Reading Removals Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Reading Removals provides removal, packing, storage, and associated services. 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 have the meanings set out below:
1.1 Company means Reading Removals, the provider of the removal and associated services.
1.2 Customer means the individual, business, or organisation that books or uses the Companys services.
1.3 Services means any removal, packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, storage, waste removal, or related services provided by the Company.
1.4 Goods means any items, furniture, personal effects, equipment, or other property handled by the Company in the course of providing the Services.
1.5 Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer, comprising these Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or service confirmation issued by the Company and accepted by the Customer.
2. Service Area and Scope of Work
2.1 The Company primarily operates in and around Reading and surrounding areas, while also undertaking moves to and from other locations within the United Kingdom, subject to agreement and availability.
2.2 The exact scope of the Services, including addresses, dates, times, and nature of the work, will be set out in the Companys written quotation or booking confirmation.
2.3 Any changes to the agreed scope of work, including additional items, changes of address, access issues, or altered dates, may affect the price and timing of the Services. The Company reserves the right to revise the quotation and schedule where changes are requested or required.
3. Booking Process
3.1 Enquiries can be made by the Customer via telephone, online form, or other accepted communication channels. The Company may request photographs, videos, or an on-site assessment to understand the volume and nature of the Goods and the property access.
3.2 The Company will usually provide a written quotation based on the information supplied by the Customer. Quotations are given in good faith but are reliant on the accuracy and completeness of the information provided.
3.3 A Contract is formed only when the Customer confirms acceptance of the quotation, and the Company issues a booking confirmation. Verbal quotations or availability indications do not constitute a binding Contract.
3.4 The Company may require a deposit or full payment in advance to secure a booking. If the required payment is not received by the date specified, the Company may treat the booking as cancelled and may allocate the time slot to another Customer.
3.5 The Customer is responsible for checking all details in the booking confirmation, including dates, addresses, and services. Any errors must be reported promptly. The Company is not liable for losses arising from inaccuracies that the Customer failed to correct.
4. Payments and Charges
4.1 Charges for the Services will be set out in the written quotation or booking confirmation. Prices are generally based on the volume of Goods, distance, labour required, and any additional services requested.
4.2 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, payment terms are as follows:
a. A deposit may be required at the time of booking.
b. The balance is payable no later than the day of the move or service, and in any event before completion of unloading or handover of Goods.
4.3 The Company may accept various payment methods, which will be notified to the Customer at the time of booking. Cash payments may be accepted by prior arrangement only.
4.4 If the work on the day takes longer than anticipated due to circumstances beyond the Companys control, including but not limited to restricted access, waiting times, or additional items, the Company reserves the right to charge a reasonable additional fee, usually based on an hourly rate.
4.5 If the Customer fails to make payment in accordance with these terms, the Company may suspend services, withhold delivery of Goods, and charge interest on overdue amounts at the statutory rate until payment is received in full.
5. Cancellations, Postponements and Delays
5.1 If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone the Services, notice must be given in writing where possible. The effective date of cancellation is the date the Company receives the notice.
5.2 The Company may apply the following cancellation charges:
a. More than 7 days before the agreed service date: deposit may be refunded or transferred at the Companys discretion.
b. Between 7 days and 48 hours before the service date: the deposit may be retained, and up to 50 per cent of the total quoted price may be charged.
c. Less than 48 hours before the service date or on the day of the move: up to 100 per cent of the total quoted price may be charged.
5.3 Postponements are treated as cancellations and new bookings unless the Company agrees otherwise. Any additional costs arising from a postponement may be charged to the Customer.
5.4 The Company will not be liable for delay or failure to perform the Services where this is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, road closures, accidents, breakdowns, industrial disputes, or acts of government or public authorities.
5.5 If the Company is unable to perform the Services on the agreed date due to circumstances within its control, the Company will arrange a new date or offer a reasonable partial or full refund, which will be the Customers sole remedy.
6. Customer Responsibilities
6.1 The Customer must ensure that all Goods are ready for transport and that suitable arrangements are made for access to both the collection and delivery addresses, including parking.
6.2 The Customer is responsible for obtaining and paying for any parking permissions, permits, or suspension of parking restrictions that may be required. The Company is not liable for penalties or fines incurred as a result of inadequate or incorrect parking arrangements unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.
6.3 The Customer must ensure that properties are safe and accessible, including clear pathways, adequate lighting, and stability of staircases and floors. The Company may refuse to carry out work that it reasonably believes would put its staff, the Customer, or third parties at risk.
6.4 The Customer must declare any items of high value, fragile goods, or special items requiring particular handling, such as antiques, artwork, pianos, large appliances, or delicate electronics.
6.5 The Customer must not present for removal any prohibited items, including but not limited to: hazardous materials, flammable liquids or gases, explosives, illegal substances, live animals, perishable food, or any items whose possession or transport is unlawful.
7. Packing and Preparation of Goods
7.1 If the Customer has arranged for packing services by the Company, the Company will take reasonable care to pack Goods suitable for normal transport conditions using appropriate materials.
