Terms & Conditions
Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before booking our Packers, Movers, Transportation, or Labour Unloading services. By engaging with us, you agree to be legally bound by these transparent policies.
📜 1. Introduction & Acceptance of Terms
Welcome to Sona Packers and Movers (hereinafter referred to as "the Company", "We", "Us", or "Our"). These detailed Terms and Conditions govern your use of our website, digital platforms, and the physical relocation, transportation, packing, and labour unloading services we provide.
By requesting a quotation, making a booking, paying an advance, or allowing our personnel into your premises to commence work, you (the "Customer", "Client", or "You") acknowledge that you have read, understood, and unconditionally accepted all the terms mentioned in this comprehensive document.
If you disagree with any part of these terms, you must notify us in writing before any operational activity or financial transaction begins. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time without prior notice, although the terms applicable at the time of your booking will govern your specific move.
📖 2. Definitions & Terminology
To ensure absolute clarity between the Company and the Client, the following terminology is strictly defined:
| Term | Definition / Meaning in this Contract |
|---|---|
| Quotation / Estimate | A preliminary cost assessment provided based on the volume of goods, distance, and requested services. It is subject to change if actual parameters differ. |
| Consignment / Goods | The physical items, furniture, electronics, and boxes handed over to us by the customer for packing, shifting, or transportation. |
| Labour Unloading | A specific service where we provide only manpower to unload goods from a transport vehicle, excluding vehicle provision or packing materials. |
| Transit Insurance | A separate risk-cover policy (billed extra) that protects goods against major accidental damage or loss while the vehicle is in transit. |
| Force Majeure | Unforeseeable circumstances (e.g., riots, natural disasters, sudden government curfews) that prevent us from fulfilling our obligations on time. |
💼 3. Scope of Services & Quotations
3.1 Validity of Quotation
All quotations provided via phone, WhatsApp, email, or physical inspection are valid for a maximum period of 15 days from the date of issue. Prices may fluctuate after this period due to changes in fuel costs, labour union rates, or toll tax revisions.
3.2 Variations in Volume or Requirements
The initial estimate is strictly based on the inventory list provided by you or inspected by our executive. If, on the actual day of moving, the volume of goods increases, or if additional services are demanded (such as unmounting ACs, dismantling complex beds, or hoisting furniture through balconies), extra charges will apply on the spot.
💰 4. Booking, Payment, & Billing Terms
We maintain a highly transparent financial policy to avoid any last-minute disputes during the sensitive time of relocation.
- Token Advance: A minimum advance payment of 10% to 20% (depending on the total invoice value) is required to confirm the booking and block the vehicle/labour for your preferred date.
- Loading Payment: 70% to 80% of the remaining balance must be cleared once the goods are packed and loaded onto the transport vehicle, before the vehicle leaves the origin premises.
- Final Settlement: The final remaining balance (if any) must be paid strictly before or immediately upon the unloading of goods at the destination. We reserve the right to withhold unloading if the final payment is delayed.
- GST Invoices: 100% valid GST invoices (GSTIN: 09EZQPS2668R1ZV) will be provided for corporate claims. However, standard estimates provided on WhatsApp or Phone do not include GST unless explicitly mentioned. 18% GST will be added to the final bill if a tax invoice is required.
- Toll & Border Taxes: Unless specified in writing, state border taxes, Green taxes, Mathadi (Union) charges, and heavy vehicle entry penalties are to be borne by the customer.
🚫 5. Prohibited & Restricted Items
For legal, safety, and regulatory reasons, Sona Packers and Movers strictly prohibits the transportation of certain hazardous, illegal, or highly valuable items. We reserve the right to refuse packing or loading of the following categories. If such items are hidden in your boxes without our knowledge, we accept zero liability for them, and you will face legal consequences.
Hazardous Materials
Gas cylinders (full or partially full), flammable liquids, acids, paint, fireworks, and explosive chemicals.
Perishable Goods
Fresh food, refrigerated items, frozen meat, dairy products, or open grocery packets that can spoil or attract pests.
High-Value Valuables
Gold, silver jewelry, hard cash, blank cheques, property deeds, passports, and highly expensive wristwatches.
Illegal Substances
Narcotics, smuggled goods, unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and items banned by the Government of India.
Please Note: Valuables like laptops, tablets, mobile phones, and jewelry must be carried personally by the client in their own vehicle during the move.
