Balham Man and Van Service Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Balham Man and Van provides man and van, removals and related transport services within the United Kingdom. By making a booking or using our services you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before placing a booking.

1. Definitions

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

1.1 Client means the person or business making a booking for services, or on whose behalf the booking is made.

1.2 Services means man and van, removal, transport, loading, unloading, packing assistance and any related services agreed in writing.

1.3 Goods means the items that are to be moved, transported or otherwise handled by us as part of the services.

1.4 Vehicle means any van or other vehicle used by us to provide the services.

1.5 Contract means the agreement between the client and Balham Man and Van, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or booking confirmation.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 Balham Man and Van provides man and van and removal services for domestic and commercial clients, including local and regional moves, item collection and delivery, and related transport services.

2.2 The scope of the services, including number of staff, vehicles, dates, times and locations, will be confirmed at the time of booking based on the information provided by the client.

2.3 Unless expressly agreed in writing, the services do not include disconnection or reconnection of appliances, dismantling or assembly of furniture, packing or unpacking, or any specialist lifting or access equipment.

2.4 We reserve the right to sub-contract some or all of the services to trusted third parties. In such cases these Terms and Conditions will still apply.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be requested via our online forms or in writing. A booking is only confirmed once we have issued written confirmation of acceptance and, where applicable, received any required deposit.

3.2 The client must provide accurate and complete information at the time of booking, including but not limited to:

a. Collection and delivery addresses.

b. Access details, such as floor level, lift availability, parking restrictions and distance to the property.

c. An accurate description and approximate volume of the goods, including any particularly heavy, fragile or bulky items.

d. Any special requirements or timing constraints.

3.3 Quotations are based on the information provided by the client. If the information supplied is inaccurate or incomplete, we may adjust the quotation or charge additional fees to reflect the actual work required.

3.4 We may refuse a booking if we reasonably believe that the services cannot be provided safely, lawfully or within our operational capacity.

4. Quotations and Prices

4.1 Unless otherwise stated, our quotations are estimates based on the details supplied by the client and the anticipated time and resources required.

4.2 Quotations are normally provided on either a fixed-price basis or an hourly rate basis. The applicable charging method will be stated in the quotation or booking confirmation.

4.3 Quotations do not include insurance for the client's goods beyond the basic liability set out in these Terms and Conditions. The client is encouraged to arrange additional insurance cover if desired.

4.4 We reserve the right to revise a quotation or impose additional charges in the following circumstances:

a. The information provided by the client was inaccurate or incomplete.

b. Access is more difficult than disclosed, such as long carrying distances, limited parking, narrow access points or additional floors without lift access.

c. There are delays outside our control, including waiting time, key delays, or delays caused by third parties.

d. The volume, weight or nature of the goods exceeds what was reasonably anticipated.

e. Additional services are requested on the day that were not originally agreed.

5. Payments

5.1 The client must pay the charges for the services in accordance with the payment terms set out in the quotation or booking confirmation.

5.2 We may require a deposit or prepayment to secure a booking. The amount and due date will be stated at the time of booking.

5.3 Unless agreed otherwise in writing, any outstanding balance is payable on completion of the services on the same day.

5.4 Payment must be made in cleared funds using an accepted payment method. We reserve the right to refuse to start or continue a job if required payments have not been made.

5.5 All charges are exclusive of any applicable taxes unless expressly stated otherwise.

5.6 If the client fails to pay any amount owed when due, we may charge reasonable late payment fees and interest in accordance with applicable UK law.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

6.1 The client may cancel or amend a booking by giving us written notice.

6.2 If the client cancels more than 7 days before the scheduled service date, any deposit paid may be refunded at our discretion, subject to reasonable administrative costs.

6.3 If the client cancels within 7 days of the scheduled service date, we reserve the right to retain part or all of any deposit and to charge a cancellation fee to cover lost bookings and preparation costs.

6.4 If the client cancels within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, we may charge up to 100 percent of the estimated job value.

6.5 If the client wishes to change the date, time, or scope of the services, this will be subject to availability and may result in revised pricing. We are under no obligation to accommodate amendments but will act reasonably to do so where possible.

6.6 We may cancel or postpone the services if we are prevented or delayed by events beyond our reasonable control, including severe weather, road closures, accidents, illness, vehicle breakdowns, or safety concerns. In such cases we will seek to rearrange the services at the earliest reasonable opportunity and our liability will be limited to a refund of any prepayments for services not provided.

7. Client Responsibilities

7.1 The client is responsible for:

a. Ensuring that they, or a nominated representative, are present at collection and delivery locations to give access and instructions.

b. Arranging suitable parking and, where necessary, obtaining any permits or authorisations required for our vehicle.

c. Packing their goods safely and securely unless packing services have been expressly agreed. This includes securing delicate items and closing boxes properly.

d. Declaring any items of high value, fragility or special sensitivity, and any item with a value above normal household levels.

e. Complying with all relevant laws and regulations, including those relating to prohibited or hazardous items.

