Terms

Terms & Conditions

1. Definitions

1.1 When the following words with capital letters are used in these terms, this is what they will mean:

  1. Account: a Client’s account with alfa.uk
  2. Agreement: the Agreement between the Client and alfa.uk for the provision of alfa.uk Services.
  3. Client: You, the person using alfa.uk Services to buy goods from another source.
  4. Commission: any Commission to be paid by the Client to alfa.uk as set out in “Rates for all alfa.uk Services” on the alfa.uk Site.
  5. Event Outside alfa.uk Control: An Event Outside alfa.uk Control means any act or event beyond alfa.uk reasonable control, including without limitation strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action by third parties, civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack, war (whether declared or not) or threat or preparation for war, fire, explosion, storm, flood, earthquake, subsidence, epidemic or other natural disaster, or failure of public or private telecommunications networks [or impossibility of the use of railways, shipping, aircraft, motor transport or other means of public or private transport.
  6. Item/Goods: A product or goods the Client intends to purchase from a Third Party through the use of the alfa.uk
  7. Order: the Client’s order for the Service ( as set out below)
  8. alfa.uk/Website : alfa.uk
  9. Rates: the rates and charges for alfa.uk Services as stated on the “Rates for alfa.uk” contained in the alfa.uk.
  10. Service/s: the services that alfa.uk are providing to the Client as set out in the Client’s Order
  11. Terms: the terms and conditions set out in this document
  12. Third Party: person or company who sells the Item or Goods the Client intends to buy
  13. Virtual Address Service: Virtual Address Service offered by alfa.uk
  14. We/Our/Us: ALFAPARCEL LIMITED, 10 Mt Pleasant Trading Estate, Mount Pleasant Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 3FF, United Kingdom, Company Number 06698023

2.1 These are the Terms on which Alfaparcel supply Services to the Client. All Clients need to read these Terms carefully and make sure that they understand them, before ordering any Items/Goods through alfa.uk. Please note that by ordering any of Alfaparcel’s Services, the Client agrees to be bound by these Terms and the other documents expressly referred to in it. By pressing the "I Accept" button at the end of these Terms, the Client acknowledges that the Client has read and understood all of the Terms. If the Client refuses to accept these Terms, the Client will not be able to buy any Services from alfa.uk.

2.2 The Client should print a copy of these Terms or save them to the Client’s computer for future reference.

2.3 alfa.uk reserves the right to amend these Terms from time to time. Every time the Client wishes to order an alfa.uk Service, the Client must please check these Terms to ensure that the Client understands the terms which will apply at that time.

2.4 These Terms, and any contract between alfa.uk and the Client, are in the English language.

3. Information about alfa.uk

3.1 Alfaparcel operates the website alfa.uk. Alfaparcel is a company registered in England and Wales under company number 06698023 and with its registered office at Europa Way, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England PE30 2TZ. Telephone Number +44 1945 580318

3.2 The VAT number for Alfaparcel is GB993332987

3.3 To contact Alfaparcel, please see Contact page alfa.uk/contact Use of the alfa.uk Site – please see our terms for website use alfa.uk/website-terms How alfa.uk use personal information – alfa.uk uses personal information in accordance with alfa.uk Privacy Policy Please take time to read the Alfaparcel Privacy Policy as it contains important information.

3.4 Use of the alfa.uk – please see alfa.uk terms for website use alfa.uk/website-terms

3.5 How alfa.uk use personal information – alfa.uk uses personal information in accordance with alfa.uk Privacy Policy Please take time to read alfa.uk Privacy Policy as it contains important information.

4. Alfa.uk different Roles

4.1 alfa.uk Role - When buying for the Client

4.1.1 The Client authorizes alfa.uk to act as the Client’s limited representative to conclude on the Client’s behalf a sales contract directly between the Client and the Third Party for the sale of Goods via this Service. Alfa.uk helps to facilitate transactions that are carried out using the Service. Alfa.uk is not responsible for the quality of the Goods, their fitness for purpose and has no obligation to the Client that Goods bought from a Third Party fit the description applied by the Third Party.

