Southkensington Man And Van Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions apply to all services supplied by Southkensington Man And Van, including domestic removals, small deliveries, furniture transport, and related labour-only assistance. By making a booking, the customer agrees to be bound by the provisions set out below. For the avoidance of doubt, references to "we", "us", and "our" mean Southkensington Man And Van, and references to "you" or "the customer" mean the person, business, or organisation requesting the service.
These terms are intended to create a clear and fair framework for the provision of a man and van service. They are designed to protect both parties and to set expectations in relation to booking, payments, cancellations, liability, waste handling, and legal responsibility. If any part of these terms is unclear, the customer should ensure they understand the position before confirming a booking. A confirmed reservation indicates acceptance of the whole agreement, including any quotation-specific conditions communicated at the time of booking.
We aim to provide a professional removals and transport service with reasonable care and skill. However, because every job is different, the final service may depend on access, parking, loading conditions, item sizes, weather, and customer instructions. These terms apply in conjunction with any written or verbal quotation, provided that where a quotation and these terms conflict, the specific quotation terms shall prevail only to the extent of that inconsistency.
The booking process begins when the customer submits accurate information about the items to be moved, collection and delivery addresses, access arrangements, preferred dates and times, and any special requirements. Quotes are based on the details supplied at the time of enquiry. If the actual job differs from the description provided, we reserve the right to amend the price, adjust the vehicle size, alter the crew allocation, or refuse to proceed if the task is unsafe, unlawful, or materially different from what was agreed.
A booking is only confirmed once we have accepted the job and provided a confirmation by message, email, or other recorded means. Until confirmation is issued, no slot is guaranteed. The customer is responsible for checking all details of the booking confirmation, including date, time, addresses, access notes, and inventory. Any errors must be reported promptly. We are not liable for costs arising from incorrect information supplied by the customer.
If the customer requests changes after a booking is confirmed, we will use reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee availability. Changes may affect the price or timing of the service. Where a move requires lifting restrictions, narrow access planning, stair carrying, parking suspension, or timing restrictions, the customer must disclose these in advance. Failure to do so may result in delays, additional charges, or cancellation of the service at our discretion.
Payments are due in accordance with the quotation or invoice issued for the job. Unless otherwise agreed, full payment must be made on completion of the service and before unloading is finalised or goods are released. We may require a deposit, part payment, or advance card payment for certain bookings, including larger jobs, repeat amendments, peak-time slots, or where materials, tolls, or parking charges are likely to be incurred. Accepted payment methods will be communicated at booking.
All prices are quoted in good faith based on the information supplied by the customer. If the scope of work changes, or if additional labour, waiting time, extra mileage, congestion-related delays, parking charges, dismantling, reassembly, or disposal costs arise, we may issue an additional charge. Prices are normally quoted exclusive of any third-party charges unless stated otherwise. The customer remains responsible for reasonable costs caused by inaccurate information, inaccessible premises, or additional work requested during the job.
Where payment is not made when due, we may charge interest on overdue sums in accordance with applicable UK law, and may also recover reasonable costs of collection. We reserve the right to retain goods, suspend further work, or decline future services until outstanding balances are cleared, subject always to any mandatory legal restrictions. Any dispute about an invoice must be raised promptly and in writing, and payment of the undisputed portion should still be made by the due date.
Cancellations must be made as early as possible. Because a booking reserves time, vehicle capacity, and labour, cancellation charges may apply. If the customer cancels close to the scheduled time, we may be unable to reallocate the slot, and a proportion of the fee may be charged. Any deposit paid may be non-refundable where stated in the quotation or where the cancellation causes a loss that cannot reasonably be recovered.
If we need to cancel or reschedule due to vehicle failure, staff shortage, unsafe conditions, legal restrictions, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control, we will seek to give notice as soon as possible and may offer a new date or refund any prepayment for the affected booking. Our liability for cancellation will be limited to the return of sums paid for the cancelled portion of the service, except where law requires otherwise.
If the customer is not ready at the agreed time, or if access is unavailable, we may treat the job as a late cancellation or failed attendance and charge accordingly. This includes situations where keys are unavailable, loading bays cannot be used, lifts are out of order, or the customer has not ensured that the premises are prepared for collection or delivery. Waiting time may be charged at the hourly rate or any rate stated in the quotation.
