Terms and Conditions
St John's Wood Removals Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which St John's Wood Removals provides removal and associated services within the United Kingdom. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming your booking.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions shall have the meanings set out below:
1.1 "Company" means St John's Wood Removals, the provider of the removal and associated services.
1.2 "Client" means the person, firm, or company booking the services of the Company.
1.3 "Services" means any removal, packing, unpacking, storage, delivery, waste removal, or related services provided by the Company.
1.4 "Goods" means the items and effects that are to be moved, handled, packed, stored, or otherwise managed by the Company under the contract.
1.5 "Contract" means the agreement between the Company and the Client for the supply of Services in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation or confirmation issued by the Company.
1.6 "Service Area" means the primary locations in which the Company operates, including but not limited to St John's Wood and surrounding London areas, as well as UK-wide destinations agreed in advance.
2. Basis of Contract
2.1 The Contract is formed when the Client accepts the Company's quotation or booking proposal, whether verbally or in writing, and the Company confirms the booking.
2.2 Any quotation provided by the Company is based on the information supplied by the Client and is subject to revision if that information is inaccurate, incomplete, or changes before the date of the move.
2.3 The Client acknowledges that these Terms and Conditions apply to all Services provided by the Company and that any other terms proposed by the Client shall be of no effect unless expressly agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.
3. Booking Process
3.1 The Client may request a quotation by providing details of the property addresses, access arrangements, inventory or approximate volume of Goods, preferred dates, and any special requirements such as packing, dismantling, or storage.
3.2 Quotations are generally provided as estimates based on the information available at the time. Site visits or virtual surveys may be arranged where appropriate, especially for larger properties or complex moves.
3.3 The Client is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied during the quotation and booking process is accurate and complete. The Company reserves the right to adjust the quotation or final charges if additional Goods, services, or access issues arise that were not disclosed at the time of booking.
3.4 A booking is only confirmed once the Client has accepted the quotation and the Company has issued confirmation of the booking. The Company may require a deposit to secure the booking, particularly for busy periods or larger removals.
3.5 The Company reserves the right to decline or cancel a booking at any time where it reasonably believes that the job cannot be carried out safely, lawfully, or in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. In such cases, any deposit paid will normally be refunded, unless the cancellation is due to breach of these Terms by the Client.
4. Services and Service Area
4.1 The Company provides local, regional, and national removals and associated services originating from, or destined for, addresses within its Service Area, including St John's Wood and other London neighbourhoods, as well as UK-wide destinations by prior agreement.
4.2 The scope of Services will be clearly set out in the quotation or booking confirmation and may include loading, transport, unloading, packing, supply of packing materials, dismantling and reassembly of furniture, and, where agreed, short-term or long-term storage.
4.3 The Company will use reasonable skill and care in providing the Services but does not guarantee that work will be completed within a specific time frame, particularly where circumstances beyond its control arise, such as traffic conditions, road closures, parking restrictions, weather, or delays caused by third parties.
4.4 The Client is responsible for ensuring that suitable parking and access are available at both collection and delivery addresses. Any parking charges, permits, or penalty charges incurred due to insufficient arrangements or restrictions may be charged to the Client.
5. Client Responsibilities
5.1 The Client must ensure that:
(a) All Goods are properly packed and ready for transport unless packing services have been booked;
(b) All fragile or valuable items are clearly identified and, where appropriate, adequately protected;
(c) All Goods for removal are owned by the Client or that the Client has full authority to move them;
(d) Access is safe, lawful, and suitable for the removal team and vehicle, including disclosure of any restrictions such as low bridges, narrow roads, or internal access issues such as steep stairs;
(e) Any items that are prohibited or require special handling under law or regulation are disclosed to the Company in advance.
5.2 The Client must be present, or represented by an authorised person, at collection and delivery points to direct the placement of Goods and to sign relevant documentation.
5.3 The Client remains responsible for securing valuables, important documents, and personal items. The Company strongly recommends that such items are carried by the Client personally and are not included with the Goods for removal.
6. Payments and Charges
6.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment terms are as follows:
(a) A deposit may be required at the time of booking to secure the date and Services;
(b) The balance is payable on or before the day of the removal, prior to completion of unloading, or in accordance with any invoice terms stated by the Company.
6.2 The Company reserves the right to refuse to commence or continue with any Services where payment has not been made in accordance with the agreed terms.
6.3 Prices are quoted based on labour, vehicle size, journey distance, estimated time, and any additional services such as packing, materials, and storage. Where the actual work differs significantly from the initial quotation due to additional items, poor access, delays not caused by the Company, or changes in specification, the Company may make reasonable additional charges.
6.4 All charges are stated inclusive or exclusive of VAT as indicated on the quotation or invoice. The Client is responsible for any applicable taxes or duties.
7. Cancellations and Postponements
7.1 The Client may cancel or postpone a booking by giving written or verbal notice to the Company. The following charges may apply based on the notice period given before the scheduled move date:
(a) More than 10 working days: No cancellation fee, and any deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Company's discretion;
(b) Between 5 and 10 working days: Up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged;
(c) Less than 5 working days: Up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
7.2 Where the Client requests a change of date or postponement, the Company will use reasonable efforts to accommodate the new date within its schedule. However, this cannot be guaranteed. Any postponement may be treated as a cancellation and rebooking, and charges may apply.