4.2 alfa.uk Role – for Client’s who use alfa.uk Virtual Address Service

4.2.1 alfa.uk also offers a Virtual Address Service. When using the Virtual Address Service the Client purchases an Item/Goods from a Third Party, the Client makes payment directly to that Third Party and the Client uses alfa.uk virtual address for the Item/Goods to be delivered to. Alfa.uk will notify the Client by e-mail when the Item/Goods arrive at the Alfaparcel warehouse. The Item/Goods can then be repackaged if the Client has chosen to consolidate any parcels before they are shipped to the Client.

5. General Issues

5.1 A contract to buy an Item/ Goods is solely between the Client and the Third Party. It is the responsibility of the Client and the Third Party to enforce any contractual obligations arising out the purchase of the Item/Goods.

5.2 Alfaparcel is responsible for the temporary storage of an Item/Goods bought by the Client re-packaging and preparing Goods for shipping. The Client authorizes alfa.uk to open and check and repack any of the Client’s parcels. Alfaparcel opens parcels received and replaces existing packaging with Alfaparcel’s packaging to create a more robust package. The cost of packaging each parcel or consolidating two or more parcels into one parcel varies. Guidance for the packaging costs can be found on alfa.uk. The costs for the Service the Client chooses will be set out in Alfaparcel’s invoice to the Client.

5.3 Alfaparcel makes arrangements for the Item/Goods to be shipped by a courier or by alfa.uk to the Client’s stated destination. Alfaparcel is only responsible for the shipping of goods when shipment is carried out by alfa.uk.

5.4 On occasions when shipment is carried out by other organisations and couriers instructed by the Client or on the Client’s behalf any loss arising out of delay during shipment, damage to parcels or loss of parcels caused by the courier will be the responsibility of the courier. The Client’s alfa.uk account will indicate which courier service is used. The Client’s contract with the courier will be set out in the terms, conditions and rules of the courier service used. Some courier services offer insurance for goods shipped. If and when the Client needs to claim against any such insurance, Alfaparcel will make reasonable efforts to assist the Client with any claim the Client may have.

5.5 Alfaparcel also offers additional Services as set out on alfa.uk including taking a photo of the Item/Goods, a brief description of the contents of a parcel, filling in customs declarations and the accompanying invoice with the Client’s consent and a variety of other special requests such as the removal of hangers and checking availability. Please refer to alfa.uk for the charges for any additional services.

5.6 Parcels to customers using the Virtual Address service are sent only to the customer name and address, specified in their profile on alfa.uk. Regular and/or verified customers may be allowed to send goods to virtual addresses for other recipients.

6. Placing and Order with Us

6.1 The use of the Service is limited to parties who can lawfully enter into and form contracts under the laws of England and Wales (for example Clients have to be at least 18 years old).

6.2 Alfaparcel Services are not available to ship goods to a destination within the UK . Alfaparcel does not currently offer any alfa.uk Services to Businesses or Commercial Customers.

6.3 Only visitors to alfa.uk who have registered with Alfaparcel may place an order for alfa.uk Services.

6.4 The Alfaparcel order process for Services allows the Client to check and amend any errors before submitting the Client’s order for Services to Alfaparcel. Clients should take time to read and check each order at each stage of the order process. Please note that the Alfaparcel Fees are payable at two separate stages of the ordering process.

6.5 There are two very different kinds of Services offered by Alfaparcel, one being our ordinary ordering service , and one being our Virtual Address Service. Clients will need to be aware that some parts of these Terms may only apply to one of the Services. The Terms will state if they do not or only apply to the Virtual Address Service.

6.6 The Client can track the progress of the Client’s order when using the Alfaparcel services on the Client’s Account at https://my.alfa.uk including the placement of orders, arrival of goods at the Alfaparcel warehouse, storage and shipment to the Client.

