Terms and Conditions
Man with Van Swiss Cottage Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man with Van Swiss Cottage provides transport, removal and related services to private and business customers. By making a booking or allowing work to commence, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions the following expressions shall have the meanings set out below:
1.1 The Company, we, us or our means the provider of man and van, removal and transport services trading as Man with Van Swiss Cottage.
1.2 The Customer, you or your means the person, firm or company booking the services.
1.3 Services means the transport, loading, unloading, packing, handling, storage, waste collection or related services we have agreed to provide.
1.4 Goods means all items, furniture, boxes, belongings and property in respect of which the Services are provided.
1.5 Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer incorporating these Terms and Conditions.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 We provide man and van and removal services, generally for household moves, office relocations, small removals, deliveries and collection of items, primarily within London and surrounding areas.
2.2 The specific Services, vehicle size, crew numbers, locations, dates and times will be as agreed during the booking process and confirmed in our booking confirmation.
2.3 Any additional services requested on the day, such as extra loading work, additional stops or extended waiting time, may incur extra charges and will be subject to vehicle and staff availability.
2.4 Unless expressly agreed in writing, we do not provide professional disconnection or reconnection of appliances, dismantling or reassembly of specialist equipment, or work that requires specialist trades or certification.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Bookings may be made by enquiry and acceptance of our quotation. A booking is only confirmed when we issue a booking confirmation and, where required, receive any deposit or prepayment requested.
3.2 You must provide accurate information regarding the addresses, access conditions, property type, number of floors, presence of lifts, parking availability, estimated volume or list of items, and any special handling requirements.
3.3 Quotations are based on the information you provide. If that information is incomplete or inaccurate, we reserve the right to adjust the price, timing or method of service, or to decline to carry out work that is materially different from the original booking.
3.4 Bookings are subject to vehicle and staff availability. We may refuse or cancel any booking where we reasonably believe it is unsafe, unlawful, impractical, or outside our normal service capabilities.
4. Quotations and Pricing
4.1 Unless otherwise stated, quotations are given on the basis of either an hourly rate or a fixed price for the agreed work, together with any applicable surcharges for congestion charges, tolls, parking costs, ferry charges, or extended travel.
4.2 Quotations are valid for a limited period from the date of issue. After this period, we may revise or withdraw the quotation.
4.3 Additional charges may apply where:
(a) Access is significantly more difficult than described, for example long carries, many flights of stairs, or restricted entrances.
(b) There are delays outside our control, such as waiting for keys, paperwork, or unforeseen access issues.
(c) Extra items or services are requested that were not included in the original quotation.
(d) Work continues beyond the agreed time or hourly allocation.
4.4 We will inform you as soon as reasonably practicable if we consider additional charges are likely to apply and will only proceed with your consent where the nature of the work materially changes.
5. Payments
5.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due in full on completion of the Services on the same day, and before the vehicle is unloaded at the final destination.
5.2 We may require a deposit or full prepayment to secure your booking, particularly for larger moves or at busy times. Any required deposit will be communicated to you before the booking is confirmed.
5.3 Payment methods will be as advised during the booking process. You are responsible for ensuring cleared funds are available at the time payment is due.
5.4 If payment is not made when due, we reserve the right to:
(a) Suspend or cease work, including retaining Goods on the vehicle.
(b) Charge reasonable storage or waiting fees while payment is outstanding.
(c) Charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate until payment is received in full.
6. Cancellations and Amendments
6.1 If you need to cancel or amend your booking, you must notify us as soon as possible.
6.2 Where you cancel more than 7 days before the agreed service date, any deposit paid may be refundable at our discretion, subject to any reasonable administration costs.
6.3 Where you cancel within 7 days of the service date, we may retain part or all of any deposit paid and may charge a cancellation fee to reflect the time reserved and any loss incurred.
6.4 Where you cancel within 48 hours of the service date, we reserve the right to charge up to the full quoted amount, particularly for larger moves where alternative work is unlikely to be obtained at short notice.
6.5 Postponements or changes of date or time are subject to availability. We may treat repeated or last-minute postponements as cancellations and apply the charges above.
6.6 We may cancel or amend the booking if events beyond our reasonable control, such as severe weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, staff illness or other emergencies, prevent us from operating safely. In such cases we will seek to rearrange the booking at the earliest mutually convenient time, and our liability will be limited to any payments made for the affected booking.
7. Customer Responsibilities
7.1 You are responsible for:
(a) Ensuring that Goods are suitably packed, labelled and prepared for transport, unless packing has been expressly included in the Services.
(b) Ensuring fragile items are adequately protected and clearly identified.
(c) Arranging appropriate parking and access at all collection and delivery addresses, and covering any parking charges or penalties incurred where parking has been arranged at your direction.
