Finchley Man and Van Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Finchley Man and Van provides removal, man and van, transport and related services within its service area. By placing a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming any service.

1. Definitions

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

Client means the person, firm or company requesting the services of Finchley Man and Van.

Company means Finchley Man and Van, the provider of the services.

Services means any removal, man and van, collection, delivery, packing, loading, unloading, transport, or related services supplied by the Company.

Goods means any items, belongings, furniture, boxes, equipment or materials that the Company is asked to move, transport, handle, or store.

Service area means the normal operating area covered by the Company for collections and deliveries, including but not limited to nearby districts and surrounding locations.

2. Booking Process

2.1 All Services must be booked in advance. A booking is only confirmed when the Client has accepted a written or verbal quotation and the Company has confirmed the date, time, and scope of work.

2.2 The Client must provide accurate and complete information at the time of booking, including collection and delivery addresses, access details, property type and floor level, parking arrangements, approximate inventory of Goods, and any special handling requirements.

2.3 The quotation is based on the information supplied by the Client. If the information is inaccurate or incomplete, the Company reserves the right to amend the quotation, adjust the price, change the vehicle allocation, increase labour, or in extreme cases decline to complete the move.

2.4 Quotations are normally provided for a set hourly rate or a fixed price. Unless otherwise agreed, hourly rates start when the team arrives at the first address and finish when the team completes the final drop-off.

2.5 Any estimated duration given is for guidance only and is not guaranteed. Actual duration may vary depending on access, traffic, loading conditions, and other factors beyond the Company’s control.

3. Access, Parking and Restrictions

3.1 The Client is responsible for arranging suitable parking at all addresses where Services are to be provided. This includes any necessary permits, vouchers, or reservations where applicable.

3.2 Any parking charges, tolls, congestion charges, low emission or clean air zone charges, or penalty charges incurred as a direct result of providing the Services will be payable by the Client and may be added to the final invoice.

3.3 The Client must ensure safe and reasonable access to the property, including clear stairways, corridors, lifts, and doorways. If access is restricted or unsafe, the Company may refuse to move certain items or may need to adjust the quotation.

3.4 The Company will not hoist items through windows, over balconies, or perform any activity which, in its reasonable opinion, is unsafe or may cause damage to property or Goods.

4. Client Responsibilities

4.1 The Client must ensure that Goods are properly packed and ready to be moved, unless the Company has specifically agreed to provide packing services.

4.2 Fragile or valuable items must be clearly labelled and brought to the attention of the team before loading. This includes glass, china, artwork, electronics, antiques, and any items of high financial or sentimental value.

4.3 The Client must remove or secure all fixtures and fittings that are to be moved, and ensure that washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and similar appliances are disconnected, drained, and prepared in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

4.4 The Client or an authorised representative must be present at the addresses during loading and unloading to supervise, provide instructions and check that nothing is left behind. Where the Client is not present, the Company will not be responsible for any items claimed to be missing or left at the property.

4.5 The Client must not request the team to carry out any work that falls outside the scope of normal removal services, including electrical, plumbing, gas, or structural work.

5. Excluded and Hazardous Items

5.1 The Company will not carry or handle the following items under any circumstances: explosives, flammable liquids or gases, corrosive substances, toxic materials, firearms or ammunition, illegal goods, or any items prohibited by law.

5.2 The Company may refuse to transport cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, stones, important documents, or other high-value items unless expressly agreed in writing in advance. The Client is advised to carry such items personally.

5.3 Perishable goods, live plants, animals or other living creatures are not normally accepted for transport. Where they are accepted by prior agreement, they are carried entirely at the Client’s risk.

6. Payments and Charges

6.1 Unless otherwise agreed, payment is due on completion of the Services on the same day. The Company may require a deposit to confirm the booking. Any deposit will be deducted from the final balance.

6.2 The Company reserves the right to refuse to load, unload, or continue with the Services if payment terms are not met, including where required deposits have not been received.

6.3 Additional charges may apply in the following circumstances.

a. Work that takes longer than the time estimated, where the booking is based on an hourly rate.

b. Delays beyond the Company’s control, such as waiting time due to keys not being available, delayed access, or issues with third parties.

c. Extra services requested on the day, including additional pick ups, drop offs, or labour.

d. Special handling of exceptionally heavy or awkward items.

6.4 The Client is responsible for any bank charges, payment processing charges, or currency conversion charges associated with their payment.

6.5 If payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest on the overdue amount at a reasonable rate and may seek to recover all costs of collection, including legal costs where applicable.

7. Cancellations and Amendments

7.1 The Client may cancel or amend a booking by giving notice to the Company. Notice must be given during normal business hours.

7.2 If the Client cancels more than 48 hours before the agreed start time, any deposit paid may be refundable at the Company’s discretion, less any reasonable administrative costs.

7.3 If the Client cancels within 48 hours of the agreed start time, the Company reserves the right to retain all or part of the deposit and to charge a cancellation fee up to a reasonable percentage of the quoted price to cover lost bookings and staff costs.

7.4 If the Client cancels on the day of the move, fails to be present at the agreed time, or is otherwise not ready for the move to proceed, the Company may charge the full quoted price.

