Man with Van Barking Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man with Van Barking provides removal and related services to private and business customers. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Customer means the person or organisation requesting and paying for the services.
We, us, our means Man with Van Barking, the removal service provider.
Services means any man and van, removal, collection, delivery, loading, unloading, packing, unpacking or related services provided by us.
Goods means the items that the Customer requests us to move, transport, handle, pack, store or dispose of.
Work Order means the specific details for a booking, including date, time, addresses, vehicle type, number of operatives and price.
2. Scope of Services
We provide man and van and removal services for domestic and commercial customers. Our services typically include loading, transportation and unloading of Goods from the agreed collection address to the agreed delivery address. Additional services such as packing, unpacking, dismantling or reassembly of furniture may be provided if expressly agreed in advance and confirmed in the Work Order.
We operate primarily in Barking and surrounding areas, but we may also provide services to and from other locations as confirmed at the time of booking.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Enquiries: Customers may request a quotation by providing full and accurate information about the required service, including dates, times, addresses, access details, approximate volume or list of Goods, and any special requirements.
3.2 Quotations: Any quotation we provide is based on the information supplied by the Customer. Quotations are not binding if the information provided is incomplete, inaccurate or subsequently changes. We reserve the right to revise the price if additional work is required or if conditions differ from those described.
3.3 Confirmation: A booking is only confirmed when we have provided a Work Order and the Customer has accepted it, and where applicable paid any required deposit. Until confirmation, dates and times remain subject to availability and may change.
3.4 Customer responsibilities: The Customer must ensure all details on the Work Order are correct, including addresses, dates, times, access details, parking arrangements, and description of Goods. Any errors may result in delays, additional charges or cancellation.
4. Access, Parking and Customer Obligations
4.1 Access: The Customer must ensure suitable access to both collection and delivery addresses, including clear stairways, corridors, lifts and doors. If access is restricted or hazardous, we may refuse to move certain items or may need to charge extra for the additional time or manpower required.
4.2 Parking: The Customer is responsible for arranging any necessary parking permissions, permits or suspensions at both collection and delivery locations. Any parking fines, penalties or additional charges incurred due to inadequate parking arrangements may be added to the Customer’s invoice.
4.3 Packing: Unless we have agreed to provide packing services, the Customer is responsible for ensuring that Goods are properly and securely packed, labelled and ready for transport. Fragile items must be adequately protected, and all boxes must be safely loadable.
4.4 Presence: The Customer or an authorised representative must be present during loading and unloading to direct placement of Goods and to check that nothing is left behind. If no one is present, we will unload at our discretion and have no liability for how Goods are placed.
5. Excluded and Restricted Items
5.1 Prohibited items: We do not transport illegal goods, live animals, perishable items, hazardous substances, explosives, firearms, flammable liquids, or any items that are prohibited by law or that may pose a risk to our staff, vehicle or other Goods.
5.2 Valuables: Cash, jewellery, precious metals, important documents, antiques, artwork and items of exceptional value should not be included in the Goods without our explicit prior agreement. We accept no liability for loss of or damage to such items unless specifically declared and agreed in writing before the service date.
5.3 Disassembly: Certain large or bulky items may require dismantling before they can be moved safely. It is the Customer’s responsibility to dismantle them in advance unless we have agreed to provide this service. We are not responsible for damage resulting from items that were not dismantled as needed.
6. Payments and Charges
6.1 Pricing: Our charges may be based on an hourly rate, a fixed price, or a combination of both, as set out in the Work Order. Rates may vary depending on the size of the vehicle, number of operatives, duration and distance of the move, and any additional services requested.
6.2 Deposits: We may require a non-refundable deposit to secure the booking. The deposit amount and due date will be stated in the Work Order. If the deposit is not paid on time, we may release the booking slot.
6.3 Payment terms: Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on completion of the service on the same day. For some commercial customers, alternative payment terms may be agreed in advance. We reserve the right to withhold unloading or completion of services until payment is made.
6.4 Extra time and additional work: If the move takes longer than estimated due to circumstances beyond our control, including delays in gaining access, waiting time caused by the Customer, additional Goods not declared at booking, or other unforeseen factors, additional charges will apply at the agreed hourly or overtime rate.
6.5 Late payment: If payment is not received by the agreed date, we may apply interest and administration charges for late payment and may take steps to recover outstanding sums, including use of debt collection procedures.
7. Cancellations and Amendments
7.1 Customer cancellations: If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone a booking, they must give us as much notice as possible. Cancellation charges may apply depending on the notice period.
