Man With a Van Swiss Cottage Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man With a Van Swiss Cottage provides removal and related services within the United Kingdom. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before making a booking.

1. Definitions

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

1.1 Client means the person, company, or organisation that requests or pays for the services.

1.2 Company means the service provider trading as Man With a Van Swiss Cottage.

1.3 Services means any removal, transportation, loading, unloading, packing, delivery, or related services provided by the Company.

1.4 Vehicle means any van or other vehicle used by the Company to perform the Services.

1.5 Goods means the items, belongings, furniture, equipment, personal possessions, or other property that are the subject of the Services.

1.6 Booking means a confirmed request for the Services, whether made by phone, online, or in writing, and accepted by the Company.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides man with a van and removal services for domestic and commercial clients, including collection, transportation, and delivery of Goods within the United Kingdom.

2.2 The Company may also provide additional services, such as packing assistance, dismantling and reassembly of basic furniture, and loading or unloading support, if agreed at the time of Booking.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse to transport any Goods that it reasonably considers to be unsafe, illegal, or unsuitable for transport, including but not limited to hazardous materials, flammable substances, perishable goods, cash, precious metals, jewellery, valuable artwork, or important documents.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by the Client via the Company’s accepted communication channels, subject to availability.

3.2 When making a Booking, the Client must provide accurate and complete information, including collection and delivery addresses, access details, parking arrangements, approximate volume or list of Goods, preferred dates and times, and any special requirements.

3.3 The Company will provide a quotation based on the information supplied by the Client. Quotations are not binding until the Booking is confirmed by the Company.

3.4 A Booking is only confirmed when the Company has accepted the Booking and, where required, has received any applicable deposit or pre-payment from the Client.

3.5 It is the Client’s responsibility to inform the Company promptly of any changes to the details given at the time of Booking. Changes may result in an adjusted quotation and additional charges.

4. Quotations and Pricing

4.1 Quotations are based on the information provided by the Client and may consider factors such as distance, expected duration, size of the Vehicle, number of staff required, and any additional services requested.

4.2 The Company reserves the right to amend the quotation if:

a. the information provided by the Client is materially inaccurate or incomplete; or

b. the scope of work changes on the day of the move; or

c. there are unforeseen access issues, delays, or other circumstances beyond the Company’s control.

4.3 Unless otherwise stated, quotations do not include insurance beyond the level of statutory or basic cover, parking charges, tolls, congestion or clean air zone charges, ferry costs, storage fees, or additional labour not originally agreed.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 The Company may require a deposit or full pre-payment to confirm a Booking. Any such requirement will be notified to the Client at the time of Booking.

5.2 Payment methods accepted will be specified by the Company and may include bank transfer, card payment, or other available means. Cash may only be accepted if expressly agreed in advance.

5.3 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment of the remaining balance (if any) is due immediately upon completion of the Services on the day of the move.

5.4 If the Services are provided on an hourly basis, charges will commence from the agreed start time or upon arrival of the Vehicle at the collection address, whichever is later, and continue until completion, including any waiting time.

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

a. withhold delivery of Goods until full payment is received; and

b. charge interest on overdue sums at a reasonable rate; and

c. recover from the Client all costs incurred in pursuing outstanding amounts, including legal and collection costs.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

6.1 The Client may cancel or amend a Booking by giving notice to the Company within the Company’s operating hours.

6.2 Cancellation charges may apply as follows, unless otherwise agreed in writing:

a. More than 48 hours before the scheduled start time: no cancellation fee, or a nominal administrative fee if specified at the time of Booking.

b. Between 24 and 48 hours before the scheduled start time: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged.

c. Less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time or on the day of the move: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.

6.3 If the Client fails to be present at the agreed collection address at the scheduled time, or fails to provide access, parking, or necessary instructions, this may be treated as a last-minute cancellation and full charges may apply.

6.4 The Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate amendments to the Booking, such as changes in date or time. However, all amendments are subject to availability, and the Company is under no obligation to comply with requests for changes.

6.5 The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone a Booking due to circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to adverse weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, road closures, or safety concerns. In such cases, the Company will aim to offer a new date or a refund of any amounts paid for Services not delivered. The Company is not liable for any consequential losses arising from such cancellations.

7. Client Responsibilities

7.1 The Client must ensure that:

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

b. any fragile or delicate items are adequately protected; and

c. all items are clearly identified as to their destination rooms or areas where appropriate.

7.2 The Client is responsible for ensuring that the collection and delivery addresses are accessible for the Vehicle and that suitable parking is available. Any parking charges, fines, or penalties incurred as a result of inadequate arrangements or instructions may be charged to the Client.

7.3 The Client must obtain any necessary permissions, permits, or approvals required for parking, loading, unloading, or moving Goods in or out of buildings.

