Man with Van Watford Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man with Van Watford provides removal and related services within Watford and surrounding areas, as well as to and from other locations within the United Kingdom. By making a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking.

1. Definitions

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

1.1 "Company" means the trading entity operating as Man with Van Watford, providing removal and related services.

1.2 "Customer" means the individual or business requesting and paying for the services of the Company.

1.3 "Services" means the provision of a van with driver and, where agreed, additional labour, for the purposes of moving goods, belongings, or other items, as well as any related services such as loading, unloading, and limited packing or furniture handling.

1.4 "Booking" means a confirmed request for Services accepted by the Company, including details such as date, time, addresses, estimated duration, and price.

1.5 "Goods" means all items that the Customer requests the Company to transport or handle.

1.6 "Working Day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday in England.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides man and van services for domestic and commercial moves, deliveries, small removals, and related transport work within its general service area, including Watford and nearby towns, as well as longer-distance moves across the UK by agreement.

2.2 The Services do not include specialist removal activities such as piano removals, safes, hazardous materials, or high-value artwork unless explicitly agreed in writing in advance.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any Goods that it reasonably considers to be unsafe, illegal, dangerous, inadequately packaged, or beyond the scope of its normal operations.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by the Customer through the Company’s accepted contact and enquiry methods. The Customer must provide accurate information about the collection and delivery addresses, property access, floor levels, parking arrangements, the nature and approximate volume of Goods, and any other relevant details.

3.2 A Booking is only confirmed when the Company has accepted the details, provided a quotation or rate, and, where required, received any deposit or prepayment specified. A provisional enquiry or estimate does not constitute a confirmed Booking.

3.3 The Customer is responsible for checking the Booking confirmation and ensuring that dates, times, addresses, and service requirements are correct. Any errors must be reported to the Company as soon as possible and may result in changes to the price or availability.

3.4 If the Customer’s requirements change after the Booking is made, the Company will use reasonable efforts to accommodate the changes, but cannot guarantee availability. Any agreed changes may result in additional charges.

4. Quotations and Pricing

4.1 Quotations are based on the information provided by the Customer and are typically calculated using time, distance, number of operatives, and vehicle size. Quotations are valid for a limited period as stated by the Company and may be subject to change.

4.2 If on arrival the actual work differs significantly from the description provided at the time of quotation, the Company may adjust the price accordingly or, in extreme cases, decline to carry out the work.

4.3 Additional charges may apply for waiting time, delays beyond the Company’s control, extra floors or difficult access, congested parking arrangements, or additional Goods not originally declared.

4.4 Where Services are charged on an hourly basis, the time is calculated from the agreed start time or actual arrival time, whichever is later, until completion of unloading or the end of the agreed service period, whichever occurs last. Time is usually charged in whole or part hours as specified in the quotation.

5. Payments

5.1 The Customer agrees to pay the charges in accordance with the quotation or rate agreed at the time of Booking, subject to any subsequent adjustments agreed with the Company.

5.2 The Company may require full payment in advance, or a deposit with the balance payable on completion of the job, depending on the nature and value of the Services.

5.3 Payment methods accepted will be communicated by the Company. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that cleared funds are available at the time payment is due.

5.4 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to charge interest on overdue sums at the statutory rate and to recover any reasonable costs of collection, including legal fees.

5.5 For business Customers, the Company may issue invoices with specified payment terms. Late payment may result in suspension of further Services until accounts are settled.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

6.1 The Customer may cancel a Booking by giving notice to the Company. Cancellation charges may apply depending on the amount of notice given.

6.2 If the Customer cancels more than 72 hours before the scheduled start time, any deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Company’s discretion, less any reasonable administrative costs.

6.3 If the Customer cancels within 72 hours but more than 24 hours of the scheduled start time, the Company may retain part or all of any deposit and may charge a percentage of the estimated job value to cover lost time and costs.

6.4 If the Customer cancels within 24 hours of the scheduled start time or fails to be present at the agreed time and location, the full estimated charge may be payable.

6.5 If the Customer wishes to amend the date, time, or details of a Booking, the Company will attempt to accommodate the change but cannot guarantee availability. Amendments at short notice may be treated as cancellations and new bookings.

6.6 The Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a Booking in exceptional circumstances, such as adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, safety concerns, or other events beyond its reasonable control. In such cases, the Company will offer an alternative date or a refund of any prepayments for Services not provided, but will not be liable for consequential losses.

7. Customer Responsibilities

7.1 The Customer must ensure that all Goods are properly packed, secured, and ready for transport, unless the Company has expressly agreed to provide packing services.