7.5 If the Client wishes to change the date, time or details of the booking, the Company will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the change but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may affect the quoted price.

7.6 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, road closures, vehicle breakdowns, staff illness, or safety concerns. In such cases, any deposit paid will normally be transferred to a new booking date or refunded where a new date cannot be agreed.

8. Liability for Loss or Damage

8.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling and transporting the Goods. However, liability is limited as set out in this section.

8.2 The Company’s total liability for loss of or damage to Goods, however caused, will not exceed a reasonable limit per item or per job, as agreed with the Client or as otherwise required by law.

8.3 The Company will not be liable for any loss or damage that arises from the following.

a. Faulty or inadequate packing by the Client.

b. Normal wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or pre existing defects.

c. Handling of Goods where the Client has requested work that the Company has advised against.

d. Dismantling or reassembly of furniture or equipment, unless negligence can be shown.

e. Loss or damage to items that the Company has not packed, where the damage is consistent with the nature of the items and normal handling.

f. Electrical or mechanical derangement of appliances or equipment unless there is visible physical damage caused by the Company.

g. Loss or damage where the Goods are transported in a vehicle not owned or operated by the Company at the Client’s request.

8.4 The Company will not be liable for indirect or consequential losses, including loss of profit, loss of income, loss of opportunity or any similar damage, even if advised of the possibility of such loss.

8.5 The Client is encouraged to have suitable insurance in place to cover the full value of their Goods, particularly where the value exceeds the standard liability limit.

9. Claims and Time Limits

9.1 Any loss or damage to Goods or property must be reported to the team on the day of the move as soon as it is discovered, and noted before the team leaves the final address where reasonably possible.

9.2 In addition, the Client must notify the Company in writing of any claim for loss or damage within a reasonable time period after the Services have been completed, allowing the Company a fair opportunity to investigate.

9.3 The Company may request photographs, receipts or other evidence to assess the claim and may inspect the damaged item or property where practical.

9.4 If the Client fails to notify the Company within the stated time period without good reason, the Company may not be able to accept liability for the alleged loss or damage.

10. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations

10.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable UK waste and environmental regulations. Certain items must be disposed of only through authorised channels.

10.2 The Company is not a general rubbish removal or waste disposal contractor unless this has been specifically agreed as part of the booking. Additional charges will apply for collection and disposal of unwanted items.

10.3 Where the Company agrees to remove items for disposal, it will do so in accordance with relevant waste carrier and disposal regulations. The Client confirms that any items handed over for disposal are theirs to dispose of and are not hazardous or prohibited items.

10.4 The Company will not remove or dispose of asbestos, clinical waste, chemicals, or any other material classified as hazardous under applicable legislation.

10.5 If the Company discovers that any items given for removal or disposal are hazardous, prohibited, or unlawful, it may refuse to carry them further and may take reasonable steps to protect staff and the public. Any resulting costs or fines may be charged to the Client.

11. Storage Services

11.1 If the Company agrees to arrange or provide storage, the conditions in this section apply in addition to the rest of these Terms and Conditions.

11.2 Storage charges are payable in advance. Access to items in storage may be subject to reasonable notice and handling fees.

11.3 The Client must not store prohibited, hazardous, perishable, illegal, or high value items in storage. The Company reserves the right to inspect stored items where it has reasonable grounds for concern, acting in accordance with applicable law.

11.4 The Company’s liability for items in storage is limited to the same extent as set out in the liability section of these Terms and Conditions, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

12. Delays and Events Beyond Control

12.1 The Company will make reasonable efforts to arrive at the agreed time and complete the Services as scheduled. However, times are estimates only and cannot be guaranteed.

12.2 The Company will not be liable for delay or failure to perform its obligations where such delay or failure is due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to traffic incidents, severe weather, accidents, road closures, strikes, or public emergencies.

12.3 Where possible, the Company will keep the Client informed of any significant delays and will take reasonable steps to minimise their impact.

13. Subcontracting

13.1 The Company may, at its discretion, use subcontractors or third party carriers to carry out all or part of the Services. In such cases, the Company will remain responsible for the overall performance of the Services to the Client.

13.2 These Terms and Conditions will apply to any Services provided by subcontractors as if they were provided by the Company, unless otherwise stated.

14. Privacy and Data

14.1 The Company will collect and process personal information about the Client only as necessary to provide the Services, manage bookings, handle payments, and comply with legal obligations.

14.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to keep Client information secure and will not sell or disclose personal data to third parties except where required to perform the Services, process payments, or comply with law.

15. Complaints

15.1 If the Client is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the issue with the team on the day where possible so that it can be addressed immediately.

15.2 If the issue is not resolved on the day, the Client should submit a written complaint to the Company within a reasonable time, providing full details of the concern. The Company will review the complaint and respond within a reasonable period.

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 with the Services, shall be 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 shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services.

17. General Provisions

17.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

17.2 No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy.

17.3 These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Company in relation to the Services and supersede any prior understandings, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral.

17.4 The Client may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the Company’s prior written consent.

17.5 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 that booking.