly.

13.2 The Company will investigate complaints fairly and proportionately and will seek to resolve issues through discussion and, where appropriate, reasonable compensation within the limits of its liability.

13.3 If a dispute cannot be resolved directly, the parties may consider independent advice or mediation. Nothing in this clause affects the right of either party to pursue legal remedies.

14. Data Protection and Privacy

14.1 The Company may collect and process personal information from Customers for the purpose of providing and administering the Services, handling payments, and managing bookings.

14.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to keep Customer information secure and will not sell or disclose personal data to third parties except as required to deliver the Services, comply with legal obligations, or with the Customer’s consent.

15. Termination

15.1 The Company may terminate the Contract or cease the Services at any time if:

(a) The Customer fails to make payment when due.

(b) The Customer behaves abusively, unlawfully, or in a way that puts staff, vehicles, or property at risk.

(c) The Customer requests services that are illegal, unsafe, or materially different from those agreed.

15.2 On termination, the Customer will remain liable for all charges incurred up to the date of termination and any additional costs reasonably incurred by the Company.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms and Conditions and any Contract between the Company and the Customer are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

16.2 The courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided.

17. Amendments to Terms

17.1 The Company may amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Updated versions will apply to new bookings from the date of publication or notification.

17.2 The version of the Terms and Conditions in force at the time of the Customer’s booking will normally apply to that booking, unless changes are required by law or agreed in writing between the parties.

18. Severability

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

19. Entire Agreement

19.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation of booking, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer and supersede any prior discussions, representations, or understandings.

19.2 No employee, driver, or representative of the Company has authority to vary these Terms and Conditions unless such variation is agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.