Removal Van Swiss Cottage Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Removal Van Swiss Cottage provides removal and related services to residential and commercial customers. By booking a service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions, which form a legally binding agreement between you and Removal Van Swiss Cottage.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Company means Removal Van Swiss Cottage, the provider of the removal services.
Customer means the person, firm or organisation booking or receiving the services.
Services means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, transport, storage, or related services supplied by the Company.
Premises means the property or properties at which the Services are carried out, including collection and delivery addresses.
Goods means the items, belongings, furniture and property that the Company agrees to handle, transport or store.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides local and regional removal services, including household moves, office relocations, and light commercial transport within and around Swiss Cottage and its wider service area. Services may include loading, transport, unloading, basic positioning of items and, if specifically agreed, packing and unpacking.
The exact scope of Services for each booking will be confirmed in the written quotation or booking confirmation provided to the Customer. The Company is not responsible for any services not expressly agreed in writing.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Enquiries and quotations
Customers may request a quotation by providing details of the required move, including addresses, access conditions, approximate inventory of Goods, timing and any special requirements. Quotations are based on the information supplied and may be revised if the information is inaccurate or incomplete, or if the requirements change.
Unless stated otherwise, quotations are valid for a limited period from the date of issue and are subject to availability of vehicles and personnel at the time of acceptance.
3.2 Accepting a quotation
A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has expressly accepted the quotation and the Company has acknowledged that acceptance in writing, which may include the issue of a booking confirmation or invoice. Provision of a quotation alone does not constitute a confirmed booking.
3.3 Information required from the Customer
The Customer must provide accurate and complete information when booking, including:
Full collection and delivery addresses.
Details of parking restrictions, access limitations, stairs, lifts, and any other relevant site conditions.
Approximate list or volume of Goods to be moved.
Preferred date and time of the move.
Any Goods which may be fragile, unusually heavy, valuable, or difficult to handle.
The Company reserves the right to revise the price or decline to provide Services if the actual circumstances differ significantly from those described at the time of booking.
4. Prices and Payment Terms
4.1 Pricing
Prices may be quoted as a fixed fee or on an hourly rate basis, depending on the nature of the job. The quotation will specify what is included in the price, such as labour, vehicle, mileage, and any additional services. Any services not explicitly listed in the quotation may incur additional charges.
4.2 Deposits
The Company may require a deposit to secure the booking. The deposit amount and due date will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation. The Company reserves the right to cancel a booking if the deposit is not received by the specified deadline.
4.3 Payment methods
Accepted payment methods will be specified by the Company and may include card payment, bank transfer or other cashless options. Payment details will be provided in the booking confirmation or invoice. The Customer is responsible for any bank or transaction charges levied by their payment provider.
4.4 Time of payment
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, all charges are payable by the Customer on or before completion of the Services on the moving date. For business Customers, alternative credit terms may be agreed in advance. The Company is under no obligation to commence or continue Services if payment is outstanding.
4.5 Late payment
If payment is not received by the due date, the Company may charge interest on the outstanding amount at the statutory rate allowable under UK law and may suspend or cancel further Services until full payment is received.
5. Cancellations and Amendments
5.1 Customer cancellations
If the Customer wishes to cancel the booking, notice must be given as early as possible. The following cancellation charges may apply, unless otherwise stated in writing:
More than 7 days before the scheduled service date: refund of any deposit paid, less any reasonable administrative costs.
Between 7 days and 48 hours before the scheduled service date: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
Less than 48 hours before the scheduled service date or on the day of the move: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
These charges reflect the Company’s loss of reserved vehicle and labour capacity.
5.2 Amendments
If the Customer requests changes to the date, time, addresses, or scope of Services after booking, the Company will endeavour to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee availability. Any changes may result in revised pricing. If the Company cannot accommodate the requested changes and the Customer chooses to cancel, the cancellation terms in this section will apply.
5.3 Company cancellations
In exceptional circumstances, such as vehicle breakdown, staff illness, severe weather, or other events beyond its reasonable control, the Company may need to cancel or postpone the Services. In such cases, the Company will notify the Customer as soon as reasonably practicable and offer an alternative date or a refund of any amounts paid for the affected Services. The Company will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation or delay.
6. Customer Responsibilities
The Customer agrees to:
Ensure that they or an authorised representative are present at the Premises during the move to give instructions and check the Goods.
Arrange suitable parking and, where necessary, obtain any permits or permissions required for the Company’s vehicles.
Ensure that the Premises are safe and accessible for the Company’s staff and vehicles, with clear routes for removal and delivery of Goods.
Ensure that Goods are properly packed, safe to handle, and ready for transport, unless packing services have been specifically requested and agreed.
Remove and disconnect all fixtures, fittings, and appliances prior to the move, unless otherwise agreed.
Comply with all applicable laws and regulations in relation to the Goods and the Premises.