(d) Being present or represented by an authorised person during loading and unloading, to direct the work and check that all Goods are collected and delivered.
(e) Checking the vehicle at the end of the job to ensure nothing has been left behind.
7.2 You must not ask our staff to move items that they reasonably consider unsafe to handle, excessively heavy for the crew provided, or likely to cause damage to property or injury.
7.3 You must not include in any Goods: hazardous materials, flammable or explosive items, illegal goods, live animals, perishable foodstuffs intended for long transport or storage, or any items prohibited by law. We may refuse to move such items and may remove or dispose of them without liability where discovered.
8. Access, Parking and Delays
8.1 You must ensure suitable access is available for the vehicle at all addresses, including safe and legal parking as near as reasonably possible to the property.
8.2 Where parking restrictions apply, you are responsible for obtaining permits or making arrangements that allow loading and unloading. If this is not done, we may incur additional time in locating parking, and any resulting delay may be chargeable.
8.3 We are not liable for delays caused by traffic conditions, roadworks, accidents, weather or other factors outside our control. If such delays occur, we will use reasonable efforts to keep you informed and to complete the work as soon as practical.
9. Liability for Loss and Damage
9.1 We will take reasonable care in handling and transporting your Goods. However, our liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
9.2 You must notify us of any visible loss or damage as soon as reasonably possible and, in any event, within 48 hours of completion of the Services. For non-visible damage, you must notify us within 7 days of becoming aware of the issue.
9.3 Our liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract or otherwise, shall be limited to a reasonable cost of repair or replacement, up to a maximum amount per booking, which may be specified in your quotation or booking confirmation.
9.4 We shall not be liable for:
(a) Loss or damage arising from Goods that were already defective, fragile, inadequately packed by you, or unsuitable for transport.
(b) Minor cosmetic damage, wear or scuffs that occur in normal handling of large or heavy items.
(c) Loss or damage to items such as cash, jewellery, documents, data, electronic files, or other valuables, unless expressly agreed in writing and appropriately declared.
(d) Any indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, business interruption, emotional distress, or loss of enjoyment.
9.5 We are not responsible for damage to property or premises where:
(a) Access is restricted and you have asked us to proceed despite risk of damage.
(b) Floors, walls, doors or fixtures are unprotected and susceptible to marking in normal use.
9.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.
10. Insurance
10.1 We maintain appropriate insurance required to operate our removal and man and van services. Cover and limits may vary depending on the nature of the move.
10.2 It is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate insurance for your Goods and premises. We strongly recommend you arrange additional cover if the value of your Goods exceeds our standard liability limits or if you require wider cover.
11. Waste and Environmental Regulations
11.1 We operate in accordance with relevant waste and environmental regulations. Any collection and disposal of unwanted items, rubbish or waste must be agreed in advance as a specific service.
11.2 We will only transport waste or items for disposal to authorised facilities. We will not participate in fly-tipping or unlawful disposal under any circumstances.
11.3 You are responsible for accurately describing any items for disposal, including any potentially hazardous materials. We may refuse to remove items that are unsafe, hazardous, contaminated or contrary to law.
11.4 Additional charges may apply for disposal of bulky, heavy or specialist items, or where specific treatment or licensed facilities are required.
12. Force Majeure
12.1 We shall not be in breach of contract nor liable for any delay or failure in performance of our obligations where such delay or failure results from events, circumstances or causes beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disasters, accidents, road closures, strikes, lockouts, civil unrest, terrorism, epidemics or pandemics, or sudden equipment failure.
12.2 In such circumstances we will take reasonable steps to mitigate the impact and, where possible, will offer to reschedule the Services. Any resulting changes will be communicated as soon as practicable.
13. Complaints and Disputes
13.1 If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our Services, you should raise the issue with the driver or team on the day wherever possible so that we have an opportunity to address it immediately.
13.2 If the matter is not resolved on the day, you should submit a written complaint providing full details of the booking, the issue and any supporting information within 7 days of completion of the Services.
13.3 We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable time. Where appropriate, we may propose remedies such as an explanation, apology, remedial work or a goodwill payment, without admission of liability.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
14.1 We will collect and process personal information about you for the purposes of managing your booking, providing the Services, taking payment and, where agreed, keeping in touch regarding our services.
14.2 We will handle your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and will take reasonable steps to keep your information secure. We will not sell your personal data to third parties.
15. Variation of Terms
15.1 We may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time your booking is confirmed will apply to that booking.
15.2 Any changes to these Terms and Conditions must be agreed in writing. Verbal assurances or variations will not be binding unless confirmed in writing.
16. Severability
16.1 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 severed from the remaining provisions, which shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
17.1 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.
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 the Services provided.
By proceeding with your booking and allowing our team to commence work, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.