7. Ordinary Alfaparcel Service (Assisted Purchase)

7A. Alfaparcel Virtual Address Service

7.1 Steps to be taken to place and order

7A1. Steps to be taken to place an order

First step – the Client signs into the Client’s Alfaparcel Account and places an order for an Item/Goods with Alfaparcel for an Item/Good the Client wishes to buy of a Third Party.

Second step – after the Client has placed an order, the Client will receive an e-mail from Alfaparcel with the first bill for the first stage of the Service including the price of the Item/Goods (or the Client’s maximum bid on e-bay which is specified by the Client when ordering) together with any commission which may be payable at that stage .

Third step - The Client pays the first bill Alfaparcel have sent to the Client. Once Alfaparcel has received the Client’s first payment , Alfaparcel will pay the Third Party for the Item/Goods and send the Client notification via e-mail that Alfaparcel have paid the Third Party).

Fourth step – On receipt of the Item/Goods at the Alfaparcel warehouse, Alfaparcel prepares the Item/Goods for shipment. Alfaparcel sends the Client the second bill for the second stage of the Alfaparcel Services including the costs of shipment, any overhead cost, consolidation cost, costs of packaging, Alfaparcel’s commission and any special requests or options chosen by the Client as set out in “ Rates for Alfaparcel Services”. Packaging and shipping costs guidance can be found on the Alfaparcel Site.

Fifth step – Once Alfaparcel receives payment from the Client for the bill in the Fourth step above, the Item/Goods will be dispatched to the Client within two working days. Alfaparcel will send the Client notification of shipment and any parcel identification number with any link to a postal service website to check the status.

Sixth step – Receiving the parcel – depending on the chosen postal or shipment service, the standard time of delivery from the UK can be from three to twenty three days however these are standard delivery times and actual delivery time is dependant on customs. Alfaparcel has no control over how long it takes customs to process a parcel. Delivery times may therefore vary according to how long it takes for Customs to process the Client’s parcel. All parcels sent by registered airmail include insurance, the amount of which is chosen by the Client at the Firat, Second and or Fourth step above.

The contract between the Client and Alfaparcel will be formed when Alfaparcel receives payment from the Client for the monies requested in step 2.

First step – The Client registers as a customer with Alfaparcel for the Virtual Address Service. The Client will need to provide proof of the Client’s identity to register for that service, including a copy of the Client’s passport and credit card. Any 4 digits of the 16 digits on the front of the Client’s credit card may be obscured by the Client for the Client’s protection. After successful verification, the customer must activate the Virtual Address service through personal account.

Second Step – Once registered for the Virtual Address Service, the Client will be provided with the Client’s virtual address and may order goods of third parties to be delivered to the Client’s virtual address.

Third Step- On receipt of the Item/Goods at the Alfaparcel warehouse Alfaparcel prepares the Item/Goods for shipment. Alfaparcel will send the Client the bill for the second stage of the Alfaparcel Services including the costs of shipment, any overhead cost, consolidation cost, costs of packaging, Alfaparcel’s commission and any special requests or options chosen by the Client as set out in “ Rates for Alfaparcel Services”. Packaging and shipping costs guidance can be found on the Alfaparcel Site.

Fourth Step- Once Alfaparcel receives payment from the Client for the bill the Third step above, the Item/Goods will be dispatched to the Client within two working days. Alfaparcel will send the Client notification of shipment and any parcel identification number with any link to a postal service website to check the status.

Fifth Step - depending on the chosen postal or shipment service, the standard time of delivery from the UK can be from three to twenty three days however these are standard delivery times and actual delivery time is dependant on customs. Alfaparcel has no control over how long it takes customs to process a parcel. Delivery times may therefore vary according to how long it takes for Customs to process the Client’s parcel. All parcels sent by registered airmail include insurance, the amount of which is chosen by the Client .

