Swiss Cottage Man and Van Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions govern all man and van, removal, transport, loading, unloading, packing, storage assistance and related services provided by Swiss Cottage Man and Van. By making a booking, confirming a quotation, or allowing our staff to start work, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

1. Definitions

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

Client means the person, company or organisation requesting or accepting services.

We, us, our means Swiss Cottage Man and Van as the provider of services.

Services means any man and van, removal, transport, delivery, collection, loading, unloading, packing, unpacking, or related services agreed between the parties.

Vehicle means any van or other vehicle used to carry out the services.

Goods means the items, belongings, furniture, equipment or materials that we are asked to handle, move or transport.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 We provide man and van services, including local removals, small moves, item collection and delivery, and transport support within our operational area and, by agreement, to other locations.

2.2 The precise scope of services, including dates, times, locations, and any special requirements, will be set out in a quotation or confirmation message provided to you before the job is scheduled.

2.3 We may refuse to provide services where it would be unsafe, unlawful, or unreasonable to do so, including where access is hazardous, items are prohibited, or required information has not been supplied.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings must be made directly with us and are subject to availability. We may request information about the collection and delivery addresses, access conditions, property type, floor level, parking arrangements, and a description of the goods.

3.2 Quotations are based on the information you supply. If the information is incomplete or inaccurate, we may adjust the price, apply additional charges, or decline to carry out the services where the change is significant.

3.3 A booking is considered confirmed only when we have accepted it and you have accepted the quotation and any applicable terms relating to deposits or prepayments.

3.4 You are responsible for ensuring that you or an authorised person is present at the agreed times at the collection and delivery addresses to give access, provide instructions, and sign any documentation.

4. Estimates, Quotations and Charges

4.1 Unless we expressly state that a quote is fixed, all quotations are estimates based on the information you provide and the expected duration of the job.

4.2 Charges may be based on hourly rates, minimum booking periods, fixed prices, or a combination of these. Any minimum charges will be made clear to you at the time of booking.

4.3 Additional charges may apply for waiting time, delays caused by lack of access, extra labour required, additional journeys, extended distances, congestion or clean air zone charges, tolls, parking costs and similar out-of-pocket expenses.

4.4 If, on arrival, the job is larger, more complex, or more time-consuming than described, we may revise the quotation or charge on a time and materials basis. Where possible we will discuss and agree any adjustments with you before proceeding.

5. Payments and Deposits

5.1 We may require a deposit or prepayment to confirm your booking. Any such requirement will be notified to you at the time of booking.

5.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due immediately on completion of the job and before our staff leave the final address. We may refuse to unload goods or complete delivery where payment has not been received.

5.3 We accept payment methods as notified to you at the time of booking or before the service date. You are responsible for ensuring you have the means to pay on the day.

5.4 Where payment terms are agreed in advance for business clients, invoices must be paid in full by the due date stated on the invoice. We reserve the right to charge interest and reasonable recovery costs for late payment.

5.5 All prices are exclusive of any applicable taxes or charges that may be imposed by law unless expressly stated otherwise.

6. Cancellations, Rescheduling and Waiting Time

6.1 You may cancel or reschedule a booking by giving us notice. Any cancellation or rescheduling may be subject to charges depending on the notice period.

6.2 If you cancel with sufficient notice, as notified at the time of booking, any deposit paid may be refunded or applied to a future booking. If you cancel with inadequate notice, your deposit may be forfeited and additional charges may apply to cover our costs and lost time.

6.3 If we arrive at the collection address at the agreed time and are unable to gain access or commence work due to circumstances beyond our control, waiting time may be charged. After a reasonable waiting period, we may treat the job as cancelled and charge a fee.

6.4 If we need to cancel or rearrange your booking for operational or safety reasons, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and offer an alternative date or time. Our liability in such circumstances will be limited to the return of any money you have paid for services not provided.

7. Your Responsibilities

7.1 You must ensure that all goods are properly packed, secured and ready for transport unless you have booked a packing service. Fragile items should be clearly marked and adequately protected.

7.2 You must remove and transport yourself any items that are prohibited or unsuitable for carriage, including but not limited to live animals, hazardous substances, flammable materials, illegal goods, perishable food that may spoil, and any items that are excessively dirty or infested.

7.3 You are responsible for ensuring that suitable parking is available for our vehicle at all addresses, and for any permits or permissions required. Parking penalties incurred as a direct result of a lack of suitable parking or your instructions may be charged to you.

7.4 You must ensure that access to the property is safe and free from obstruction, including stairways, corridors, lifts and doorways. You must inform us in advance of any access problems or restrictions that might affect the services.

7.5 You are responsible for checking that nothing is left behind at the collection address and that all required items have been loaded. We are not liable for items left unattended or not presented to us on the day.

8. Our Responsibilities

8.1 We will provide the services with reasonable care and skill, using staff and vehicles appropriate for the job, and will take reasonable steps to protect your goods and property while they are in our care.

