Terms of Business
- 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 etc.
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.
- Payment Arrangements
C & O J Sendell Funeral Services operates a pricing policy in compliance with the Code of Practice of the National Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors.
Our price list provides clients with a full and detailed explanation of our charges as required by the Code of Practice. In addition to our charges, disbursements must be paid out to Doctors, Minister of Religion, Cemetery or Cremation fees and such like.
When the funeral planning is complete you will be given a written estimate of all the charges incurred by the service you have requested. Where the total estimated account is deemed excessive you may be asked to make an interim payment. We ask for this estimate to be signed as consent that you accept the charges and will be liable for payment of the final account when submitted. This is usually eighteen days after the funeral. If wished, the account may be forwarded to your solicitor or bank for payment.
We reserve the right to add interest on all outstanding accounts at 2% per month on accounts that remain unpaid after sixty days and any legal and court costs incurred due to non-payment. We accept us with cash, cheque, visa, master card, BACS (bank transfer) or pay online line at www.sfspayments.co.uk
Because some families may which to make a claim for assistance from the DWP (Department of Work and Pensions), please note that stringent rules apply as to the amount of help available. Please come and talk to us, in confidence where we are here to help in every way we can.
- Data Protection
Words shown in italics are defined in the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (“the Regulations”).
We respect the confidential nature of the information given to us, and where you provide us with personal data (“data”) we will ensure that the data will be held securely, in confidence and processed for the purpose of carrying out our services unless you give us your express permission for use in our marking. To provide our services, we may need to pass such data to third parties, who are performing some of the services for you e.g., Minster / Vicar who will contact you directly. We will never pass your details to third parties for marketing purposes whatsoever.
- Right to Cancel
You have the right to cancel the contract if you wish. This right can be exercised by sending or taking a cancellation notice to the funeral director at anu time within the period of fourteen days starting on the day of the arrangement. The right to cancel can be lost during the cancellation period if the service is provided in full before the fourteen days elapses. Where applicable, payment may be required to be made in respect of any services carried out or disbursements paid, once the performance if the contract has begun and prior to the cancellation notice being received. In the event that you exercise the right to cancel this contract during the colling-off period, you will be required to pay a reasonable amount for goods and services already supplied.
- Conduct
We are a member of The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors “SAIF” a private company by guarantee with registered number 2383, having its registered address at SAIF Business Centre, 3 Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth, Herts, CM21 9DB, and subscribe to its current Code of Practice, a copy of which is available upon request. We aim to act in a professional manner and provide a courteous, sensitive and dignified service to you.
If, however you have any questions or concerns about the service we provide to you, then please raise them in the first instance with Owen Sendell. If that does not resolve the problem to your satisfaction SAIF provides a dispute resolution service. They can be contacted by completing their complaints form which is available via the SAIF website or by email standards@saif.org.uk or by phone 03452306777.