7.2 Checking of Goods by Alfaparcel

7.A.2 Checking of Goods by Alfaparcel

Alfaparcel undertakes free basic checks of up to 5 goods received . This is a visual check, and includes a comparison of any size labels with the size specified in the Client’s order. More specific checks and checking of more than 5 items can be ordered through Alfaparcel customer services who will confirm the individual charge for checks requested by the Client. Please note that Alfaparcel can not check and is not responsible for an exact match of colour between items received and items shown on a Third Party Website.

No free checking of Goods will be done with the Alfaparcel Virtual Address Service. Extra Services including checking can be ordered and paid for via Alfaparcel’s customer services who will confirm the individual charges for checks requested.

7.3 Cancellation

7.A.3 Cancellation

Orders for the use of Alfaparcel Services may be cancelled without charge by the Client within 10 days of the Client placing order with Alfaparcel or until the Order is shown as “processed” on the Client’s Account, whichever is the sooner in time.

Once the Client’s Order is shown as “processed” on the Client’s Account, Alfaparcel will have started to work on the Client’s Order. If the Client cancels his order whilst shown as processed , the Client will have to pay Alfaparcel any costs Alfaparcel has reasonably incurred in starting to fulfil the Client’s order, including Alfaparcel’s commission and any costs of the goods. If the Third party subsequently refunds Alfaparcel for the costs of the Item/Goods after the Client has cancelled an Order, Alfaparcel will pay the Client the refund less Alfaparcel’s commission and any costs incurred by Alfaparcel.

Alfaparcel will refund the Client’s Alfaparcel’s commission and Alfaparcel will pay for the postage of any goods from the Alfaparcel warehouse back to the Third Party, if the Client has placed an order for Alfaparcel Services and Alfaparcel makes a mistake when processing the Client’s order, resulting in the wrong goods being delivered.

No cancellations of orders can be made once an order is shown as “shipped” on the Client’s Account.

When using the Virtual Address Service Clients must cancel any orders for Goods made to the virtual address with the Third Party directly. The continuation of the Virtual Address Service by subscription with Alfaparcel can be cancelled by written notice to Alfaparcel. Payments already made will not be refunded and the cancellation of the Client’s subscription to the Virtual Address Service will be confirmed by Alfaparcel through an e-mail to the Client.

8. Storage by Alfaparcel

8.1 Goods will only be shipped from our warehouse to the Client once the Client has paid Alfaparcel’s entire bill. If no payment is received, Alfaparcel will store the Client’s goods for up to 90 days free of charge, thereafter Alfaparcel will charge for the storage of any goods. Please see the Alfaparcel site for a list of storage charges.

9. Return of Goods to Third Parties

9.1 Alfaparcel has a discretion to offer the Client an additional Service to seek a refund from a Third Party. If Alfaparcel has agreed in writing to attempt to seek a refund from a Third Party on the Client’s behalf, Alfaparcel will store the Client’s goods for 1 month free of charge. Any refunds received from Third Parties will be credited to the Client’s Account after the deduction of Alfaparcel’s costs and any postal or courier fees resulting from the return of the goods to the Third Party.

9.2 If Alfaparcel discovers or receives evidence that the purchases have been made fraudulently (e.g., using a stolen bank card), the items can be immediately returned to the seller or held at the Alfaparcel warehouse for up to 90 days, then returned to the sender or the rightful owner.

10. Third Party Failure

10.1 Alfaparcel will refund any commission paid by the Client to Alfaparcel if payment has been made to a Third Party either through Alfaparcel or through the Client using an Alfaparcel Service but goods do not arrive at the Alfaparcel warehouse within two months of being paid for. Alfaparcel will make reasonable efforts to invite the Third Party to refund the monies paid for the Goods. Any refund received from a Third Party for Goods paid for by the Client or on the Client’s behalf, will be credited to the Client’s account.