7.2 Cancellation charges: Where a deposit has been paid, this may be retained in full in the event of cancellation. If a cancellation is made with short notice, we may charge a percentage of the estimated total cost to cover lost time and resources. The applicable percentage will be confirmed at the time of booking.
7.3 Amendments: If the Customer wishes to change dates, times, addresses or the scope of services, we will try to accommodate such changes but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may result in revised pricing. Significant amendments may be treated as a new booking and subject to cancellation of the original booking.
7.4 Our right to cancel: We reserve the right to cancel or suspend a booking if the Customer fails to provide accurate information, fails to pay any required deposit, is in breach of these Terms and Conditions, or if we consider that carrying out the service would pose a risk to safety or be unlawful. In such cases, we shall have no liability for any resulting loss, but we will refund any sums paid for services not provided, except where the Customer is in breach.
8. Liability for Loss and Damage
8.1 Our duty: We will take reasonable care in handling and transporting Goods. However, our liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
8.2 Exclusions: We are not liable for:
Normal wear and tear, superficial marks or scratches that result from moving Goods.
Damage arising from defective or inadequate packing by the Customer, including poorly sealed boxes or fragile items not properly protected.
Damage to items made of pressed wood, flat-pack or self-assembly furniture when such items are not designed to be moved in their assembled state.
Damage or loss resulting from inaccurate information provided by the Customer.
Loss or damage to goods of high value that were not disclosed to us in advance.
8.3 Limited liability: Our liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, shall be limited to a reasonable and proportionate amount relative to the service fee, unless a higher value has been declared and additional cover agreed in advance.
8.4 Indirect losses: We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of opportunity, loss of income, or any loss resulting from delays or rearranged appointments, except where such liability cannot legally be excluded.
8.5 Customer inspection: The Customer should inspect Goods upon completion of the service. Any visible damage or issues must be reported to us as soon as reasonably possible. Failure to notify us promptly may affect our ability to investigate and respond to any claim.
9. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations
9.1 Waste regulations: We comply with applicable waste and environmental regulations when disposing of items on behalf of customers. Certain waste materials cannot be collected or disposed of by us and must be handled by licensed specialist carriers.
9.2 Waste collections: If the Customer requests removal of unwanted items for disposal, this must be specified and agreed in advance. Additional charges will apply for waste collections or trips to waste and recycling facilities. We reserve the right to refuse items that cannot legally be carried or disposed of by us.
9.3 Customer responsibility: The Customer must not conceal hazardous or prohibited waste within Goods, boxes or bags. If such materials are discovered, we may refuse to carry them and may charge for any costs incurred, including cleaning, delays or penalties.
9.4 Recycling and reuse: Where reasonably practicable, we may choose to recycle or donate items that are suitable for reuse. This does not create any obligation on us to do so, and once items have been handed over for disposal, the Customer relinquishes ownership.
10. Delays and Events Beyond Our Control
10.1 Delays: While we make reasonable efforts to arrive and complete services at the agreed times, timings are estimates and may be affected by traffic, weather, accidents, roadworks or other factors. We are not liable for delays beyond our reasonable control.
10.2 Force majeure: We are not responsible for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay results from events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, road closures, accidents, mechanical breakdowns, public disturbances or legal restrictions.
11. Insurance
11.1 Our cover: We maintain appropriate insurance for our vehicles and business operations in line with industry standards. Our insurance may not cover certain types of high-value goods or excluded items unless specifically agreed in advance.
11.2 Customer insurance: Customers are encouraged to maintain their own insurance for Goods, particularly high-value items, to ensure adequate protection beyond the limits of our liability set out in these Terms and Conditions.
12. Complaints and Disputes
12.1 Complaints: If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our service, you should raise the issue with us as soon as possible, providing full details of the booking and the nature of the complaint. We take complaints seriously and will aim to investigate and respond in a timely manner.
12.2 Resolution: We will work with you to try to resolve complaints informally wherever possible. Where agreement cannot be reached, the matter may be referred to appropriate dispute resolution procedures or handled through the courts as set out under governing law.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
13.1 Use of information: We collect and use your personal information only for the purposes of processing enquiries, arranging and delivering services, managing payments, and handling any queries or complaints.
13.2 Security: We take reasonable steps to keep your personal information secure and to prevent unauthorised access, misuse or disclosure, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
14. General Provisions
14.1 Variation: 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.
14.2 Severability: If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
14.3 Assignment: We may assign or subcontract some or all of our obligations under these Terms and Conditions, provided this does not materially reduce the level of service to the Customer.
14.4 Entire agreement: These Terms and Conditions, together with the Work Order, constitute the entire agreement between us and the Customer and supersede any prior discussions, quotations or understandings.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions, or the provision of our services, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
