Removals Barnes Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Removals Barnes provides removal and related services to private and commercial customers within the United Kingdom. By making a booking, using our services, or allowing our team to carry out any work at your property, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Company means Removals Barnes, the removal service provider.
Customer means the person, firm, or organisation requesting the services of the Company.
Services means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, transport, storage, or disposal services provided by the Company.
Goods means all items, personal possessions, furniture, equipment, and materials which are subject to the Services.
Premises means the address or addresses where the Services are to be carried out, including collection and delivery locations.
Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions.
2. Scope of Services
The Company provides domestic and commercial removal services, including but not limited to local moves, packing services, loading and unloading, short-distance transport, and related handling of Goods. Any additional services, such as storage or waste removal, will be agreed separately and may be subject to additional terms and charges.
The Company reserves the right to refuse to handle or transport any item that is unsafe, illegal, excessively heavy, or otherwise unsuitable for removal with standard equipment and reasonable manpower.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Enquiries and quotations
The Customer may request a quotation by providing accurate information about the Premises, access conditions, parking arrangements, volume of Goods, and any special items such as pianos, large appliances, or fragile goods. Quotations may be provided verbally or in writing and are based on the information supplied at the time.
3.2 Acceptance of quotation
A Contract is formed when the Customer confirms acceptance of the quotation and the Company confirms the booking. Confirmation may be provided in writing or by other agreed means. The Company is not obliged to hold any dates or vehicles for the Customer until the booking is confirmed and any required deposit has been received and cleared.
3.3 Changes to the booking
The Customer must inform the Company as soon as reasonably possible of any changes to the Services required, including changes to dates, addresses, access, or the volume or nature of Goods. The Company may update the quotation and charges accordingly. If significant changes are made on or close to the scheduled date, this may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking and may incur additional charges.
4. Access, Parking, and Customer Responsibilities
The Customer is responsible for ensuring suitable access and parking at all Premises for the Companys vehicles. This includes obtaining any necessary permits or authorisations and complying with any local parking rules or restrictions. Waiting time, parking fines, or additional handling caused by poor access or lack of parking may be charged to the Customer.
The Customer must ensure that all Goods are ready for removal at the agreed time, unless packing services have been separately agreed. The Customer should secure valuables, confidential documents, and personal items and must not include in the Goods any items that the Company has stated it will not carry.
5. Packing and Preparation
Where the Customer conducts their own packing, it is the Customers responsibility to ensure all items are packed safely and suitably for transport. The Company is not liable for damage arising from inadequate packing carried out by the Customer or by a third party acting on the Customers behalf.
Where packing services are provided by the Company, the Company will use reasonable care and skill and suitable materials. Fragile and valuable items must be specifically declared and identified to the Company prior to packing so that appropriate methods can be used.
6. Payments and Charges
6.1 Deposits
The Company may require a deposit to secure a booking. The amount and due date of any deposit will be confirmed at the time of quotation or booking. Deposits are usually non-refundable except where otherwise stated in these Terms and Conditions.
6.2 Payment terms
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, full payment for the Services is due on or before the day of the move, prior to departure from the final Premises. The Company may decline to begin or continue work if payment has not been made in accordance with agreed terms.
6.3 Methods of payment
Accepted payment methods will be confirmed by the Company at the time of booking. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that any payments made are cleared and available to the Company by the required date.
6.4 Additional charges
Additional charges may be applied where work is undertaken beyond the scope originally quoted, including but not limited to extra labour, waiting time, additional trips, storage, additional packing materials, or handling of unforeseen items. Any such charges will be calculated on a fair and reasonable basis and communicated to the Customer.
7. Cancellations and Postponements
7.1 Cancellation by the Customer
If the Customer wishes to cancel the Services, notice must be provided to the Company as soon as reasonably possible. The following cancellation charges may apply based on the time between receipt of the notice and the scheduled service date:
More than 7 days before the scheduled date: deposit may be retained, but no further charges will normally apply.
Between 48 hours and 7 days before the scheduled date: up to 50 percent of the total quoted price may be charged.
Less than 48 hours before the scheduled date, or on the day: up to 100 percent of the total quoted price may be charged.
The Company may, at its discretion, reduce or waive cancellation charges in individual circumstances, but is under no obligation to do so.
7.2 Postponement by the Customer
Where the Customer requests a change of date, this will be treated as a postponement. The Company will attempt to accommodate the new date but cannot guarantee availability. Postponements may be treated as cancellations followed by a new booking, and the above cancellation charges may apply.
7.3 Cancellation by the Company
The Company may cancel the Contract or suspend the Services by written or verbal notice if the Customer defaults on payment, fails to provide suitable access or conditions, requests services which are unsafe or unlawful, or otherwise materially breaches these Terms and Conditions. In such cases, the Customer may be liable for reasonable costs incurred by the Company.