7.4 The Client must be present or represented at both the collection and delivery addresses to provide access, instructions, and to check that all Goods are collected and delivered. The Company is not responsible for any items left behind or delivered to an incorrect location if the Client or representative fails to provide proper guidance.

7.5 The Client must not request the Company to transport any prohibited, illegal, or unsafe items, including but not limited to hazardous chemicals, explosives, gas cylinders, or items infested with pests.

8. Company Responsibilities

8.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services and in handling and transporting the Goods.

8.2 The Company will make reasonable efforts to adhere to any agreed timeframes. However, all times stated for arrival or completion are estimates only and are not guaranteed.

8.3 The Company will take reasonable steps to protect floors, walls, and doorways during the move where practicable, but the Client should take additional precautions for particularly vulnerable surfaces or fixtures.

9. Liability and Limitations

9.1 The Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods is limited to the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, subject to an overall cap as notified to the Client and subject to the exclusions in these Terms and Conditions.

9.2 The Company is not liable for:

a. loss or damage caused by defective or inadequate packing where the Client has packed the Goods; or

b. damage to Goods that are inherently fragile or unsuitable for transport; or

c. minor marks, scuffs, or scratches that are reasonably unavoidable during normal handling; or

d. indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profits, loss of income, or loss of opportunity; or

e. loss or damage caused by circumstances beyond the Company’s reasonable control, such as extreme weather, traffic incidents, or acts of third parties.

9.3 The Client must inspect the Goods promptly upon delivery and notify the Company of any visible loss or damage before the Company’s staff leave the site where reasonably possible, or within a reasonable period thereafter.

9.4 Any claim for loss or damage must be submitted to the Company in writing with sufficient detail and evidence to allow proper assessment.

9.5 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law.

10. Insurance

10.1 The Company may hold basic cover for Goods in transit, subject to the terms and exclusions of its policy. This cover may have limits and may not fully compensate the Client for the value of all Goods.

10.2 The Client is strongly advised to arrange separate, comprehensive insurance cover for Goods if they require full protection for their value during the move.

11. Waste and Disposal Regulations

11.1 The Company operates in accordance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations.

11.2 The Company is not a general rubbish clearance service. Any removal and disposal of waste items must be agreed in advance and may incur additional charges.

11.3 The Client must not request the Company to dispose of hazardous, clinical, or controlled waste. Such materials include, but are not limited to, chemicals, solvents, asbestos, medical waste, and gas cylinders.

11.4 Where the Company agrees to remove unwanted items for disposal or recycling, the Client confirms that they are the legal owner or have authority to dispose of those items.

11.5 The Company will, where agreed, take unwanted items only to authorised facilities or in accordance with applicable waste handling requirements.

12. Access, Property Damage, and Parking

12.1 The Client is responsible for ensuring that access to the property is safe and suitable for moving Goods, including sufficient clearance on stairways, lifts, corridors, and doorways.

12.2 If, in the opinion of the Company’s staff, moving an item would risk causing damage to the property, the item, or pose a safety risk, the Company may refuse to move that item or may require the Client to sign a waiver before proceeding.

12.3 The Company is not responsible for damage caused where the Client has insisted that items be moved against the advice of the Company’s staff.

12.4 All parking arrangements and the cost of any permits or meters are the responsibility of the Client, unless expressly agreed otherwise. Fines or penalties arising from inadequate parking arrangements or incorrect instructions may be charged to the Client.

13. Delays and Waiting Time

13.1 The Company is not liable for delays caused by traffic, roadworks, accidents, adverse weather, or other events outside its reasonable control.

13.2 Waiting time caused by the Client, such as delays in obtaining keys, lack of access, or incomplete packing, may be chargeable at the applicable hourly rate.

14. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

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

14.2 Formal complaints should be made in writing, setting out the nature of the complaint, relevant dates, and any supporting information.

14.3 The Company will investigate complaints in good faith and aim to provide a response within a reasonable timeframe.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

15.1 The Company may collect and process personal data relating to the Client for the purposes of managing Bookings, delivering the Services, taking payments, and complying with legal obligations.

15.2 The Company will handle such personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and will take reasonable measures to protect it from unauthorised access, disclosure, or loss.

16. Variations to Terms

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

16.2 Any changes or additions to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed in writing by the Company to be valid.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

17.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

17.2 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 their subject matter.

18. Severability

18.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision shall be deemed severed from the remaining provisions, which shall continue to be valid and enforceable.

19. Entire Agreement

19.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation provided by the Company, constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Company in relation to the Services and supersede any prior discussions, correspondence, or understandings.

By confirming a Booking or using the Services of Man With a Van Swiss Cottage, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.