7.3 If the Company has to cancel or postpone the Services due to circumstances within its control, it will offer an alternative date or refund any sums paid. The Company shall not be liable for losses arising from cancellation or rescheduling where this is due to events beyond its reasonable control.
8. Excluded Items and Restrictions
8.1 The Company will not carry, pack, or store the following items unless expressly agreed in writing:
(a) Explosives, firearms, weapons, or ammunition;
(b) Flammable, corrosive, or hazardous substances, including gas cylinders, paints, solvents, and chemicals;
(c) Perishable goods or items requiring controlled temperatures;
(d) Illegal goods or items in breach of any applicable law or regulation;
(e) Cash, jewellery, watches, precious metals, or other high-value items beyond the Company's normal insurance limits;
(f) Important documents such as passports, financial papers, deeds, or medical records, which the Client is advised to transport personally.
8.2 The Company reserves the right to refuse to handle any item that it reasonably believes to be unsafe, unlawful, or outside the scope of the agreed Services.
9. Liability and Insurance
9.1 The Company will take reasonable care in handling, loading, transporting, and unloading the Goods. However, liability is subject to the limitations and exclusions set out in this clause.
9.2 The Company's liability for loss of or damage to Goods arising from its negligence or breach of contract shall be limited to a reasonable amount per item or per consignment, as stated in any quotation or policy summary provided to the Client.
9.3 The Company shall not be liable for:
(a) Loss or damage arising from inherent defects or weaknesses in the Goods, including but not limited to faulty construction, poor condition, or pre-existing damage;
(b) Cosmetic damage such as scratches or scuffs to items that are not adequately protected or packed by the Client;
(c) Loss or damage caused by atmospheric or climatic conditions, including damp, mould, or temperature changes, particularly in storage;
(d) Loss of profits, loss of opportunity, or any indirect or consequential loss;
(e) Delays or failure to perform arising from events beyond the Company's reasonable control, including traffic, road closures, severe weather, or actions of third parties.
9.4 The Client is encouraged to arrange additional insurance cover for Goods where their value exceeds the Company's standard liability limits. The Company may, upon request, provide details of any insurance arrangements in place for its operations.
9.5 Any claim for loss of or damage to Goods must be notified to the Company in writing as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within seven days of the completion of the Services. The Client must allow the Company reasonable opportunity to inspect the alleged damage.
10. Waste, Disposal, and Environmental Compliance
10.1 Where the Company agrees to remove unwanted items or waste as part of the Services, it will do so in accordance with applicable waste management and environmental regulations.
10.2 The Client must accurately describe any items intended for disposal or recycling. The Company reserves the right to refuse hazardous, prohibited, or unsuitable waste.
10.3 Disposal charges may be applied in addition to standard removal charges, particularly where items require specialist handling, recycling, or transfer to authorised waste facilities.
10.4 The Client remains responsible for any penalties, fines, or additional costs arising from misdescription of waste, inclusion of prohibited items, or failure to comply with relevant regulations.
11. Delays, Waiting Time, and Access Issues
11.1 The Client should ensure that keys, access arrangements, and necessary permissions are in place for both the collection and delivery addresses at the agreed times.
11.2 Where the removal team is delayed due to issues beyond the Company's control, including late key release, incomplete packing, or restricted access, the Company may charge a reasonable fee for waiting time or additional labour.
11.3 If access is significantly more difficult than described at the time of quotation, or if additional labour, equipment, or time is required, the Company may make additional charges and will discuss these with the Client wherever possible.
12. Storage Services
12.1 Where storage is provided or arranged, the terms of storage, including charges, access arrangements, and notice periods, will be confirmed to the Client.
12.2 The Client must not store any prohibited or dangerous items as listed in these Terms or any additional storage-specific conditions. The Company reserves the right to inspect or remove any goods suspected of breaching these conditions.
12.3 Storage charges must be kept up to date. The Company may exercise a lien over stored Goods and, after giving reasonable notice, may dispose of or sell Goods to recover unpaid charges in accordance with applicable law.
13. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
13.1 If the Client has any concerns or complaints about the Services, they should raise them with the Company as soon as reasonably possible so that the matter can be investigated and, where appropriate, remedied.
13.2 The Company will endeavour to respond to complaints promptly and to work with the Client in good faith to resolve any issues.
14. Data Protection and Privacy
14.1 The Company will collect and process personal data such as names, addresses, and contact details for the purposes of providing quotations, managing bookings, and delivering the Services.
14.2 Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation in the United Kingdom. The Company will not sell personal data to third parties and will only share information where necessary for the performance of the Services or where required by law.
15. Variation of Terms
15.1 The Company may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to that Contract.
15.2 Any variation to these Terms requested by the Client will only be binding if agreed in writing by an authorised representative of the Company.
16. Severability
16.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court or competent authority, that provision shall be deemed deleted, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
17.1 These Terms and Conditions, and any Contract between the Company and the Client, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
17.2 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 their subject matter.
By proceeding with a booking or using the Services of St John's Wood Removals, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
