Terms and Conditions

Man With a Van Barking Terms and Conditions

These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Man With a Van Barking provides transport, removal and related services to customers. By making a booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming any booking.

1. Definitions

In these Terms and Conditions, the following definitions apply:

1.1 "Company" means Man With a Van Barking, providing man and van, removals and associated services.

1.2 "Customer" or "you" means the person, firm or organisation requesting or receiving the services.

1.3 "Services" means any transport, moving, loading, unloading, packing, furniture assembly, delivery, or related services supplied by the Company.

1.4 "Goods" means all items, property and belongings which are the subject of the Services.

1.5 "Order" or "Booking" means a confirmed request by the Customer for the Company to provide Services, whether made by phone, in writing or online.

1.6 "Service Area" means the locations in which the Company offers its man and van and removal services, typically starting or ending in the Barking and wider East London region, and extending to other parts of the UK as agreed.

2. Scope of Services

2.1 The Company provides a man and van style removal and transport service for household, office and light commercial items. This may include local moves, longer distance relocations, single item deliveries, student moves and similar services.

2.2 The exact scope of work, including collection and delivery addresses, number of staff, size of vehicle, and any additional tasks such as packing or furniture dismantling, will be agreed with the Customer at the time of booking.

2.3 The Company reserves the right to refuse to transport any item that, in its reasonable opinion, is unsafe, illegal, excessively heavy, unhygienic, inadequately packed, or otherwise unsuitable for carriage.

2.4 The Company does not undertake specialist removals of high-value or highly fragile items such as fine art, antiques, or specialist equipment unless explicitly agreed in writing in advance and may require additional charges and conditions.

3. Booking Process

3.1 Bookings may be made by phone or through any booking channel offered by the Company. All bookings are subject to availability and acceptance by the Company.

3.2 The Customer must provide accurate and complete information, including:

a) Full collection and delivery addresses and access details.

b) Dates and approximate times required.

c) A clear and honest description of the Goods, including quantity, size, approximate weight, and any particularly large, heavy or fragile items.

d) Details of any parking restrictions, stairs, lifts, narrow access routes, low bridges, or other access issues at either address.

3.3 The Company will provide a quote based on the information supplied. Quotes are usually given on either a fixed-price basis or an hourly rate, as agreed. Any quote is an estimate only and may be revised if the information provided by the Customer is incomplete, inaccurate, or changes prior to the move.

3.4 A booking is not confirmed until the Customer has explicitly accepted the quote and the Company has acknowledged the booking. The Company may require a deposit or advance payment to secure the booking.

4. Customer Responsibilities

4.1 The Customer must ensure that all Goods are properly packed, secured and ready for transport, unless the Company has explicitly agreed to provide packing services.

4.2 The Customer is responsible for:

a) Arranging suitable parking at both collection and delivery locations and covering any associated parking fees or permits.

b) Ensuring that all Goods can be safely moved from and into the property, including measuring doorways, staircases and lifts.

c) Being present, or arranging for an authorised representative to be present, at both collection and delivery to oversee the move and sign any relevant documents.

d) Pointing out any fragile or valuable items and providing clear instructions where special care is required.

4.3 The Customer must not ask the Company’s staff to carry out any work that does not form part of the agreed Services, is unsafe, or is not covered by the Company’s insurance, including disconnection of gas appliances or work on electrical, plumbing or structural elements.

5. Payments and Charges

5.1 Charges will be calculated based on the agreed pricing structure, which may include hourly rates, fixed prices, mileage charges, additional labour, congestion or toll charges, and any other agreed fees.

5.2 The Company may require a deposit at the time of booking. The balance of any charges is payable on completion of the Services unless otherwise agreed in writing.

5.3 Payment methods accepted will be advised by the Company at the time of booking. The Customer must ensure that full payment is available at the agreed time.

5.4 If the move takes longer than the time estimated due to reasons beyond the Company’s control, such as additional Goods, delays in access, waiting for keys, or inaccurate information provided by the Customer, additional time and charges will apply at the agreed rate.

5.5 All charges are stated exclusive of any applicable taxes unless otherwise specified. The Customer is liable for all applicable taxes in relation to the Services.

5.6 If payment is not made when due, the Company reserves the right to charge interest on overdue amounts and to withhold release of Goods until full payment has been received.

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 Company may apply cancellation charges based on the notice given:

a) More than 7 days before the booked date: deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Company’s discretion, minus any reasonable administrative costs.

b) Between 48 hours and 7 days before the booked date: the Company may retain part or all of the deposit, and additional charges may apply if costs have already been incurred.

c) Less than 48 hours before the booked date or on the day of the move: full quoted charges may become payable.

6.3 If the Customer reduces the scope of the move at short notice, the Company reserves the right to charge based on the original booking if the changes prevent the Company from reasonably reallocating resources.

