Terms and Conditions

Man and a Van Watford Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man and a Van Watford provides man and van, removal, delivery, and related services within Watford and surrounding areas. By making a booking or using our services you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming any booking.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply.

Customer refers to the person or organisation booking or paying for the services.

Company refers to Man and a Van Watford as the provider of the services.

Services refers to man and van, removal, delivery, loading, unloading, packing assistance, and any other related services supplied by the Company.

Vehicle refers to any van or other vehicle used by the Company in delivering the services.

Goods refers to any items, possessions, furniture, boxes, or materials moved, transported, handled, or stored by the Company in the course of providing the services.

2. Scope of Services

The Company provides man and van and removal services for domestic, student, and small business customers, including local and regional moves, item collection and delivery, and limited internal moves within a property or building. Services are supplied subject to availability of staff and vehicles and to these Terms and Conditions.

The Company does not undertake specialist removals such as fine art, high value antiques, heavy industrial machinery, or removal services requiring specialist lifting equipment, unless expressly agreed in writing in advance. The Company reserves the right to decline any job it considers unsafe, unsuitable, or beyond the reasonable capabilities of its staff or vehicles.

3. Booking Process

All bookings must be arranged in advance. Bookings may be made by the Customer providing the Company with the necessary details, including collection and delivery addresses, dates, times, description and quantity of goods, access details, and any special requirements.

The Company will provide a quotation based on the information supplied by the Customer. Quotations may be given as an hourly rate, fixed price, or a combination of both. Quotations are estimates only and are subject to verification on the day of the move, particularly if the information provided by the Customer is incomplete or inaccurate.

A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has accepted the quotation, agreed to these Terms and Conditions, and, where required, paid any deposit requested by the Company. The Company reserves the right to decline any booking until such confirmation has been received.

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied at the time of booking is accurate and complete, including access restrictions, parking conditions, the number of floors, and the volume and nature of the goods. Any delay, additional work, or extra resources required as a result of inaccurate or incomplete information may result in additional charges.

4. Quotations and Pricing

Quotations are based on the details provided by the Customer and the services described by the Company at the time of booking. Unless otherwise stated, quotations do not include packing materials, packing services, dismantling or reassembly of furniture, disconnection or reconnection of appliances, or storage services.

The Company may charge additional fees where work exceeds the scope of the original quotation, including but not limited to extra items not declared, additional floors or long carry distances, waiting time caused by delays in access, or the need for extra staff. Hourly rate bookings are charged from the agreed arrival time or actual arrival time at the pickup address, whichever is later, until the completion of the job, including any waiting time not caused solely by the Company.

All prices are subject to any applicable taxes or government charges that may be imposed from time to time.

5. Payments

Payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment is due on completion of the services on the same day. The Company may require a deposit to secure a booking, which may be non refundable in the event of late cancellation as set out in these Terms and Conditions.

The Company accepts payment methods as communicated to the Customer at the time of booking. The Customer must ensure that they are able to make payment in full upon completion of the job. The Company reserves the right to withhold the unloading or release of goods until full payment has been received.

If payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest on overdue amounts at a reasonable rate and may take steps to recover any outstanding sums, including instructing a debt collection agency or taking legal action. The Customer will be liable for any reasonable costs incurred by the Company in recovering such sums.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

If the Customer wishes to cancel or amend a booking, they must notify the Company as soon as possible. The Company operates a cancellation policy as follows, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

For cancellations more than 48 hours before the scheduled start time, the Company will normally cancel the booking without further charge, although any non refundable deposit or third party charges may be retained.

For cancellations within 24 to 48 hours of the scheduled start time, the Company may charge a reasonable cancellation fee, which may include retention of all or part of any deposit paid.

For cancellations within 24 hours of the scheduled start time or on the day of the job, the Company reserves the right to charge up to the full quoted amount, particularly where staff and vehicle time has been reserved exclusively for the Customer.

Where the Customer seeks to change the date, time, or scope of services, this will be subject to availability and may result in a revised quotation or additional charges. The Company is not obliged to accommodate requested changes but will make reasonable efforts to do so.

The Company reserves the right to cancel or reschedule a booking due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including vehicle breakdown, staff illness, severe weather, accidents, or legal restrictions. In such cases, the Company will aim to give as much notice as possible and to offer an alternative date or a refund of any deposit paid, but will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation.

7. Customer Responsibilities

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all goods are properly packed, secured, and ready for transport unless packing services have been specifically agreed. Fragile items must be clearly marked, and the Customer must give full written instructions for handling any particularly delicate or high value goods.

The Customer must ensure that there is suitable access and parking at both collection and delivery addresses. This includes obtaining any necessary permits or permissions for parking or entry, ensuring that driveways, roads, lifts, and stairways are accessible, and notifying the Company of any restrictions such as height limits, narrow roads, or limited loading times.

The Customer must be present or represented at the collection and delivery addresses to direct the Company and to check that all goods are loaded and unloaded. The Company is not responsible for any items left behind or taken in error if the Customer or their representative is not present to supervise and confirm the goods.

