Terms and Conditions

Man and a Van Balham Service Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man and a Van Balham provides man and van, removals and associated services within the United Kingdom. By 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 words have the meanings given below:

1.1 "Company" means Man and a Van Balham, the provider of removal and man and van services.

1.2 "Customer" means the individual or business booking or using the services of the Company.

1.3 "Services" means any removal, transportation, loading, unloading, packing, or associated services provided by the Company.

1.4 "Vehicle" means any van or other vehicle used by the Company to carry out the Services.

1.5 "Booking" means a confirmed reservation for the provision of Services on a particular date and time.

1.6 "Items" means any goods, furniture, personal belongings, equipment, boxes or other property to be moved, transported, or otherwise handled as part of the Services.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides man and van and removal services for domestic and commercial Customers within the United Kingdom, with a primary service focus on Balham and surrounding areas.

2.2 Services typically include the provision of one or more removal operatives and a suitable Vehicle to transport Items from the collection address to the delivery address specified by the Customer.

2.3 Additional services, such as packing, unpacking, furniture assembly and disassembly, and multiple collection or delivery points, may be provided by prior agreement and may incur additional charges.

2.4 The Company reserves the right to refuse to carry out any service that, in its reasonable opinion, would be unsafe, unlawful, or beyond the scope of its usual operations.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings can be made by the Customer through the Company’s accepted communication channels as notified from time to time.

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

(a) full collection and delivery addresses;

(b) access details for each property, including floor level, lifts, parking restrictions, and distance from the Vehicle to the property;

(c) approximate inventory or a clear description of the Items to be moved;

(d) any Items requiring special handling or which are particularly heavy or bulky;

(e) preferred date and time of the move.

3.3 The Company will provide a quotation based on the information supplied. The quotation may be on an hourly rate or a fixed price basis, as specified at the time of booking.

3.4 A Booking is only confirmed once the Customer has accepted the quotation and, where required, paid any deposit or booking fee requested by the Company.

3.5 The Company reserves the right to amend a quotation or apply additional charges if:

(a) the information provided by the Customer was incomplete or inaccurate;

(b) additional Items or services are requested on the day of the move;

(c) there are unexpected access issues or delays not caused by the Company;

(d) waiting time is incurred due to keys, paperwork, or other matters outside the Company’s control.

4. Customer Obligations

4.1 The Customer is responsible for:

(a) ensuring that all Items are ready for collection at the agreed time;

(b) packing Items securely and appropriately unless packing services have been agreed separately;

(c) disconnecting and preparing appliances, fixtures, and fittings prior to the move;

(d) obtaining all necessary permissions for parking, loading, and unloading at both collection and delivery addresses.

4.2 The Customer must ensure that suitable parking is available for the Company’s Vehicle at both the collection and delivery locations. Any parking fees, permits, or fines arising from inadequate parking arrangements may be charged to the Customer.

4.3 The Customer, or a representative authorised by the Customer, must be present at both collection and delivery addresses to supervise the move, provide instructions, and sign any relevant documentation.

4.4 The Customer must not ask the Company’s staff to do anything that is unsafe, illegal, or which is likely to cause damage to the Vehicle, the property, or the Items.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 All charges for the Services will be notified to the Customer in advance, either as an hourly rate or a fixed price quotation.

5.2 The Company may require a deposit or booking fee to secure the Booking. Any such deposit will be deducted from the final amount payable.

5.3 Payment terms will be confirmed at the time of booking. Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

(a) for hourly-rate bookings, charges will commence from the scheduled arrival time or the time the Vehicle arrives on site, whichever is later, and will continue until the completion of the job;

(b) for fixed-price bookings, the agreed amount will be payable upon completion of the Services or in accordance with any prior agreement;

(c) any additional services or waiting time will be charged at the applicable rate.

5.4 Payment is usually required on the day of the move and may be made by the payment methods accepted by the Company from time to time.

5.5 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to:

(a) charge interest on overdue sums at the statutory rate;

(b) suspend or withhold further services or delivery of Items until payment is received in full;

(c) retain a lien over the Items in its possession until all outstanding sums have been paid.

6. Cancellations and Amendments

6.1 If the Customer wishes to cancel or amend a Booking, they must notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible.

