Scotland Removals Service Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions set out the basis on which Scotland Removals provides removal and associated services to domestic and commercial customers. By making a booking or allowing work to commence, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before confirming any service.
1. Definitions
In these Terms and Conditions, the following expressions have the meanings set out below:
Company means Scotland Removals, the provider of removal and related services.
Customer means the person, firm or organisation requesting and paying for the services.
Services means any removal, packing, loading, unloading, storage, or related services provided by the Company.
Goods means the items and possessions that are the subject of the Services.
Service Area means the locations in which the Company agrees to operate, typically within Scotland and, by separate agreement, to or from other parts of the United Kingdom.
Contract means the agreement between the Company and the Customer for the provision of Services, incorporating these Terms and Conditions and any written quotation issued by the Company.
2. Quotations and Service Scope
All quotations issued by the Company are based on the information provided by the Customer at the time of enquiry. Quotations are normally provided free of charge and may be given in writing or electronically.
Quotations are valid for a limited period from the date of issue, as specified on the quotation, and may be subject to change if:
There is a change in the collection or delivery address.
Access conditions differ from those described by the Customer, including but not limited to stairs, lifts, parking restrictions, or distance from the vehicle to the property.
The volume or nature of the Goods differs from what was originally declared.
Additional services are requested, such as packing, dismantling, assembly or additional journeys.
Delays occur outside the Companys control, including but not limited to weather, traffic, waiting for keys, or access issues.
Unless expressly stated in the quotation, the Services do not include dismantling or reassembling furniture or equipment, disconnecting appliances, removal of fixtures, packing or unpacking, or the removal of items not suitable for standard household removals.
3. Booking Process
A booking is only confirmed when the Customer has accepted the quotation and any applicable deposit has been received by the Company. Acceptance may be given in writing or electronically, as agreed between the parties.
The Customer is responsible for ensuring that all details provided when making a booking are accurate and complete. This includes addresses, dates, times, contact information, and details of the Goods and access conditions.
The Company reserves the right to refuse or cancel any booking where the information provided is incomplete, inaccurate, or where it reasonably believes that the Services cannot be carried out safely or lawfully.
The Customer must inform the Company promptly of any changes to the booking, including changes to the service date, property access arrangements, or the nature or quantity of Goods.
4. Customer Obligations
The Customer agrees to:
Ensure that adequate and lawful parking is available for the Companys vehicles at both collection and delivery locations, and obtain any necessary permits or permissions in advance.
Arrange suitable access to the premises, including lifts or stairways, and ensure that the Companys staff can carry out the Services without unnecessary obstruction.
Properly prepare, pack, and secure the Goods unless packing services have been specifically included in the quotation.
Ensure that all Goods to be transported are appropriately labelled where necessary and that any items not to be moved are clearly identified.
Be present, or ensure that an authorised representative is present, at the collection and delivery addresses to provide access and sign relevant documentation.
Comply with all applicable legal and safety requirements relevant to the premises and Goods.
5. Payments and Charges
Prices are based on the Services agreed in the quotation. Any additional work or waiting time may incur extra charges at the Companys standard rates.
Unless otherwise specified in the quotation, payment terms are as follows:
A deposit may be required at the time of booking to secure the service date.
The balance of the agreed price is normally due prior to or on the day of the move, as specified by the Company.
Payment must be made by a method accepted by the Company. The Company may refuse to commence or continue the Services where payment has not been received in accordance with the agreed terms.
If payment is not made when due, the Company may charge interest on overdue amounts and may withhold Goods until payment is made in full, subject to any applicable legal requirements.
Any additional costs reasonably incurred by the Company as a result of delays, changes to the booking, parking penalties, or access issues caused by the Customer will be payable by the Customer.
6. Cancellations and Postponements
If the Customer wishes to cancel or postpone the Services, the Customer must notify the Company as soon as reasonably possible.
The Company may apply the following cancellation or postponement charges, based on the notice provided:
More than seven days before the service date: no cancellation fee, although any non-refundable costs already incurred by the Company may be charged.
Between two and seven days before the service date: up to 50 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
Less than two days before the service date or on the day of the move: up to 100 percent of the quoted price may be charged.
The Company may waive or reduce fees at its discretion in exceptional circumstances.
The Company reserves the right to cancel or postpone the Services where it is unable to perform them safely or lawfully, including but not limited to severe weather, vehicle breakdown, staff illness, or where the Customer is in breach of these Terms and Conditions. In such cases, the Company will seek to rearrange the Services or refund any prepayments made, but shall not be liable for any consequential loss.
7. Excluded Goods
Unless specifically agreed in writing in advance, the Company will not move, pack, or store the following:
Hazardous, flammable, explosive, or prohibited items, including gas cylinders, fuel, chemicals, paints, and aerosols.
Perishable or refrigerated goods.
Animals, plants, or other living organisms.
Cash, securities, jewellery, watches, valuable artwork, antiques, or other high-value items.
Any items the possession or transportation of which is illegal or requires special licences.
If any such items are included without the Companys knowledge, the Company shall have no liability for any loss, damage, or delay related to those items and may arrange for their removal or disposal at the Customers cost.