👤 6. Customer's Responsibilities
A successful and damage-free relocation requires teamwork between our staff and the client. You are legally responsible for the following:
- Authorizations & Gate Passes: You must arrange all necessary gate passes, society NOCs, and lift-usage permissions from your building management before our team arrives. Any waiting time caused by lack of permissions will be billed extra.
- Presence during Packing: You or your authorized representative must be physically present throughout the packing and loading process to verify that nothing is left behind.
- Electronic Appliances: Refrigerators must be defrosted and dried at least 12 hours before moving. Washing machines must be completely drained of water.
- Parking Space: You must ensure adequate and legal parking space is available for our commercial vehicles as close to your building entrance as possible.
🛡️ 7. Insurance, Risk, & Liability (Claims Policy)
While our team uses the best packing materials and handling techniques, road transportation in India carries inherent risks (accidents, sudden braking, bad roads). Therefore, our liability is strictly defined:
7.1 Standard Liability (Without Insurance)
If you choose NOT to purchase Transit Insurance, goods are transported at "Owner's Risk". In the rare event of damage, our maximum liability is limited strictly to a goodwill gesture of ₹1,000 or 5% of the freight charge, whichever is lower, regardless of the item's actual value.
7.2 Transit Insurance coverage (Recommended)
We highly recommend declaring the value of your goods and purchasing Transit Risk Insurance (typically 3% of the declared value). Insurance covers major damages caused by vehicle accidents, fire during transit, or theft of the entire vehicle. Insurance DOES NOT cover:
- Internal mechanical or electrical derangement of appliances (e.g., a TV looks fine outside but doesn't switch on) unless there is clear external physical damage to the box/appliance.
- Minor scratches, dents, or polishing damage on old, pre-used wooden furniture.
- Damages to glassware/crockery packed by the customer themselves.
7.3 Claim Procedure Timeline
Any claim for damage or missing items must be reported to our management in writing (via email or official WhatsApp) within 24 hours of unloading. Claims raised after our staff has left the premises and after 24 hours will not be entertained under any circumstances.
❌ 8. Cancellation, Postponement, & Refund Policy
We understand that relocation plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair to both the client and our logistical planning.
| Time of Cancellation / Change | Refund / Charge Policy |
|---|---|
| 48 Hours or more prior to scheduled moving date | 100% Refund of Token Advance (Minus minor processing fees if applicable). |
| 24 to 48 Hours prior to scheduled moving date | 50% of the Token Advance will be forfeited as a cancellation fee. |
| Less than 24 Hours / On the Day of Move | NO REFUND of advance. If vehicle/labour has reached the site, a minimum trip charge will be levied. |
| Postponement (Rescheduling) | Allowed free of cost if informed 48 hours prior. Subject to vehicle availability on the new date. |
⚖️ 9. Dispute Resolution & Governing Law
We strive to resolve any disagreements amicably through mutual discussion and customer support intervention. However, if a legal dispute arises out of or in connection with these Terms and Conditions or the services provided:
- The dispute shall be governed strictly by the laws of the Republic of India.
- Any legal action, suit, or proceeding must be brought exclusively in the competent Courts of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
- The Customer waives any objection to the jurisdiction of the Kanpur courts.
❓ 10. Frequently Asked Questions (T&C Context)
💬 Q1. Can I change my destination address after the truck is loaded?
Yes, but any change in the destination address that increases the distance or route complexity will result in a recalculation of the final bill. Driver waiting charges may also apply while the new route is planned.
💬 Q2. Are Mathadi (Union) charges included in my quote?
No. In certain states or industrial zones (like Maharashtra or Gujarat), local labour unions forcefully demand money for loading/unloading. These "Mathadi" charges are legally the responsibility of the customer and are completely outside our control.
💬 Q3. What happens if the truck is delayed due to weather or traffic?
Under the "Force Majeure" clause, Sona Packers and Movers cannot be held financially liable for delays in delivery caused by extreme weather, heavy fog, national highway blockages, political rallies, or mechanical breakdown of the transport vehicle. We will, however, keep you updated constantly.
💬 Q4. Do you provide AC Installation services?
Our standard service includes basic unmounting of Window/Split ACs. However, installation of Split ACs, plumbing work for washing machines, and mounting TVs on walls require professional technicians and are NOT included in standard moving quotes unless explicitly promised as an extra paid add-on.
✉️ Need Clarification on our Policies?
If you have any doubts regarding our Terms and Conditions, insurance policies, or billing structure, please do not hesitate to contact our core management team before booking your move.