7.2 Where the Customer packs Goods independently, the Company is not liable for damage arising from poor or inadequate packing, unsuitable containers, or overfilled boxes. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that Goods are securely and safely packed.
7.3 The Customer should clearly label boxes and containers to indicate fragile items and room destinations. The Company is not responsible for misplacement where items are not correctly or clearly labelled.
7.4 Items fixed to walls, ceilings, or floors, such as televisions, shelving, and light fittings, must be detached and made ready for transport by the Customer unless the Company has explicitly agreed to undertake such work.
8. Liability and Limitations
8.1 The Company will exercise reasonable skill and care in handling the Customers Goods. However, liability is subject to the limitations set out in this section.
8.2 The Companys liability for loss of or damage to Goods, whether arising from negligence, breach of contract, or otherwise, will be limited to a reasonable market value of the damaged or lost item, subject to an overall cap per job as stated in the Companys quotation or insurance terms.
8.3 The Company will not be liable for:
a. Loss or damage arising from inherent defects, natural deterioration, or pre-existing damage to Goods.
b. Loss of data or records stored on computers, drives, or other electronic media.
c. Indirect or consequential losses, such as loss of profits, loss of business, or loss of opportunity.
d. Damage to Goods packed by the Customer, unless clear evidence shows that such damage was caused solely by the Companys negligence.
e. Normal wear and tear, minor scuffs, or marks reasonably associated with moving large items through confined spaces.
8.4 The Customer should inspect Goods on delivery and report any visible loss or damage to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 48 hours. Failure to do so may affect the ability to investigate and settle any claim.
8.5 Any claim for loss or damage must be submitted in writing, setting out full details and evidence. The Company may request photographs, receipts, or estimates for repair or replacement.
8.6 Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or limits the Companys liability for death or personal injury caused by its negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded under applicable law.
9. Storage Services
9.1 Where the Company provides or arranges storage, separate storage terms may apply in addition to these Terms and Conditions.
9.2 Storage charges are payable in advance at the frequency specified by the Company. If storage fees are not paid when due, the Company may refuse access to stored Goods and, after giving reasonable notice, may exercise a lien over the Goods and take steps to dispose of them to recover unpaid charges.
9.3 The Customer is responsible for insuring Goods in storage unless otherwise agreed in writing. The Company may offer insurance options but is not obliged to do so.
10. Waste and Rubbish Removal Regulations
10.1 The Company operates in accordance with applicable waste management and environmental regulations. Any removal and disposal of waste must comply with relevant legislation.
10.2 The Customer must accurately describe any items to be disposed of and must not include hazardous or prohibited waste. The Company reserves the right to refuse items that cannot lawfully or safely be transported or disposed of.
10.3 Any waste disposal or clearance service will be charged separately from standard removal services, based on the volume, type of waste, and disposal fees. The quotation will specify these charges where applicable.
10.4 Where the Company disposes of waste on behalf of the Customer, it will use authorised facilities and comply with its duties as a carrier and handler of waste, as required by law.
11. Insurance
11.1 The Company maintains appropriate insurance cover for its operations. Details of insurance limits and coverage are available on request.
11.2 The Customer is encouraged to arrange additional insurance for Goods, particularly items of high value, fragile goods, or where the value of the consignment exceeds the Companys standard liability limits.
12. Complaints and Dispute Resolution
12.1 The Company aims to provide a professional and reliable service. If the Customer has any concerns or complaints, these should be raised as soon as possible with the Company so that the matter can be addressed promptly.
12.2 Complaints should be set out in writing, giving full details of the issue. The Company will investigate and respond within a reasonable time frame.
12.3 The Company will seek to resolve disputes amicably. If a dispute cannot be resolved by mutual agreement, either party may pursue legal remedies as provided by the governing law and jurisdiction clause set out below.
13. Data Protection and Privacy
13.1 The Company will collect and process personal data provided by the Customer for the purposes of administering bookings, delivering Services, processing payments, and meeting legal obligations.
13.2 The Company will take reasonable steps to keep personal data secure and will not share it with third parties except where necessary to provide the Services, comply with the law, or where the Customer has given consent.
14. Variation of Terms
14.1 The Company may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking will apply to the Contract between the Company and the Customer.
14.2 Any changes to the Contract requested by the Customer will be effective only if agreed in writing by the Company.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
15.1 These Terms and Conditions and any Contract between the Company and the Customer 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 disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided by the Company.
16. Severability
16.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found by a court or other competent authority to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, such provision shall be severed from the remaining provisions, which shall continue to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
17. Entire Agreement
17.1 These Terms and Conditions, together with any written quotation or booking confirmation, constitute the entire agreement between the Company and the Customer and supersede any prior statements, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter.
17.2 The Customer acknowledges that in entering into the Contract, they have not relied on any statement, promise, or representation that is not expressly set out in these Terms and Conditions or the written quotation.
