Man With a Van Cowley Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man With a Van Cowley provides removal, delivery, and associated services. By placing a booking, 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 have the meanings set out below:

1.1 "Company" means Man With a Van Cowley, providing removal, delivery, man and van, and related services.
1.2 "Customer" means any person, firm or company booking services with the Company.
1.3 "Services" means any removal, transportation, loading, unloading, packing, delivery, or related services provided by the Company.
1.4 "Goods" means any items, belongings, furniture, equipment, or other property handled, transported, or stored by the Company on behalf of the Customer.
1.5 "Contract" means the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the provision of Services in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
1.6 "Service Area" means the locations in which the Company operates, including Cowley and surrounding areas in the United Kingdom.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides man and van removals, small and medium house moves, flat and student moves, office and business moves, furniture transport, and local collection and delivery within its Service Area.
2.2 The Services will be provided with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with these Terms and Conditions.
2.3 Any descriptions or examples of Services are for general guidance only and do not form part of the Contract unless expressly confirmed in writing by the Company.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by the Customer through the Company’s accepted booking channels, including online forms or written confirmation methods made available by the Company from time to time.
3.2 When requesting a quotation, the Customer must provide accurate and complete information, including but not limited to:
- Full collection and delivery addresses
- Details of property access, including floors, lifts, stairs, and parking availability
- A clear and honest description of the Goods and their approximate volume or list of main items
- Any special handling requirements, fragile, bulky, or heavy items
- Any time restrictions or access limitations at either address.

3.3 Quotations are given on the basis of the information supplied by the Customer. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, the Company may adjust the price, amend the Services, or refuse to carry out the work.
3.4 A booking is only confirmed when the Customer receives express confirmation from the Company. Provision of a quotation alone does not create a Contract.
3.5 The Company reserves the right to decline any booking at its discretion, including where it considers the work unsafe, unlawful, or beyond its operational capacity.

4. Prices and Quotations

4.1 Unless otherwise stated, prices are quoted in pounds sterling and are exclusive of any congestion charges, tolls, parking charges, ferry charges or additional fees arising on the date of the move, which will be chargeable to the Customer.
4.2 Quotations are based on the details provided at the time of enquiry and may be offered as hourly rates, fixed prices, or minimum charges, as notified to the Customer.
4.3 The Company may revise quotations if:
- The Customer changes the date, time, addresses, or scope of work
- Access is significantly different from that described
- Additional Goods are included or extra journeys are required
- Waiting time arises due to circumstances beyond the Company’s control.
4.4 Any estimate of duration is given in good faith but is not guaranteed.

5. Payments

5.1 The Customer must pay the Company in accordance with the payment terms specified at the time of booking.
5.2 The Company may require a deposit to secure any booking. Deposits are payable by the methods permitted by the Company and are non-refundable except as expressly stated in these Terms and Conditions or where required by law.
5.3 For hourly rated bookings, time is usually charged from departure of the vehicle from its base until its return, unless otherwise agreed.
5.4 The balance of any charges is due on or before completion of the Services, as stipulated at the time of booking. The Company may refuse to unload Goods until cleared payment has been received.
5.5 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to:
- Charge reasonable interest on overdue amounts
- Withhold delivery or retain Goods until payment is made in full
- Recover any reasonable costs of debt recovery.
5.6 The Customer will not be entitled to withhold any payment by reason of set-off, counterclaim, or any other deduction.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

6.1 If the Customer wishes to cancel or amend a booking, notice must be given as early as possible using the Company’s accepted communication channels.
6.2 The following cancellation charges may apply, unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- More than 72 hours before the scheduled start time: deposit may be retained but no further charge
- Between 24 and 72 hours before the scheduled start time: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged
- 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 Changes to the date, time, addresses, or scope of Services are subject to availability and may result in revised charges.
6.4 The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone a booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, vehicle breakdown, accidents, illness, road closures, or safety concerns. In such cases, the Company will aim to reschedule the Services or provide a refund of any amounts paid for Services not provided, but will not be liable for any consequential loss.

7. Customer Responsibilities

7.1 The Customer is responsible for:
- Ensuring that adequate parking and access are available at both collection and delivery addresses, including obtaining any permits or authorisations where required
- Securing any lift bookings and ensuring access routes are clear and safe
- Packing Goods safely and properly, unless packing services have been agreed
- Removing any fixtures, fittings, or doors where necessary for large items, unless otherwise agreed
- Supervising loading and unloading or appointing a representative to do so.

