Barking Removals Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Barking Removals provides removal and related services to you. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following words have the meanings given to them below:
1.1 We, us, our: Barking Removals, the removal service provider.
1.2 You, your, customer: The person, firm or organisation booking or receiving services from us.
1.3 Services: Any removal, packing, storage, clearance or related services we agree to provide to you.
1.4 Goods: The items, belongings and property that you ask us to move, handle, pack, store or dispose of.
1.5 Contract: The agreement between you and us for the provision of services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation we issue.
2. Scope of Services
2.1 We provide household and commercial removals, including loading, transporting and unloading of goods. Additional services may include packing, unpacking, furniture dismantling and reassembly, and short-term storage, where agreed in writing.
2.2 The specific services, service area, date, time and price will be set out in our quotation and booking confirmation. Any changes requested after confirmation may result in amendments to the price and timing, subject to our agreement and availability.
2.3 We reserve the right to decline or cease provision of services where it would be unsafe, unlawful or beyond the agreed scope of the contract.
3. Booking Process
3.1 You may request a quotation by providing details of the collection and delivery addresses, property access, inventory of goods, and preferred dates. Quotations are based on the information you provide and are subject to adjustment if that information is inaccurate or incomplete.
3.2 A booking is only confirmed when we have accepted your request and issued a written confirmation, which may be by letter, text message or other written form. Until confirmation is issued, no contract exists between you and us.
3.3 You must ensure that all details in the quotation and confirmation are accurate, including addresses, dates, times, access arrangements, and the list of goods. You must notify us of any changes as soon as possible.
3.4 We may require a deposit to secure your booking. If a deposit is required, this will be specified in the quotation or at the time of booking.
4. Your Responsibilities
4.1 You are responsible for:
a. Ensuring that you are the owner of the goods or have full authority from the owner to enter into a contract for their removal or handling.
b. Providing us with accurate and complete information about the services required, including any special handling requirements, fragile or high-value items.
c. Ensuring that the premises at collection and delivery locations are safe, accessible, and suitable for our vehicles and personnel.
d. Obtaining any necessary permissions, permits or parking arrangements required at either location.
e. Ensuring that all goods are ready for removal at the agreed time and are properly packed, unless we have agreed to provide packing services.
f. Being present, or appointing an authorised representative to be present, during collection and delivery to direct our team and sign any documentation.
4.2 You must not submit for removal or storage any goods that are hazardous, illegal, explosive, corrosive, perishable beyond reasonable transit times, or otherwise unsafe. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, gas cylinders, firearms, ammunition, flammable liquids, and illegal substances.
5. Payments and Charges
5.1 The price for the services will be as stated in our quotation or confirmation, plus any additional charges that arise under these Terms and Conditions.
5.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment terms are as follows:
a. A deposit, where requested, payable at the time of booking.
b. The balance payable on or before completion of the services on the agreed date.
5.3 We may accept payment by cash, bank transfer or other agreed methods. You are responsible for ensuring that payments are made on time and in full.
5.4 If payment is not made when due, we may refuse to start or continue with the services, retain your goods until payment is received, and charge reasonable costs and interest on late payments, in accordance with applicable law.
5.5 Additional charges may apply in the following circumstances:
a. Waiting time caused by delays beyond our reasonable control, such as keys not being available, properties not being ready, or access issues.
b. Additional items, distance, or services not previously disclosed or agreed.
c. Work carried out outside normal working hours at your request.
d. Parking fees, congestion charges, tolls or fines incurred as a direct result of instructions or circumstances at the collection or delivery address, where we are not at fault.
6. Cancellations and Postponements
6.1 You may cancel or postpone your booking by giving us written notice.
6.2 If you cancel or postpone, we reserve the right to charge a fee to cover our reasonable costs and loss of bookings, as set out below:
a. More than 7 days before the agreed service date: no cancellation fee, and any deposit may be refunded or transferred at our discretion.
b. Between 7 days and 48 hours before the agreed service date: we may retain all or part of the deposit, or charge up to 50 percent of the agreed price.
c. Less than 48 hours before the agreed service date: we may charge up to 100 percent of the agreed price.
6.3 If we need to cancel or postpone your booking due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, such as extreme weather, vehicle breakdown, accidents, illness, or legal restrictions, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and offer an alternative date or a refund of any amounts paid for services not yet provided. We shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses arising from such cancellation or postponement.
7. Access, Parking and Delays
7.1 You must ensure that our vehicles have suitable access to the collection and delivery addresses, including appropriate parking and access routes. If necessary, you must arrange and pay for any permits, clearances or access permissions.
7.2 You must inform us in advance of any potential access difficulties, such as narrow roads, low bridges, stairs, lifts, restricted loading areas, or long carry distances from the vehicle to the property.
7.3 If access is not as described, or if we encounter unexpected difficulties, we may adjust the price, require additional staff or equipment, or in extreme cases decline to proceed where it is unsafe or impossible. Any additional costs arising will be payable by you.