The Customer must not request the Company or its staff to carry out any illegal activities or to move items that are hazardous, illegal, or prohibited under these Terms and Conditions.

8. Items Not Permitted

The Company will not carry or handle the following items unless expressly agreed in writing in advance and in compliance with applicable regulations.

Explosives, firearms, ammunition, weapons, or similar items.

Flammable, dangerous, or hazardous substances, including gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, or toxic materials.

Illegal goods or substances of any kind.

Perishable or live items such as plants, animals, or food that may spoil during transit.

Cash, jewellery, precious metals, securities, or other high value items where the value is disproportionate to the nature of the move.

If any such items are included without the Companys knowledge, they are carried entirely at the Customers risk and the Company accepts no liability for loss or damage or for any legal consequences arising.

9. Waste and Rubbish Regulations

The Company operates in accordance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a licensed waste carrier for general refuse unless otherwise stated and does not provide a rubbish clearance or disposal service except by prior agreement and in compliance with applicable laws.

The Customer must not request the Company to dispose of domestic waste, builders waste, or any controlled waste unless this has been specifically agreed in advance and any applicable disposal charges have been confirmed. The Customer remains responsible for ensuring that any waste to be collected is lawful for transport and disposal.

The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry any items it reasonably believes to be unlawful waste, hazardous materials, or otherwise unsuitable for transport. Where the Company does agree to remove items for disposal, the Customer warrants that they have the right to dispose of those items and that the items do not contain any restricted or hazardous substances. Additional charges may apply for lawful disposal, recycling, or transfer to an approved facility.

10. Liability and Insurance

The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the services and in handling the Customers goods. However, the Companys liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.

The Companys liability for loss of or damage to goods is limited to a reasonable amount per job, having regard to the nature and value of the goods, unless a higher level of cover has been expressly agreed in writing and any additional charge for such cover has been paid. The Customer is advised to arrange their own insurance for valuable or fragile items where appropriate.

The Company will not be liable for loss of or damage to goods arising from the following causes.

Poor or inadequate packing by the Customer.

Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or cleaning required.

Inherent defects, characteristics, or vulnerabilities in the goods.

Acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party.

Weather conditions, traffic delays, or events beyond the Companys reasonable control.

Loss of profits, loss of use, loss of business, or any indirect or consequential loss, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise, even if the Company was advised of the possibility of such losses.

Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall exclude or limit the Companys liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or for any other matter for which liability cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

11. Claims and Complaints

If the Customer believes that any goods have been lost or damaged during the provision of the services, the Customer must notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible. Where loss or damage is apparent at the time of delivery, the Customer should inform the Companys staff immediately and note the details before the team leaves the premises.

Any formal complaint or claim should be submitted to the Company in writing within a reasonable period after completion of the services, giving full details and supporting evidence where available. The Company will investigate the matter and respond within a reasonable timescale. Failure to notify the Company within a reasonable time may affect the Companys ability to investigate and may reduce the likelihood of a successful claim.

12. Delays and Access Issues

The Company will use reasonable efforts to adhere to agreed arrival and delivery times but cannot guarantee exact times, as they may be affected by traffic, weather, roadworks, accidents, vehicle breakdown, or other factors beyond the Companys control. The Company will not be liable for any indirect losses arising from delays, such as lost income, missed appointments, or additional third party charges.

If the Company experiences delays caused by the Customer, including but not limited to lack of access, waiting for keys, insufficient preparation of goods, or absence of the Customer, the Company may charge for waiting time at the agreed hourly rate or a reasonable additional amount. If access is impossible or unduly restricted, the Company may, at its discretion, cancel or suspend the job and charge for time and costs incurred.

13. Health and Safety

The Company is committed to maintaining safe working practices for its staff and the Customer. The Company reserves the right to refuse to move any item it considers to present a health and safety risk, including items that are excessively heavy, unstable, or located in a position that makes safe handling impracticable.

The Customer must ensure that the premises are safe and that any known hazards are disclosed to the Company before work begins. This includes loose floor coverings, structural defects, and any other conditions that may present risks to staff, the Customer, or the goods.

14. Subcontracting

The Company reserves the right to use subcontractors or agents to perform all or part of the services. Where subcontractors are used, these Terms and Conditions shall continue to apply, and the Company will remain responsible for the overall performance of the services to the Customer.

15. Data Protection and Privacy

The Company will collect and process personal information about the Customer only as necessary for the purposes of providing the services, managing bookings, processing payments, and handling any queries or complaints. The Company will take reasonable steps to protect such data and will not sell or disclose personal information to third parties except where necessary for the provision of the services, for legal or regulatory reasons, or with the Customers consent.

16. Variation of Terms

The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Customers booking will apply to that booking. The Customer is advised to review the Terms and Conditions periodically for any changes that may affect future bookings.

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable by any court or competent authority, that provision shall be deemed deleted, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, including non contractual disputes or claims, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

The parties agree that 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 their subject matter.

19. Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation issued by the Company, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer in relation to the provision of the services. The Customer acknowledges that they have not relied on any statement, promise, or representation not set out in these documents.