These Terms and Conditions (the “Terms”) set out the basis on which Barkers Garage (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides automotive services to you (the “customer”, “you”, “your”). By booking work with us or leaving your vehicle in our care, you agree to these Terms.

1. About Us

Barkers Garage is currently operated as a sole trader business by David, with plans to incorporate as a limited company in the next tax year. We are based at Unit A, Lower Yard, Spark’s Lane, Cuckfield, RH17 5JP.

You can contact us at:

· Email: [email protected]

· Phone: 01444 450271

· Website: barkersgarage.com

2. Services We Offer

We provide a range of automotive services including:

· Servicing

· MOT testing (arranged through a partner garage)

· Tyres

· Suspension and steering

· Brakes

· Clutches

· Exhaust services

· Air conditioning and heating

· Automotive electrical work

Where MOT testing is required, we arrange this through a partnering garage. We coordinate the booking, transport of your vehicle if needed, and act as your point of contact, but the MOT test itself is carried out by the partner garage. Their findings are recorded directly with DVSA.

3. Bookings

Bookings can be made by phone, email, online through our website, or in person at the garage. A booking is confirmed once we have given you written or verbal confirmation of the appointment time and the work to be carried out.

It is your responsibility to provide accurate information about your vehicle and any known faults at the point of booking.

4. Estimates, Quotations, and Authorisation

Where we provide an estimate or quotation before work begins, this is based on the information available to us at that time. Estimates are not binding quotations unless we expressly say so in writing.

If, during the course of work, we identify additional issues or require parts or labour beyond what was originally agreed, we will contact you to discuss the additional cost and obtain your authorisation before proceeding. If we cannot reach you, we will not carry out non-essential additional work and your vehicle may be held until we can speak with you.

We may carry out essential safety-related work without further authorisation only where reasonably necessary to make the vehicle safe to return to you, and we will inform you as soon as possible.

5. Prices and Payment

Our prices are based on the cost of parts, the labour time required, and any third-party costs (for example MOT fees). Prices may change from time to time.

Payment is due in full on completion of the work, when we issue your invoice. We accept card and bank transfer. Vehicles will not be released until payment has been received in full.

If payment remains outstanding after the due date, we reserve the right to charge interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 where applicable, and to retain the vehicle until payment is received under our common law lien.

6. Cancellations and Missed Appointments

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please contact us as soon as possible. We do not currently charge a cancellation fee for missed bookings, but repeated missed appointments may result in us declining future bookings or asking for a deposit before booking work.

7. Vehicle Collection and Delivery

Where we collect your vehicle from your home or other location, our staff are covered by motor trade insurance for driving customer vehicles. By booking a collection, you confirm that:

· The vehicle is roadworthy, taxed, and has valid MOT (where required).

· The vehicle is insured for use on the road by its owner.

· You have authority to release the vehicle to us.

8. Courtesy Cars

Courtesy cars may be available at our discretion and are arranged directly between the garage and the customer. Courtesy cars are not included as standard with any service.

Where a courtesy car is provided:

· You must hold a full, valid UK driving licence.

· Insurance arrangements will be confirmed in writing before the courtesy car is released. You may be required to use your own insurance, or to be added to our motor trade insurance for the duration. You must not drive the courtesy car until insurance is confirmed.

· You are responsible for any fines, penalty charges, or congestion charges incurred while the vehicle is in your care.

· You must return the courtesy car at the agreed time, with the same fuel level and in the same condition (subject to fair wear and tear).

· Any damage caused while the vehicle is in your care is your responsibility, subject to applicable insurance cover.

9. Vehicles in our Care

While your vehicle is at our premises or being driven by us, we hold appropriate motor trade insurance covering road risk and customer vehicles in our custody.

You agree to remove any valuables and personal belongings from your vehicle before leaving it with us. We do not accept liability for loss or damage to belongings left inside the vehicle.

We take reasonable care of vehicles left with us, but we are not liable for any indirect or consequential loss (for example loss of use beyond the time reasonably required to complete the work).

10. Warranty and Guarantee

We stand behind the quality of our work. Where we identify an issue caused by our workmanship, we will rectify it free of charge.

Our warranty does not cover:

· Wear and tear, or normal use of consumable items.

· Faults caused by misuse, accident, modification, or work carried out by another garage.

· Parts that have failed due to manufacturer defect, where the manufacturer’s warranty applies instead.

If you would like more details about the warranty applicable to specific work or parts, please contact David at [email protected].

11. Your responsibilities

You agree to:

· Provide accurate information about your vehicle and any known faults.

· Ensure your vehicle is insured and roadworthy when it is brought to us or collected by us.

· Collect your vehicle promptly when notified that work is complete. Storage charges may apply for vehicles left for an unreasonable period without arrangement.

· Pay invoices on time.

· Treat our staff with courtesy and respect.

12. Liability

Nothing in these Terms limits or excludes our liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot be limited or excluded by law (including under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where applicable).

Subject to that, our total liability to you for any claim is limited to the amount you have paid us for the work that gave rise to the claim. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits, or loss of opportunity.

13. Use of our Website

Our website, barkersgarage.com, is provided for information and to help you book work or contact us. Please do not misuse it or use it for any unlawful purpose. Content is protected by copyright and may not be copied without our permission.

Website and platform provider

Our website and customer management platform are built, hosted, and maintained by Begin Group Ltd, a third-party service provider. Begin Group Ltd is not responsible for our automotive services, advice, or any aspect of our garage operations. Any query about our services should be directed to us at [email protected].

14. Data protection and Marketing

We process personal data in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy, available on our website.

As an existing customer, you may receive service-related communications such as MOT reminders, appointment reminders, invoices, and safety advisories. You can opt out of marketing communications at any time by contacting us.

15. Complaints

If you have a complaint about our service, please contact us as soon as possible at [email protected] or on 01444 450271. We aim to acknowledge complaints promptly and resolve them fairly.

16. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be available on our website. The effective date at the top shows when they were last updated.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.