We will exercise reasonable care and skill in handling goods, but our liability is limited to loss or damage caused by our negligence or breach of contract, subject to the exclusions in these terms. We are not responsible for damage arising from pre-existing defects, wear and tear, concealed weakness, inadequate packaging, unstable stacking, or customer instructions contrary to our advice. Fragile items, electronics, glass, artwork, mirrors, antiques, and sentimental items should be disclosed before the job begins and packed appropriately.
Where goods are moved, lifted, dismantled, or reassembled at the customer’s request, the customer accepts that some risk is inherent in the work. We are not liable for loss caused by items not being secured, doors or lids opening during transport, or contents shifting where the customer failed to package them suitably. The customer is responsible for any prohibited or dangerous items included in the load without prior agreement, and must not ask us to carry anything unlawful, hazardous, or unsafe.
Our total liability for any single claim, except for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded, shall be limited to the amount paid for the particular service giving rise to the claim. We will not be liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profit, loss of opportunity, business interruption, or emotional distress. Any claim must be notified within a reasonable time and, where relevant, before the goods are moved away from the delivery location.
Customers must ensure that items are properly described, packed, and labelled. They should also remove cash, jewellery, documents, confidential papers, keys, medicines, and other valuables unless expressly agreed otherwise. We do not accept responsibility for items of exceptional value unless this has been agreed in advance in writing and any additional conditions have been arranged. The customer should also check that insurance arrangements, where needed, are in place for items of high value or special significance.
Where the service includes loading or unloading from a property, the customer warrants that access has been lawfully obtained and that no third-party rights will be infringed. The customer must ensure that parking, permits, or any site permissions required for the job are arranged unless we have expressly agreed to obtain them. Any fines, penalties, or extra fees caused by lack of preparation, incorrect permissions, or unlawful parking instructions remain the customer’s responsibility.
For services involving waste removal, the customer must comply with UK waste regulations and ensure that only lawful materials are presented for collection. We are not a substitute for regulated waste transfer or hazardous waste disposal services unless this has been expressly agreed and lawfully arranged. The customer must not include asbestos, clinical waste, chemicals, gas bottles, paint, tyres, batteries, fridges, freezers, or other controlled materials unless we have confirmed that we can lawfully handle them. If prohibited waste is discovered, we may refuse collection or charge for segregation, return, or disposal costs.
Where waste is accepted, the customer must provide accurate information about the type, quantity, and origin of the waste. We may require evidence that the waste is domestic or otherwise lawful to transport and dispose of. If the customer is a business, they may need to provide duty-of-care information or relevant documentation. We may, at our discretion, decline any load that appears contaminated, unsafe, misdescribed, or likely to breach environmental legislation or licensing conditions.
Any waste collected by us will be handled in accordance with applicable UK law, including duty-of-care requirements and lawful transfer to an appropriate facility or authorised recipient where required. The customer agrees that waste may be separated, weighed, sorted, or assessed as necessary for compliance. If the customer requests removal of items that are suitable for reuse, recycling, or disposal, they authorise us to determine the lawful method of handling within the scope of the service agreed.
These terms do not create a guarantee that every item can be moved, disposed of, or accepted. We reserve the right to refuse any item, any instruction, or any condition that would compromise safety, legality, or service standards. This may include situations involving excessive weight, unstable loads, pests, contamination, odour, or items that cannot be transported without equipment not included in the booking. Additional charges may apply if special handling becomes necessary.
All customers must act reasonably and cooperatively during the service. Abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or unsafe behaviour may result in immediate termination of the job, with full payment remaining due for work already performed and any costs incurred. We may also refuse service where we believe there is a risk to personnel, property, or lawful operation. Any obstruction that prevents safe completion of the job may be treated as a customer breach.
We are not responsible for delays caused by traffic, weather, road closures, loading restrictions, ferry or toll delays, access problems, or events beyond our control. While we will endeavour to arrive within the agreed time window, times are estimates unless expressly stated as fixed. If punctuality is critical, the customer should tell us in advance so that we can discuss the practical limitations and any available options. Time lost through customer delay may be chargeable.
These terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales. Any dispute arising in connection with the service or these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales, unless mandatory consumer law provides otherwise. If any part of these terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect. No waiver by us shall be treated as a continuing waiver.