8.2 We may use subcontractors or agents to perform part or all of the services. Where we do so, these Terms and Conditions will continue to apply, and we remain responsible for the overall performance of the contract.

8.3 We reserve the right to take any reasonable action necessary to carry out the services safely, including declining to move items that are too heavy, unsafe, inadequately packed, or likely to cause damage to property or injury to persons.

9. Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 We are not liable for loss or damage unless caused by our negligence or breach of contract. Our liability is subject to the exclusions and limitations set out in these Terms and Conditions.

9.2 We are not liable for loss or damage arising from the following.

Goods packed or unpacked by you or a third party.

Pre-existing defects, weaknesses or wear and tear in goods or property.

Normal shifting, scratching or minor marking of goods that can reasonably occur during removal or transport.

Loss of or damage to fragile items where they were not adequately protected or were not disclosed to us as fragile.

Electrical, electronic or mechanical items that fail or malfunction without external evidence of damage.

Loss or damage resulting from your failure to remove fixtures, fittings or equipment in a safe and appropriate manner prior to our arrival.

9.3 We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of income, loss of opportunity, or loss of enjoyment.

9.4 Our total liability for loss of or damage to goods, property or premises, arising from a single incident or series of related incidents, will be limited to a reasonable amount having regard to the nature and value of the goods and the price paid for the services, unless a higher level of cover has been expressly agreed in writing.

9.5 You must notify us in writing of any visible loss or damage as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within a short period after completion of the services. Failure to notify within a reasonable time may affect our ability to investigate and may limit our liability.

10. Delays and Events Beyond Our Control

10.1 We will not be liable for delay in performing, or failure to perform, any of our obligations where such delay or failure is caused by events outside our reasonable control.

10.2 Events beyond our control include, but are not limited to, severe weather, traffic congestion, road closures, accidents, breakdowns, strikes, public transport disruption, civil unrest, or any other event that could not reasonably be foreseen or avoided.

10.3 Where such an event occurs, we will take reasonable steps to minimise delay and will keep you informed where possible. Time for performance will be extended by a reasonable period.

11. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations

11.1 We are not a general waste carrier and cannot remove or dispose of household waste, building rubble, hazardous materials, or any items considered controlled waste except where this has been expressly agreed in advance and is carried out in compliance with applicable regulations.

11.2 You must not present for transport any items that are prohibited under waste or environmental laws, including hazardous, toxic, flammable or contaminated materials. If such items are discovered, we may decline to move them and may charge for any time lost or costs incurred.

11.3 Where we agree to remove unwanted items for disposal or recycling, any such service will be subject to separate charges and will be carried out in accordance with the relevant legal and environmental requirements.

11.4 You remain responsible for ensuring that any disposal of items by us is lawful and accurately described. We accept no liability for fines or penalties arising from your failure to disclose the nature of the items provided for disposal.

12. Storage and Holding of Goods

12.1 If, for any reason, we are unable to deliver goods at the scheduled time, we may, at our discretion, take the goods to a safe location or storage facility and charge you for additional transport, handling and storage costs.

12.2 We will take reasonable care of goods held temporarily by us. However, our liability for such goods remains subject to the limitations set out in these Terms and Conditions.

13. Insurance and Customer Cover

13.1 You are strongly advised to maintain your own insurance cover for the goods during removal and transport, especially for high value, fragile or irreplaceable items.

13.2 Any cover provided by us, if offered, will be subject to separate terms, limits and exclusions, which will be communicated to you in advance where applicable.

14. Complaints and Claims

14.1 If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our services, you should raise your concerns with our staff at the time where possible so that we can attempt to resolve the issue immediately.

14.2 Any formal complaint or claim relating to loss, damage or service quality should be submitted to us in writing, with full details and supporting evidence, as soon as reasonably practicable after the event.

14.3 We will investigate complaints and claims in a fair and timely manner and may request additional information to assess the circumstances. Any offer of settlement or goodwill gesture will be made at our discretion.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

15.1 We will collect and use personal data about you only to the extent necessary to manage your booking, provide the services, handle payments, and deal with any enquiries or complaints.

15.2 We will take reasonable steps to keep your information secure and will not sell or share your data with third parties except where required to deliver the services, process payments, comply with legal obligations, or where you have given consent.

16. Termination

16.1 We may terminate or suspend the provision of services immediately where you breach these Terms and Conditions, fail to provide safe access or appropriate instructions, behave abusively or unlawfully, or fail to make required payments.

16.2 On termination, any amounts owed for services already provided or costs incurred will become immediately payable.

17. Amendments to These Terms

17.1 We may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of your booking will apply to that booking.

17.2 Any material changes will, where practicable, be made available to you before you confirm a new booking.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

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

18.2 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 placing a booking with Swiss Cottage Man and Van, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.