Terms of Business

Terms of Business for Edward Carter Funeral Directors, Wantage and Abingdon. (“we”, “us” or “our”).

1. Estimates and Expenses

The estimate is an indication of the charges likely to be incurred on the basis of the information and details we know at the date of estimate. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the estimate, the charges are liable to alteration particularly where third parties change their rates or charges.

We may not know the amount of third party charges in advance of the funeral, however we will give you a best estimate of such charges on the written estimate. The actual amount of the charges will be detailed and shown in the final account.

If you amend your instructions, we will require your written confirmation of the changes. We may need to make an extra charge in accordance with prices published in our current price list.

We will add VAT to our charges where applicable, and at the rate applicable when we prepare the invoice.

2. Payment Arrangements

We do not require a deposit in advance unless otherwise agreed.

The final balance is due within 60 days of the date of our invoice, unless otherwise agreed in writing. The final invoice is usually issued at the beginning of the month following the funeral, unless you request it earlier.

If payment is not received by the due date, we may charge interest:

• At 4% above our bank’s base rate
• Calculated daily from the invoice date until payment
• Compounded monthly
• Applicable before and after any legal judgment (unless the court rules otherwise)

We may recover legal or administrative costs associated with collecting overdue payments (see Clause 3).

3. Indemnity

You agree to cover any losses, costs, or expenses we incur due to your failure to comply with these terms. This may include:

• Bank fees for dishonoured cheques
• Administrative fees for overdue account reminders
• Fees for debt collection agents
• Legal fees on a full indemnity basis

Details of any such fees are available on request. We may seek to recover these losses at any time and through legal means if necessary.

4. Data Protection

We fully comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018.

Your personal data is treated as confidential and held securely. It is processed solely for the purpose of providing funeral services, unless you explicitly consent to marketing use.

We may share data with third parties involved in delivering the services you’ve requested. These parties may contact you directly.

We never pass your data to third parties for marketing purposes.

You have the right to access the data we hold about you. You can request this in writing at no charge.

Our Privacy Policy is available on request. We will also discuss data protection during our meeting to arrange the funeral.

5. Cooling-Off Period

Under the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013, you may cancel this agreement within 14 days.

If you ask us to begin making arrangements before the 14-day cooling-off period ends, we will treat this as your express request for us to start work immediately. This means that if you later decide to cancel within the cooling-off period, you will be charged for the goods and services already provided.

6. Termination

You may terminate our services at any time by notifying us in writing.

We may terminate our agreement if you fail to meet your obligations under these terms.

In either case, you will be asked to pay a reasonable amount based on the work carried out up to the date of termination. We will confirm termination of services and amounts due in writing.

7. Conduct

Edward Carter Funeral Directors is a member of The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors (SAIF) and abides by its Code of Practice. A copy is available on request.

We are committed to providing a professional, courteous, and dignified service. If you have any concerns, please raise them first with our owner, Mr Paul Carter.

If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, SAIF offers a dispute resolution service. You can contact them by:

• Visiting their website
• Emailing standards@saif.org.uk
• Calling 0345 230 6777

All dates and times are subject to availability until confirmed. While we aim to meet agreed schedules, unforeseen circumstances may occasionally require changes. We will notify you of any alterations as early as possible.

8. Agreement

By continuing to instruct us, you confirm your acceptance of these Terms of Business, which form a legally binding agreement.

This agreement does not grant any rights to third parties under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

If any term is found unenforceable, it will be amended to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, without affecting the remaining terms.

Nothing in these terms limits our liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.

This agreement is governed by English law. Any disputes may be resolved in an appropriate English court.