8. Liability and Limitations
8.1 General duty of care
The Company will carry out the Services with reasonable care and skill that may be expected of a professional removal provider. However, the Companys liability is subject to the limitations and exclusions set out in this section.
8.2 Exclusions of liability
The Company will not be liable for:
Loss or damage arising from inaccurate information or instructions provided by the Customer.
Loss or damage to Goods packed by the Customer or by a third party not acting under the direction of the Company.
Normal wear and tear, or pre-existing damage, defects, or weakness of Goods.
Loss of data, software, or digital content from computers or electronic devices.
Consequential or indirect losses, including loss of profit, loss of use, or loss of opportunity.
The Company is also not liable for delays or failure to perform the Services due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to adverse weather, traffic conditions, accidents, breakdowns, strikes, or public authority restrictions.
8.3 Special items and fragile goods
The Customer must notify the Company in advance of any extremely valuable, delicate, or unusual items, including but not limited to antiques, artwork, glass items, and high-value electronics. The Company reserves the right to require special packing, additional charges, or separate written terms for such items.
8.4 Liability cap
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Companys total liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract, or otherwise, is limited to a reasonable amount having regard to the value of the Goods and the price of the Services. The Customer may request an increased level of liability cover for an additional charge, subject to the Companys agreement.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability which cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.
9. Insurance
The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover in connection with the provision of removal services. This may include public liability and cover for Goods in transit, subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the relevant policy or policies. Details of the level of cover available on standard terms may be provided to the Customer on request.
The Customer is advised to maintain their own insurance for Goods, especially for high value or delicate items, and to ensure that any existing household or business insurance policies cover the process of moving and transport.
10. Customer Conduct and Cooperation
The Customer must cooperate with the Company and its staff to enable the efficient and safe performance of the Services. This includes providing necessary instructions, being available or appointing a representative at the Premises during key stages of the work, and ensuring that the Premises are safe and compliant with relevant health and safety standards.
The Company reserves the right to withdraw its staff from any Premises where they reasonably consider there to be a risk to health, safety, or wellbeing arising from the condition of the Premises, the behaviour of persons present, or other factors beyond the Companys control. In such circumstances, the Customer may be liable for reasonable charges incurred up to that point.
11. Items the Company Will Not Move
The Company will not transport any items which are illegal, hazardous, explosive, corrosive, or otherwise unsuitable for carriage. This may include, without limitation, firearms, ammunition, illegal drugs or substances, flammable liquids, gas cylinders, chemicals, and perishable food items likely to spoil or cause damage.
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that none of the Goods contain prohibited items. The Company may refuse to handle or transport any item it reasonably believes to be unsuitable, and may, where lawful and appropriate, notify the relevant authorities.
12. Waste, Disposal, and Environmental Regulations
Where the Services include removal or disposal of unwanted items, the Company will take reasonable steps to comply with applicable waste management and environmental regulations. The Company will dispose of waste only at authorised facilities and may charge the Customer for disposal fees, labour, and transport in connection with such services.
The Customer must not request or require the Company to dispose of items unlawfully, by fly tipping, burning, or any method contrary to applicable regulations. Any fines, penalties, or costs arising from inaccurate descriptions of waste, undisclosed hazardous materials, or instructions from the Customer that would contravene relevant regulations may be charged to the Customer.
13. Complaints and Claims
If the Customer wishes to make a complaint or raise a claim in relation to the Services, they should notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible. Visible loss or damage to Goods should be reported on the day of the move or, where this is not practical, within a reasonable period thereafter.
The Customer should provide details of the nature of the issue, the Goods affected, and supporting information such as photographs, receipts, or valuations where relevant. The Company will investigate the matter and may request access to inspect the Goods. Any offer of compensation will take into account the age, condition, and value of the Goods, and the limitations of liability set out in these Terms and Conditions.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company may collect and process personal data about the Customer for the purposes of providing the Services, administering bookings, and managing accounts. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and will not be sold to third parties. The Company may share personal data with trusted third parties where necessary to perform the Services or comply with legal obligations.
15. Variations to Terms
The Company reserves the right to update or vary these Terms and Conditions from time to time. Any changes will not affect Contracts already in place unless the Customer is given reasonable notice and agrees to the changes, or the changes are required by law or regulation. If there is any conflict between these Terms and Conditions and any specific written agreement between the Company and the Customer, the specific agreement will prevail to the extent of the conflict.
16. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, that provision will be removed or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions, and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with them, are governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. The parties agree that the courts of England and Wales will have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with the Services or these Terms and Conditions.
By confirming a booking with Removals Barnes, the Customer acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