7.2 The Customer must not ask the Company’s staff to carry out any work that is unsafe, unlawful, or not covered by these Terms and Conditions.
7.3 The Customer warrants that they are the owner of the Goods or have the full authority of the owner to enter into the Contract and accept these Terms and Conditions.

8. Goods Excluded from Transport

8.1 Unless previously agreed in writing, the Company will not carry and will not be liable in respect of:
- Perishable or refrigerated Goods
- Dangerous, illegal, or hazardous substances, including explosives, flammable liquids or gases, corrosives, or toxic materials
- Cash, securities, deeds, passports, or other valuable documents
- Jewellery, watches, precious metals, or stones
- Animals, plants, or living organisms
- Goods that require specialist handling or licences.

8.2 If any such items are transported without the Company’s knowledge or consent, the Company shall not be liable for any loss, damage, or consequences arising and may arrange for their removal, storage, or disposal at the Customer’s cost.

9. Waste Regulations and Disposal

9.1 The Company operates in accordance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations for the transport and disposal of waste materials.
9.2 The Company is not a general rubbish clearance provider unless expressly agreed as part of the Services and subject to lawful disposal routes.
9.3 The Customer must not present household waste, builders waste, or hazardous waste for collection unless this has been agreed in advance. Additional charges will apply for any authorised waste removal and disposal services.
9.4 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any waste handed to the Company is lawful for transport and does not include prohibited items such as clinical waste, asbestos, chemicals, or other controlled substances.
9.5 Where the Company agrees to remove items for disposal or recycling, it will use appropriate licensed facilities or third-party providers. The Company will not be responsible for any items that the Customer later claims were disposed of in error if they were reasonably presented as waste at the time of collection.

10. Liability for Loss or Damage

10.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling and transporting the Customer’s Goods. However, liability is subject to the limitations set out in this clause.
10.2 The Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods, where such loss or damage is caused by its negligence or breach of duty, will be limited to a reasonable sum taking into account the age, condition, and value of the Goods, and may be capped at a maximum per job, as communicated to the Customer where applicable.

10.3 The Company shall not be liable for:
- Loss or damage arising from the Customer’s failure to pack Goods properly when the Company has not undertaken the packing
- Loss or damage to fragile items such as glass, mirrors, china, or electronics not properly protected
- Minor marks, scuffs, or scratches inherent to moving large or heavy items through tight spaces or stairwells, provided reasonable care is taken
- Loss or damage resulting from wear and tear, inherent defects, or pre-existing damage
- Loss of or damage to Goods that the Company has advised it cannot safely move but the Customer has insisted be moved.

10.4 The Company will not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of income, or loss of opportunity.
10.5 Any claim for loss or damage must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 7 days of completion of the Services. The Customer must provide evidence of the loss or damage and allow the Company a reasonable opportunity to inspect the Goods.

11. Delays and Events Beyond Our Control

11.1 The Company will not be liable for any delay in completing the Services caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to traffic conditions, road closures, accidents, extreme weather, strikes, or acts of third parties.
11.2 Where delay arises for reasons within the Customer’s control, such as waiting for keys, incomplete packing, or lack of access, the Company may charge additional time at the agreed hourly rate or as per its standard charges.

12. Insurance

12.1 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover for its vehicles and public liability, in line with its business activities.
12.2 The Customer is encouraged to ensure that they have suitable contents or removal insurance for their Goods, especially for higher-value items or where enhanced cover is required beyond the Company’s standard liability.

13. Complaints

13.1 If the Customer 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 investigated and, where appropriate, remedied.
13.2 The Company aims to handle complaints fairly and promptly. The Customer may be asked to provide photographs, inventories, or other information to assist with the investigation.

14. Data Protection and Privacy

14.1 The Company will collect and use personal information from the Customer solely for the purposes of providing and administering the Services, handling payments, and managing any enquiries or complaints.
14.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to protect the Customer’s personal data and will not sell or share such data with third parties other than as necessary to perform the Services or comply with legal obligations.

15. Termination

15.1 The Company may terminate the Contract immediately if the Customer:
- Fails to pay any amount due when required
- Acts abusively, threatens, or endangers the Company’s staff
- Requests the Company to undertake illegal or unsafe activities.

15.2 Termination does not affect the Company’s right to payment for Services already provided or for any charges properly incurred up to the date of termination.

16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

16.1 These Terms and Conditions and any Contract between the Company and the Customer are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
16.2 The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or their subject matter.

17. General Provisions

17.1 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.
17.2 No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
17.3 The Contract is between the Company and the Customer. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms.
17.4 The Company reserves the right to update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to the relevant Contract.

By confirming a booking with Man With a Van Cowley, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.