7. Excluded and Prohibited Items
Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company will not handle, transport or store:
Perishable goods, plants, or animals.
Hazardous materials, chemicals, explosives, flammable substances, or pressurised containers.
Cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, or other highly valuable items.
Important documents such as passports, securities, bonds, or legal papers.
Illegal items or items obtained unlawfully.
If the Customer presents such items without the Company’s knowledge, the Company will not be responsible for any loss, damage or consequences arising from their presence among the Goods.
8. Liability for Loss or Damage
8.1 General liability
The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. However, the Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods, or for other losses arising from the Services, is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
8.2 Limitations of liability for Goods
The Company’s liability for loss or damage to Goods, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, will not exceed a reasonable replacement cost per item, subject to an overall cap per job, as specified in the Company’s insurance arrangements or communicated to the Customer. The Customer should inform the Company in advance if any single item has a particularly high value, so that appropriate arrangements or additional insurance can be considered.
8.3 Exclusions of liability
The Company will not be liable for:
Loss or damage resulting from inadequate or improper packing by the Customer, unless packing services were provided by the Company.
Loss or damage to items with pre-existing defects, wear and tear, or inherent vice.
Loss of or damage to fragile items, including glass, china, artwork, and electronics, unless they have been properly packed and clearly identified and the Company has accepted them for carriage on that basis.
Damage resulting from the dismantling or reassembly of furniture, equipment, or fittings, unless caused by a lack of reasonable care.
Damage to the Premises or Goods where access is restricted, requiring maneuvers that carry a risk of damage which has been explained to and accepted by the Customer.
Loss or damage arising from war, terrorism, civil commotion, natural disasters, severe weather, or other events beyond the Company’s reasonable control.
8.4 Indirect and consequential loss
The Company will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of business, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress, arising from or in connection with the Services.
8.5 Non-excludable rights
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes the Company’s liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other liability that cannot legally be limited or excluded under UK law.
9. Claims and Complaints
If the Customer believes that loss or damage has occurred, they must notify the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within seven days of completion of the Services. The Customer should provide a clear description of the issue and, where possible, supporting evidence such as photographs.
The Company will investigate any claim or complaint and may request inspection of the alleged damage. Failure to notify the Company within the stated time may affect the Company’s ability to investigate and may reduce or extinguish any liability it might otherwise have had.
10. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations
10.1 General obligations
The Company conducts its operations in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. The Customer must not request or require the Company to dispose of Goods or materials in a way that breaches these regulations.
10.2 Removal and disposal of unwanted items
If the Customer requests disposal of unwanted items or waste as part of the Services, this must be agreed in advance. Additional charges may apply for collection, transport, and lawful disposal. The Company may refuse to handle certain waste types, particularly hazardous, clinical or regulated waste.
10.3 Prohibited tipping
The Company does not permit fly-tipping or unauthorised dumping under any circumstances. All disposal will be undertaken only at authorised facilities or through lawful channels. If the Customer insists on improper disposal, the Company will refuse the request and may cancel the relevant part of the Services without refund.
11. Access, Parking and Delays
The Customer is responsible for arranging suitable access and parking for the Company’s vehicles at both collection and delivery locations. Any parking charges, fines or penalties incurred as a result of inadequate arrangements or inaccurate information provided by the Customer may be added to the final invoice.
If access issues or delays outside the Company’s control cause additional time to be spent on the job, the Company may charge a reasonable additional fee, particularly where pricing is based on an hourly rate or where the delay is significant.
12. Insurance
The Company maintains insurance cover appropriate for its operations, subject to policy terms, conditions, and exclusions. Details of standard cover and any optional additional cover can be provided on request. The Customer is encouraged to maintain their own household or business insurance for comprehensive protection of valuable or sensitive items.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company collects and processes personal information about Customers for the purpose of administering bookings, delivering Services, handling payments, and managing any claims or complaints. The Company will take reasonable steps to protect personal data and will not sell or misuse Customer information. Personal data may be retained for a reasonable period for accounting, legal, or operational reasons, in line with applicable UK data protection legislation.
14. Subcontracting
The Company may, where necessary, use carefully selected subcontractors or partner organisations to carry out all or part of the Services. In such cases, the Company will remain responsible to the Customer for the proper performance of the Services, subject to these Terms and Conditions.
15. Termination
Either party may terminate the contract if the other party commits a serious breach of these Terms and Conditions and fails to remedy that breach within a reasonable period after being requested to do so in writing. Termination will not affect any rights or obligations which have already accrued up to the date of termination, including payment liabilities and any claims for loss or damage.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them or with the provision of the Services, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising from or relating to these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided by the Company.
17. General Provisions
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
No failure or delay by the Company to exercise any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
These Terms and Conditions, together with the quotation and booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the Services and supersede any prior agreements, understandings, or representations, whether written or oral.
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 reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The applicable version will be the one in force at the time the Customer’s booking is confirmed.