6.2 The following cancellation charges may apply, unless otherwise agreed:

(a) more than 72 hours before the scheduled start time: no cancellation fee, and any deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Company’s discretion;

(b) between 24 and 72 hours before the scheduled start time: the Company may retain a reasonable proportion of any deposit to cover administrative costs and loss of opportunity;

(c) less than 24 hours before the scheduled start time or failure to be present at the agreed time: the Company may charge up to 100 percent of the estimated job cost.

6.3 If the Customer wishes to change the date, time, or scope of the Services, the Company will use reasonable efforts to accommodate the request but cannot guarantee availability. Any changes may result in a revised quotation and additional 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 conditions, Vehicle breakdowns, accidents, illness, or other operational issues. In such cases, the Company will seek to reschedule the Booking at a mutually convenient time and will not be liable for any consequential loss.

7. Excluded and Prohibited Items

7.1 Unless expressly agreed in writing, the Company will not transport:

(a) hazardous, illegal, or dangerous goods, including explosives, flammable substances, compressed gases, corrosive materials, and chemicals;

(b) perishable goods or items requiring controlled temperatures;

(c) live animals or plants;

(d) high value items such as jewellery, cash, important documents, antiques, artworks, or other items of exceptional value.

7.2 If any such Items are included without the Company’s knowledge, they will be transported entirely at the Customer’s risk, and the Company will have no liability for any loss, damage, or deterioration to those Items.

8. Liability for Loss and Damage

8.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. However, the Company’s liability for loss or damage to Items or property is subject to the limitations set out in this clause.

8.2 The Company will not be liable for loss or damage arising from:

(a) insufficient or improper packing by the Customer, where packing services were not provided by the Company;

(b) the handling of Items that are inherently fragile, poorly constructed, or already damaged;

(c) wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or pre-existing defects in the Items;

(d) acts or omissions of the Customer or any third party present during the move;

(e) delays or failures caused by events beyond the Company’s reasonable control, including traffic, road closures, severe weather, or accidents.

8.3 The Company’s total liability for loss of or damage to Items, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract, or otherwise, shall not exceed a reasonable estimate of the replacement value of the affected Items, subject to any specific limitations notified to the Customer.

8.4 The Company will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of opportunity, or emotional distress.

8.5 Any obvious loss or damage must be reported to the Company at the time of delivery or as soon as reasonably practical thereafter. The Customer must provide evidence and reasonable assistance to enable the Company to investigate any claim.

9. Access, Property Damage and Delays

9.1 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that there is adequate access to both collection and delivery addresses. This includes providing accurate information about stairs, lifts, narrow corridors, doorways, and any potential obstacles.

9.2 If access is restricted or significantly different from that described at the time of booking, the Company may:

(a) incur additional time, which may be charged at the applicable rate;

(b) refuse to move certain Items if doing so would risk damage or injury.

9.3 The Company will take reasonable care to avoid damage to property during the performance of the Services. However, the Company will not be liable for:

(a) damage caused by the movement of Items through areas that are too small or unsafe for their size or weight, where the Customer has insisted the move proceed despite advice to the contrary;

(b) minor scuffs, marks, or wear resulting from normal handling and movement of furniture and boxes.

10. Waste and Disposal Regulations

10.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a general waste disposal operator and will not remove domestic refuse, construction rubble, or other waste types unless specifically agreed as part of a separate service.

10.2 The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any Items presented for disposal are lawful to dispose of and are not hazardous. The Company reserves the right to refuse any Items that it reasonably believes may breach waste, environmental, or health and safety regulations.

10.3 When the Company agrees to remove Items for disposal or recycling, such Items become the responsibility of the Company for the purpose of lawful disposal. Additional fees may apply, which will be advised in advance where reasonably possible.

11. Insurance

11.1 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover for its operations as required by law and good industry practice.

11.2 The Customer is encouraged to arrange their own insurance for high value or particularly fragile Items, as the Company’s liability may not cover the full replacement value of such goods.

12. Complaints

12.1 If the Customer has any concerns or complaints regarding the Services, they should notify the Company as soon as possible, providing full details of the issue.

12.2 The Company will investigate any complaint in good faith and will seek to respond within a reasonable timeframe with an explanation or proposed resolution.

13. Data Protection

13.1 The Company will collect and process personal data about the Customer only as necessary to provide the Services, administer bookings, and comply with legal obligations.

13.2 Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws.

14. Variations

14.1 The Company may update or amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Customer’s Booking will apply to that Booking.

15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

15.1 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.

15.2 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 the Company.

By proceeding with a Booking or using the Services of Man and a Van Balham, the Customer confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.