6.4 The Company may cancel or postpone a booking due to events beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, road closures, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, or other circumstances that make it impossible or unsafe to carry out the Services. In such cases, the Company will seek to rearrange the Services at a mutually convenient time and will not be liable for indirect losses arising from any postponement.

7. Access, Parking and Delays

7.1 The Customer must ensure reasonable access to the property and suitable parking for the Company’s vehicle close to the entrance of the premises.

7.2 Any parking charges, fines or penalties incurred due to inadequate parking arrangements or incorrect information provided by the Customer will be added to the Customer’s bill.

7.3 The Company is not liable for delays beyond its control, including traffic conditions, roadworks, accidents, parking difficulties, or delays caused by third parties. Time estimates are not guaranteed.

7.4 If the Company is kept waiting or is unable to commence work at the arranged time due to the Customer or third parties, waiting time may be charged at the agreed hourly rate.

8. Liability for Loss or Damage

8.1 The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in handling and transporting the Goods. However, the Company’s liability for loss of or damage to Goods is subject to the limitations set out in this section.

8.2 The Customer must inspect the Goods at delivery. Any visible loss or damage must be reported to the driver and noted at the time of completion. Claims for loss or damage must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably possible and in any event within 7 days of the Services being completed.

8.3 The Company’s liability for loss or damage to Goods, where established, shall not exceed their current market value, taking into account wear and tear and depreciation, and may be subject to an overall monetary limit per job as advised by the Company.

8.4 The Company shall not be liable for:

a) Loss or damage arising from inadequate or improper packing by the Customer.

b) Damage to items that are inherently fragile or unstable, including but not limited to glass, flat-pack furniture not disassembled, and items assembled by the Customer.

c) Damage to the internal workings of electrical or mechanical items unless there is clear evidence of external impact caused by the Company.

d) Loss of data, software or digital content.

e) Indirect or consequential loss, including loss of income, profit, opportunity or enjoyment.

8.5 The Company’s liability will be reduced or excluded where loss or damage results from the Customer’s breach of these Terms and Conditions, or where the Customer has contributed to the loss.

8.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall limit or exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by the Company’s negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under applicable law.

9. Excluded and Dangerous Goods

9.1 The Company will not carry explosive, dangerous, hazardous or illegal items, including but not limited to gas cylinders, firearms, ammunition, chemicals, flammable liquids, or any items prohibited by law.

9.2 The Customer must not include perishable, live, or combustible items in the Goods without prior written consent. The Company accepts no liability for loss or damage to such items where consent has not been obtained.

9.3 If the Company discovers prohibited items among the Goods, it may remove or refuse to transport them, and may notify the relevant authorities where required by law. The Customer shall be liable for any costs or losses incurred as a result.

10. Waste and Disposal Regulations

10.1 The Company operates in accordance with relevant UK waste and environmental regulations. The Company is not a general waste disposal contractor and will not remove household refuse, rubble, or other controlled waste unless specifically agreed as a separate service.

10.2 Where the Customer requests removal and disposal of unwanted items, these services must be agreed in advance. The Company will only transport waste to authorised facilities and may charge additional fees for disposal and handling.

10.3 The Customer confirms that any items presented for disposal belong to them or that they have the legal right to dispose of them. The Customer will indemnify the Company against any claim arising from unlawful disposal of items at the Customer’s request.

10.4 The Customer must not ask the Company to dispose of hazardous or regulated waste, including chemicals, oils, asbestos, medical waste or similar materials. Such items must be handled by appropriately licensed contractors.

11. Insurance

11.1 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover for its operations, including public liability and, where applicable, goods in transit insurance up to specified limits.

11.2 The Customer is advised to check whether their own home or contents insurance covers goods during removal and transit, and to obtain additional cover if necessary, particularly for high-value items.

12. Complaints

12.1 If the Customer is dissatisfied with any aspect of the Services, they should raise the issue with the Company as soon as possible so that it can be investigated and, where appropriate, remedied.

12.2 Complaints relating to loss or damage must be accompanied by evidence, such as photographs, receipts or other documentation, to support the claim.

13. Privacy and Data

13.1 The Company will collect and use personal data provided by the Customer for the purposes of administering bookings, providing Services, processing payments and meeting legal obligations.

13.2 Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable UK data protection laws. The Company will not sell or disclose personal details to third parties except where necessary to provide the Services or where required by law.

14. Force Majeure

14.1 The Company shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations where such failure or delay results from events or circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, natural disasters, accidents, strikes, lockouts, acts of terrorism, or government restrictions.

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 their subject matter, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

15.2 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 provided.

16. General Provisions

16.1 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.

16.2 No waiver by the Company of any breach of these Terms and Conditions shall be considered a waiver of any subsequent breach.

16.3 The Customer may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions without the prior written consent of the Company.

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

By confirming a booking with Man With a Van Barking or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.