Man with Van Swiss Cottage Service Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man with Van Swiss Cottage provides removal and related services to residential and commercial customers. By making a booking, accepting a quotation, or allowing our team to commence work, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

These terms apply to all services supplied within our usual operating areas and any surrounding locations that we agree to service. They are intended to clarify each party’s rights and responsibilities and to promote a clear understanding of the services you will receive.

Definitions

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

Company means Man with Van Swiss Cottage, the provider of removal and related services.

Customer means the person, firm, partnership, or company who requests or receives services from the Company.

Services means any removal, transport, loading, unloading, packing, furniture moving, or related services provided by the Company, including man and van services and small-scale removals within our operating area.

Goods means the items, furniture, belongings, and other property that the Company is asked to move, handle, or store as part of the Services.

Job means any individual booking or assignment for Services agreed between the Company and the Customer.

Quotations and Service Scope

Any quotation provided by the Company is based on the information supplied by the Customer at the time of enquiry. Quotations are normally estimated by reference to the volume of Goods, access conditions, travel distance, and any special requirements. The Customer must ensure that all information given is accurate and complete.

Quotations are valid for a limited period from the date of issue, as specified by the Company, and are subject to availability of vehicles and staff at the time of booking. A quotation does not constitute a confirmed booking until accepted by the Customer and confirmed by the Company.

The Company reserves the right to adjust the quotation or apply additional charges if:

1. The information originally supplied by the Customer is incomplete or inaccurate.

2. The volume or nature of Goods to be moved is greater than originally stated.

3. Access to the collection or delivery addresses is restricted, unsafe, or materially different from what was described, including stairs, long carries, or parking restrictions.

4. There are delays that are outside the Company’s control, such as waiting times for keys, access, or authorisation to enter premises.

5. The Customer requests additional Services, such as extra labour, packing, dismantling, or reassembly.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, quotations do not include customs duties, storage charges, parking fees, tolls, congestion charges, or disposal fees, which may be charged separately if incurred.

Booking Process

To make a booking, the Customer must provide all requested details, including collection and delivery addresses, dates, approximate inventory of Goods, access information, and any special instructions. Bookings may be made subject to minimum hire periods or minimum charges, which will be notified at the time of enquiry.

A booking is not considered confirmed until the Company has accepted the request and provided confirmation. The Company may require a deposit or advance payment to secure the booking. If the Customer fails to pay any required deposit or advance payment by the specified date, the Company may release the booking slot.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that the agreed date, time, and addresses are correct. Any changes requested by the Customer after booking are subject to availability and may result in changes to the quoted price.

Customer Responsibilities

The Customer is responsible for:

1. Ensuring that all Goods are ready for removal at the agreed time, unless packing services have been agreed.

2. Packing Goods safely and adequately, using appropriate materials, so they can be moved without damage, unless the Company has agreed to provide packing.

3. Ensuring that items that require dismantling are dismantled in advance, unless the Company has agreed to provide this service.

4. Ensuring that all Goods to be moved are properly labelled, where appropriate, and that nothing is taken away or left behind by mistake.

5. Securing all valuable, fragile, or delicate items, and notifying the Company in advance of any items that require special handling.

6. Arranging suitable parking and access at both collection and delivery addresses, including any permits or permissions required from property owners, building managers, or local authorities.

7. Being present or ensuring a responsible adult representative is present at both collection and delivery to provide instructions and sign any necessary documents.

Payments and Charges

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Services are charged according to the quotation or the Company’s current rate card. Charges may be based on hourly rates, fixed prices, or a combination of both.

Payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking. The Company may require payment in full in advance, a deposit with the balance due on completion, or payment on the day of the move before unloading. The accepted methods of payment and any applicable surcharges for particular payment methods will be advised by the Company.

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

1. Refuse to commence or continue the Services until payment is received.

2. Charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate from the date payment became due until payment is received in full.

3. Retain Goods in its possession as a lien until payment is made, and, after giving notice, dispose of such Goods in accordance with applicable law to recover outstanding sums and reasonable costs.

Any additional charges incurred due to delays, extra labour, waiting time, or changes to the scope of work will be payable by the Customer. The Company will inform the Customer of such charges as soon as reasonably possible.

Cancellations and Amendments

The Customer may cancel or amend a booking by contacting the Company as early as possible. Cancellation and amendment rights are subject to the following:

1. Cancellations made within a reasonable notice period set by the Company may be free of charge or subject to a reduced fee.

2. Cancellations within a shorter notice period, particularly within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled start time, may incur a cancellation charge up to a specified proportion of the quoted price to cover costs and lost opportunity.

3. If the Customer fails to be present at the agreed time and place, or is not ready for the move, the Company may treat this as a late cancellation and charge accordingly.