8. Customer Declarations and Access
The Customer declares that they are the owner of the Goods or have full authority from the owner to enter into the Contract.
The Customer must ensure that properties are ready for collection and delivery at the agreed times. Where the Company is required to wait due to keys not being available, incomplete packing, or other delays outside its control, additional waiting or reattendance charges may be applied.
If, in the Companys reasonable opinion, access to the property or handling of certain Goods presents a risk of injury or damage, the Company may refuse to move specific items or may require the Customer to sign a disclaimer for any such work. The Company is not obliged to undertake work that it considers unsafe.
9. Company Responsibility and Liability
The Company will exercise reasonable care and skill in providing the Services. The Companys responsibility for loss of or damage to Goods shall be subject to the limitations set out in this section.
The Company shall not be liable for:
Loss or damage arising from wear and tear, inherent defect, or pre-existing damage to the Goods.
Damage to items that are not adequately packed by the Customer where packing services have not been provided by the Company.
Damage to furniture or items that require dismantling or reassembly, unless this service was specifically agreed and carried out by the Company.
Loss or damage resulting from changes in atmospheric conditions, damp, mould, or pests, especially in relation to storage.
Loss or damage where Goods are moved at the Customers own risk, as indicated on the quotation or where a disclaimer has been signed.
Any loss of profit, loss of use, or consequential or indirect loss, whether arising in contract, tort, or otherwise.
Where liability is established, the Companys total liability for loss of or damage to Goods shall, unless otherwise agreed in writing, be limited to a reasonable cost of repair or replacement up to a maximum amount per job, as may be stated in the quotation or any applicable insurance terms.
The Customer is encouraged to arrange suitable insurance cover for high-value or fragile items. The Company may offer transit insurance or signpost the Customer to suitable providers, subject to applicable law and regulation.
10. Time Limits for Claims
Any visible loss of or damage to Goods should be recorded on the delivery documentation and reported to the Company as soon as reasonably practicable.
All claims for loss, damage, or shortage must be notified to the Company in writing within a reasonable period after completion of the Services. Failure to notify within such period may affect the Companys ability to investigate and may limit or extinguish any liability, except where prohibited by law.
11. Waste, Disposal and Environmental Regulations
The Company operates in accordance with applicable waste and environmental regulations. The Customer agrees that:
The Company will only remove waste or unwanted items where this has been agreed as part of the Services and where the nature of the waste is disclosed in advance.
Hazardous or prohibited waste cannot be removed or disposed of by the Company.
Any disposal services may be subject to additional charges, including fees for lawful disposal at licensed facilities.
The Customer will not request or encourage any disposal that would breach environmental or waste management regulations.
Where the Company agrees to remove waste or unwanted items, ownership of those items may transfer to the Company for the purpose of lawful disposal, recycling, or resale, depending on the agreement with the Customer.
12. Delays and Events Beyond Control
The Company will make reasonable efforts to carry out the Services on the dates and times agreed with the Customer. However, the Company shall not be responsible for delays or failure to perform its obligations where such delay or failure is due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to extreme weather, road closures, traffic incidents, accidents, breakdowns, industrial action, or acts of third parties.
Where such events occur, the Company will take reasonable steps to minimise disruption and will, where possible, propose alternative arrangements. The Customer shall not be entitled to cancel the Services without charges solely due to delays arising from such events, unless otherwise agreed by the Company.
13. Storage Services
Where the Company provides storage services, either directly or via a third party, the following additional terms apply:
Goods will be stored at a suitable facility determined by the Company. The location may change during the storage period, provided the same level of care is maintained.
The Customer must not store any excluded or prohibited goods as described in these Terms and Conditions.
Storage fees are payable in advance and may be charged on a weekly or monthly basis. Access to Goods during storage may require prior notice and may be subject to additional handling fees.
If storage fees are not paid when due, the Company may exercise a lien over the Goods and, after giving reasonable notice, may sell or otherwise dispose of the Goods to recover unpaid charges and costs, subject to applicable law.
14. Complaints Procedure
The Company aims to provide a professional and reliable service. If the Customer is dissatisfied, they should contact the Company promptly with full details of the issue.
The Company will acknowledge and investigate complaints within a reasonable period and seek to resolve them amicably. This may include inspection of alleged damage, review of documentation, and discussion with staff involved.
Nothing in this section affects the Customers statutory rights.
15. Data Protection and Privacy
The Company collects and uses personal information necessary to provide the Services, manage bookings, process payments, and communicate with Customers.
The Company will handle personal data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. Personal information will only be shared with third parties where necessary to deliver the Services, comply with legal obligations, or with the Customers consent.
Customers may have rights to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal data, subject to legal and contractual requirements.
16. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
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 Scotland.
The parties agree that the Scottish courts shall have jurisdiction to resolve any disputes arising out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the Services provided, without prejudice to any mandatory rights the Customer may have under consumer protection laws.
17. General Provisions
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
No failure or delay by the Company in exercising any right or remedy shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right or remedy.
The Contract is between the Company and the Customer. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms.
The Company may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time. The version in force at the time of the Customers booking will apply to that Contract, unless changes are required by law or expressly agreed between the parties.