7.2 The client must not request us to transport any items that are illegal, hazardous, explosive, corrosive, flammable, perishable in a way that requires special equipment, live animals, or any items which we have specifically refused to carry.

8. Access and Parking

8.1 The client must provide clear information about access at all locations and must notify us in advance of any restrictions, such as controlled parking zones, low bridges, narrow streets, or limited loading times.

8.2 Any parking charges, fines or penalties incurred as a result of inadequate information or failure to arrange suitable parking will be the responsibility of the client and may be added to the final bill.

8.3 If suitable access is not available on arrival and this prevents us from carrying out the services as agreed, we may treat the job as cancelled by the client and apply appropriate charges.

9. Liability for Loss or Damage

9.1 We will take reasonable care of the client's goods and property while providing the services. However, our liability is subject to the limitations set out in this clause.

9.2 Our liability for loss of or damage to goods, whether arising from negligence or otherwise, will be limited to a reasonable amount reflecting the condition and age of the goods, and will not exceed the total price paid for the services unless required otherwise by law.

9.3 We will not be liable for:

a. Loss or damage arising from defective or inadequate packing done by the client or a third party.

b. Loss or damage to fragile items, such as glass, china, electronics or artwork, unless we have packed them or agreed special handling in writing.

c. Any pre-existing damage, wear and tear, or deterioration of goods.

d. Loss of profits, loss of business, consequential or indirect losses.

e. Loss or damage arising from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including weather, road conditions, or the actions of third parties.

9.4 The client must inspect goods and property promptly on completion of the services and report any loss or damage in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 48 hours. Failure to notify within this period may affect our ability to investigate and may limit any compensation payable.

9.5 Where we agree that loss or damage has occurred due to our negligence or breach of contract, we may, at our option, repair the item, replace it with an equivalent item, or pay fair compensation subject to the limitations in these Terms and Conditions.

10. Excluded Items and Special Risks

10.1 We do not accept responsibility for the loss of or damage to precious metals, jewellery, watches, money, financial documents, collections, antiques, or items of exceptional value, unless we have agreed in writing to handle such items and they have been properly declared and packed.

10.2 We will not be liable for damage to property caused by the movement of items where the client has insisted on proceeding against our advice, including manoeuvring large items through narrow openings or over unsuitable surfaces.

10.3 Any dismantling or reassembly services provided at the client's request are carried out at the client's risk unless specifically covered by our written agreement.

11. Waste and Disposal Regulations

11.1 Balham Man and Van is not a licensed waste carrier for general rubbish disposal unless expressly stated. We do not remove household refuse, construction waste, hazardous waste, or any items classed as controlled waste under UK law, unless agreed in advance and carried out in accordance with relevant regulations.

11.2 The client must not ask us to dispose of items unlawfully or leave goods in locations where dumping is prohibited.

11.3 Where disposal or removal of unwanted items has been agreed in writing, these services will be carried out in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations. Additional charges may apply for recycling, disposal fees or specialist handling.

11.4 The client remains responsible for any penalties, fines or legal consequences arising from the inclusion of prohibited, hazardous or improperly declared items within the goods.

12. Delays and Waiting Time

12.1 We will use reasonable efforts to adhere to scheduled times for collection and delivery, but timing is not guaranteed. Arrival times are estimates and may be affected by traffic, roadworks, accidents and other factors beyond our control.

12.2 If we are delayed, we will inform the client where reasonably possible. Our liability for delay will be limited to a reasonable adjustment of charges where appropriate, and we will not be responsible for indirect losses caused by delay.

12.3 Waiting time charges may apply if our staff or vehicles are kept waiting beyond a reasonable period due to circumstances under the client's control, such as delays obtaining keys or gaining access.

13. Insurance

13.1 We maintain appropriate public liability and vehicle insurance in line with our services.

13.2 Our standard charges do not include comprehensive insurance for the full value of the client's goods. The client is strongly advised to arrange additional insurance cover for valuable or fragile items if required.

14. Complaints

14.1 If the client has any concerns or complaints about the services, they should raise them as soon as possible so that we have an opportunity to resolve the issue.

14.2 Complaints relating to loss or damage must follow the notification requirements set out in clause 9.4.

15. Data Protection

15.1 We will collect and use personal information provided by the client for the purposes of arranging and providing the services, processing payments, handling queries and managing our relationship with the client.

15.2 Personal information will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. We will not sell personal data to third parties and will only share it where necessary to deliver the services or comply with legal obligations.

16. Termination

16.1 We may terminate the contract immediately by written notice if the client materially breaches these Terms and Conditions or fails to pay any amount due.

16.2 On termination, the client will remain liable for any charges incurred up to the date of termination and for any reasonable costs arising from the termination.

17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

17.1 These Terms and Conditions and any contract for services are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

17.2 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 the services provided.

18. General Provisions

18.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

18.2 No variation of these Terms and Conditions will be effective unless agreed in writing by us.

18.3 No failure or delay by us in exercising any right or remedy will operate as a waiver of that right or remedy.

18.4 These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the client and Balham Man and Van in relation to the services and supersede any previous understandings or agreements.