4. Amendments to the date, time, or scope of Services are subject to availability and may result in changes to the quoted price.

The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone a booking in the event of circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, accidents, or safety concerns. In such cases, the Company will seek to reschedule the Job or provide a refund of any prepayments for Services not carried out, but will not be liable for any consequential losses.

Restrictions on Goods

The Company will not carry or handle any items that are illegal, dangerous, or otherwise unsuitable for transport. Prohibited Goods include, but are not limited to:

1. Explosive, flammable, or hazardous materials such as gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, or paint.

2. Illegal substances, stolen goods, or items that cannot be legally possessed or transported.

3. Perishable goods that may deteriorate during transit.

4. Animals, including pets or livestock.

5. Cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, important documents, or other high value items, unless specifically agreed in writing.

If the Customer includes any prohibited items without disclosure, the Company may remove, dispose of, or leave behind such items without liability and may charge the Customer for any resulting costs, damage, or delay.

Waste and Disposal Regulations

The Company operates in compliance with relevant waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a general waste collection service and will not remove household refuse or construction waste unless expressly agreed in advance and in accordance with applicable laws.

Where the Company agrees to remove unwanted items, furniture, or other Goods for disposal or recycling, the Customer confirms that they have the right to dispose of such items. Any applicable disposal, recycling, or transfer station fees will be charged to the Customer, in addition to standard service charges.

The Company reserves the right to refuse removal or disposal of items that appear to be hazardous, contaminated, excessively soiled, or in breach of waste regulations. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all items presented for disposal are lawful and safe to handle.

Liability and Insurance

The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. However, the Company’s liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.

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

1. Inadequate or improper packing by the Customer when packing services have not been provided by the Company.

2. Normal wear and tear, minor scuffs or scratches, or deterioration due to the nature of the Goods.

3. Pre-existing damage, defects, or vulnerabilities in the Goods.

4. The Customer’s failure to secure fragile or valuable items properly, or to notify the Company of items requiring special handling.

5. Events beyond the Company’s reasonable control, including accidents caused by third parties, severe weather, traffic conditions, or acts of third parties.

The Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods, where established as the Company’s fault, may be limited to a reasonable amount per item or per Job, subject to any higher coverage that may have been agreed or purchased separately. The Customer is encouraged to obtain appropriate insurance cover for their Goods, particularly for high value items, as the Company’s standard liability may not reflect full replacement value.

The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, such as loss of profits, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress, arising out of or in connection with the Services.

Any claim for loss or damage must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable, and in any event within a reasonable period after the completion of the Services, to allow the Company to investigate. Failure to notify within this period may affect the Company’s ability to properly assess and respond to the claim.

Access, Parking, and Delays

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate and safe access for the Company’s vehicles at both collection and delivery locations. This includes arranging any necessary parking permits or permissions and providing clear instructions about any access restrictions or limitations.

If suitable parking is not available, or if the Company’s vehicle is delayed, obstructed, or required to park at a distance from the property, additional time and labour may be required, and the Customer may be charged accordingly.

The Company is not responsible for delays caused by traffic, road closures, accidents, or other external factors, though reasonable efforts will be made to keep the Customer informed and to complete the Job as soon as practicable.

Health and Safety

The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry out any task that it considers unsafe or likely to cause injury, damage to property, or breach of regulations. This includes moving items through areas that are too narrow or unsafe, lifting excessively heavy objects without proper equipment, or working in hazardous conditions.

The Customer must ensure that the premises are safe for work, that walkways are clear, and that children, pets, and bystanders are kept away from moving operations. The Company may suspend work where safety is compromised and will not be liable for resulting delays.

Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If the Customer has any concerns or complaints about the Services, these should be raised with the Company as soon as possible, ideally during the Job or immediately after completion, so that issues can be addressed promptly.

The Company will investigate complaints in good faith and seek a fair resolution, which may include remedial work, a partial refund, or other reasonable steps where appropriate. The existence of a dispute does not entitle the Customer to withhold payment for undisputed sums.

Data Protection and Privacy

The Company may collect and process personal information about the Customer in order to provide quotations, manage bookings, deliver Services, and handle payments and communication. The Company will handle such information in accordance with applicable data protection laws and only for legitimate business purposes.

The Customer consents to the use of their information for these purposes and may request access to, or correction of, their personal data held by the Company, subject to legal restrictions.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or the Services provided by the Company, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

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.

General Provisions

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

No waiver by the Company of any breach of these Terms and Conditions shall be considered a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same or any other provision.

The Customer may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the prior written consent of the Company. The Company may assign or subcontract some or all of its rights and obligations, provided this does not materially reduce the level of service.

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understandings, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral, relating to their subject matter.