7.2 The Customer must ensure safe and adequate access to the collection and delivery properties, including any necessary keys, entry codes, permissions, or lift access.

7.3 The Customer is responsible for reserving parking spaces or obtaining permits where necessary. Any parking fines incurred due to inadequate arrangements may be charged to the Customer.

7.4 The Customer should be present, or arrange for an authorised representative to be present, at both collection and delivery addresses to oversee the work, provide instructions, and sign any job completion records.

7.5 The Customer must declare any fragile, valuable, or unusually heavy items in advance so that the Company can assess the feasibility and necessary precautions.

8. Liability and Insurance

8.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling and transporting the Customer’s Goods. However, the Customer acknowledges that the Services are not a full-service removal with comprehensive packing and that some risk of damage may remain.

8.2 The Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods arising from negligence or breach of contract is limited to a reasonable amount, taking into account the nature of the Services and any insurance that the Customer may hold.

8.3 The Company will not be liable for loss or damage arising from the following:

(a) Goods that are inadequately packed by the Customer.

(b) Fragile or delicate items not clearly identified or appropriately protected.

(d) Loss of data or records stored on electronic devices.

(e) Damage caused by wear and tear, inherent defects, or pre-existing conditions of items or property.

8.4 The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profits, loss of income, or loss of opportunity resulting from delay, damage, or failure to perform the Services.

8.5 Any claim for loss or damage must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably possible and, in any event, within seven days of completion of the Services. The Customer should provide reasonable evidence of loss or damage, including photographs and receipts where available.

8.6 It is the Customer’s responsibility to obtain any additional insurance cover for their Goods if they consider the Company’s liability limits to be insufficient.

9. Excluded and Prohibited Items

9.1 The Company does not carry hazardous, illegal, or dangerous goods, including but not limited to explosives, flammable liquids or gases, chemicals, weapons, drugs, or any items prohibited by law.

9.2 The Company does not accept responsibility for carrying cash, jewellery, precious metals, important documents, collections, or other items of high intrinsic value unless expressly agreed in writing and specifically declared by the Customer.

9.3 The Customer must not conceal prohibited goods within other items or containers. Discovery of such goods may result in immediate termination of the Services without refund.

10. Waste Regulations and Disposal

10.1 The Company complies with UK waste and environmental regulations and will not remove, transport, or dispose of waste in a manner that breaches applicable laws.

10.2 The Company is a removal and transport service, not a waste disposal contractor, unless specifically agreed. Household rubbish, construction waste, and other refuse may not be accepted unless arranged in advance and compliant with relevant regulations.

10.3 Where the Company agrees to remove unwanted items for disposal, any associated fees for lawful disposal at authorised facilities will be charged to the Customer and clearly outlined as part of the quotation or subsequent agreement.

10.4 The Customer must not request the Company to fly-tip or dispose of waste unlawfully. The Company reserves the right to refuse any job that could involve a breach of waste regulations.

11. Delays and Access Issues

11.1 The Company will use reasonable efforts to arrive at the agreed time, but cannot guarantee exact arrival times due to factors such as traffic, road closures, or weather conditions.

11.2 The Company will not be liable for delays outside its control. If such delays occur, the Company will keep the Customer informed where reasonably possible and complete the job as soon as practicable.

11.3 If access to the property or parking is significantly restricted or differs from what was described at the time of Booking, the Company may charge waiting time, additional labour, or, if the job cannot be safely completed, a cancellation or call-out fee.

12. Complaints and Disputes

12.1 If the Customer is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the issue with the driver or representative on the day so that an immediate solution can be attempted where possible.

12.2 If the matter is not resolved at the time, the Customer should submit a written complaint to the Company with full details. The Company will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

12.3 The Company aims to resolve disputes fairly and promptly. If a resolution cannot be reached, the parties may consider mediation or other alternative dispute resolution methods before pursuing court proceedings.

13. Data Protection and Privacy

13.1 The Company will handle personal information provided by the Customer in accordance with applicable data protection laws in the United Kingdom.

13.2 The Company may collect and store contact details, addresses, and job information for the purpose of managing bookings, delivering Services, processing payments, and maintaining records.

13.3 Personal data will not be sold to third parties. It may be shared with staff, contractors, or service providers only to the extent necessary to perform the Services or comply with legal obligations.

14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

14.1 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.

14.2 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 the Services provided by the Company.

15. General Provisions

15.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

15.2 The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of Booking will apply to that Booking.

15.3 No variation of these Terms and Conditions shall be effective unless expressly agreed in writing by the Company.

15.4 These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any previous understandings or agreements, whether written or oral.