7.4 We will use reasonable efforts to arrive and complete the services on time. However, all times given are estimates and are not guaranteed. We are not liable for delays caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including traffic conditions, road works, accidents, or delays caused by third parties.
8. Packing and Fragile Items
8.1 If you request packing services, we will pack your goods using materials and methods that are appropriate for normal domestic and commercial removals.
8.2 If you carry out your own packing, you are responsible for ensuring that goods are packed safely and securely to withstand normal handling and transport. We are not liable for damage arising from poor or inadequate packing by you or a third party.
8.3 You must clearly label any particularly fragile or high-value items and inform us of any special handling requirements. If you do not do so, our liability for damage to such items may be limited in accordance with these terms.
9. Our Liability for Loss or Damage
9.1 We will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the services. Our liability for loss or damage to goods or property is subject to the limitations and exclusions set out in this section.
9.2 We are not liable for:
a. Loss or damage arising from your failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions.
b. Loss or damage to goods caused by inherent defects, natural deterioration, or pre-existing damage.
c. Loss or damage to items that are brittle, fragile, or not suitable for transport, unless we have packed them and agreed specific responsibility in writing.
d. Indirect, consequential or economic loss, such as loss of profits, loss of use, or loss of opportunity.
9.3 Our total liability for loss of or damage to goods, caused by our negligence or breach of contract, shall not exceed a reasonable replacement value per item, up to a reasonable overall limit per consignment. Any specific limits will be notified to you in writing where applicable.
9.4 If you believe that higher protection is required, you should arrange your own separate insurance cover for the full value of your goods before the service date.
9.5 We are not liable for any loss or damage unless you notify us in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 7 days of delivery or the date when the goods should have been delivered. You must provide reasonable evidence of loss or damage to support any claim.
10. Excluded Items and Special Risks
10.1 We do not accept liability for loss of or damage to the following types of items, unless we have expressly agreed in writing to handle them and you have declared their value:
a. Jewellery, watches, precious metals and stones.
b. Money, credit cards, bonds, securities, or valuable documents.
c. Antiques, works of art, or items of exceptional value or rarity.
d. Perishable goods and plants.
10.2 If you include such items without our prior agreement, you do so at your own risk and we shall have no liability in respect of them.
11. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations
11.1 Where we provide clearance, disposal or waste removal services, we will do so in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations.
11.2 We will only remove waste or items that you have expressly requested and that we have agreed to take. You must not present hazardous, clinical, chemical or restricted waste unless we have specifically agreed to handle such materials and are lawfully authorised to do so.
11.3 We will dispose of waste using licensed facilities and lawful methods. Once items have been designated for disposal and handed over to us for that purpose, you relinquish all rights and claims to those items.
11.4 You are responsible for ensuring that any items you ask us to dispose of are not subject to finance, hire purchase, retention of title, or other third-party rights. You will indemnify us against any claims, costs or losses arising from the unlawful disposal of such items.
12. Storage Services
12.1 If we provide storage services, the terms of storage, including charges, access arrangements, and notice periods, will be set out separately and will form part of the contract.
12.2 While your goods are in storage, you remain responsible for insuring them for their full replacement value. Unless expressly stated in writing, our charges do not include insurance for stored goods.
13. Complaints and Disputes
13.1 If you are unhappy with any aspect of our services, you should raise the issue with us as soon as possible on the day of service, so that we have an opportunity to address it promptly.
13.2 If the issue is not resolved at the time, you should submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion of the services, setting out the details of your concerns and any loss or damage claimed.
13.3 We will investigate your complaint and respond within a reasonable timeframe. Both parties agree to act in good faith to resolve disputes wherever possible.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
14.1 We will collect and process your personal data only to the extent necessary to provide our services, manage your booking, handle payments, and comply with our legal obligations.
14.2 We will take reasonable steps to keep your personal information secure and will not sell or share it with third parties other than as required to deliver the services or as required by law.
15. Termination
15.1 We may terminate the contract immediately by written notice if:
a. You commit a serious breach of these Terms and Conditions, including failure to pay any sums due.
b. You become insolvent, bankrupt, or enter into any arrangement with creditors.
15.2 Upon termination, you must pay all outstanding sums due for services already provided and any reasonable costs incurred as a result of termination.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
16.1 These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with them, or the services provided, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
16.2 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 to you.
17. General Provisions
17.1 Entire agreement: These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or confirmation we issue, constitute the entire agreement between you and us and supersede any prior discussions or understandings.
17.2 Severability: If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court or other competent authority, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
17.3 Waiver: Any failure or delay by us to exercise a right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
17.4 Assignment: You may not assign or transfer your rights or obligations under the contract without our prior written consent. We may assign or subcontract our rights and obligations where necessary to provide the services, provided that this does not reduce your rights under the contract.
17.5 Updates: We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of your booking will apply to your contract with us.