11. Payment

11.1 The prices for the Services are located on the “Rates for all Alfaparcel Services” page of the Alfaparcel Site. All rates are listed in Pounds Sterling and are exclusive of VAT, unless stated otherwise. In instances when VAT is payable VAT will be charged in addition at the rate in force at the time the Client places an order. The schedule for Rates may vary in the future . “Rates for Alfaparcel” in effect at the time of processing the Client’s order regarding the relevant item or goods will govern the transaction. A Client should check the Rates each time a Client uses Alfaparcel services.

11.2 All rates for Alfaparcel Services are payable on demand (except for subscription fees which are due periodically without demand as set out in “Rates for Alfaparcel”). Subscription Services , including the Premium Account Service and the Virtual Address Service can not be refunded to the Client.

11.3 The Client’s order for one or more Services can only be made through the appropriate page on the Alfaparcel Site. Alfaparcel does not accept orders made by any other means.

11.4 All Services Alfaparcel provides must be paid for in advance, and payment can only be made with the use of PayPal, Skrill (Moneybookers), or through a bank account.

11.5 Alfaparcel reserves the right to refuse to perform any further or unfulfilled part of the Service, if an order has been accepted from the Client, payment has been made by the Client but subsequently payment has been refused, recouped or rejected.

11.6 Please note that the different payment methods are governed by additional rules, including: PayPal- maximum transfer per 30 days is £350.00. Goods are only sent to the name and address of the Paypal account from which the payment is made. An additional charge of 3.9% + 0.20 GBP of the money transferred through PayPal becomes payable by the Client to Alfaparcel. Skrill (Moneybookers) – maximum per 30 days is £350.00

12. The Client’s Responsibilities

12.1 The Client is responsible for paying any import, export or other duties due and to comply with restrictions in force at the time of using the Alfaparcel service

12.2 The Client will not use Alfaparcel Services to facilitate the purchase or movement of Items which are restricted or prohibited by UK Law or the laws of the county the Client resides in. This includes for example stolen goods, weapons, offensive material, living animals, illegal or prescription drugs.

12.3 The Client will provide Alfaparcel with an address for shipment to an existing address. Alfaparcel Services can not be used to arrange shipment to PO Boxes or mail on demand.

12.4 The Client will keep his account up to date including any changes of the Client’s e-mail address or other personal details. The Client must provide written evidence of any change of name

12.5 The Client will notify Alfaparcel in advance and seek Alfaparcel ‘s permission before asking Alfaparcel to take delivery of a parcel at the Alfaparcel warehouse which exceeds:

  1. 105cm in length, or
  2. 200cm in overall dimension or
  3. weight of 30kg

12.6 The Client will pay for the return of any Item/Goods to the Alfaparcel warehouse when the Client has requested and Alfaparcel have agreed to seek a refund from a third party on the Client’s behalf.

12.7 The Client agrees not to use the Alfaparcel Service directly or indirectly for any unlawful purpose or so as to cause offence or distress to any person.

12.8 We recommend video-recording the process of opening the received parcel. In case of customer complaints about the contents of the parcel, an investigation is possible only if a full video recording of the initial opening of the parcel is available and provided to the Alfaparcel support team.

12.9 The Client shall make any payment in his own name and during payment specify the name used during the registration at Alfaparcel.

12.10 All goods that the customer orders to the Alfaparcel address must be fully paid before they arrive at the Alfaparcel warehouse. It is forbidden to use the address of the Alfaparcel warehouse to purchase goods against cash on delivery or deferred payment.

12.11 If a customer uses the Virtual Address service, all parcels from sellers should come to the Alfaparcel warehouse in the name and surname of the customer. Goods must be paid only by the client. Customers are forbidden to use the Alfaparcel warehouse for receiving parcels paid by other persons.

12.12 It is prohibited to use Alfaparcel service to purchase and/or forward goods or services that are subject to sanctions restrictions in the UK and the European Union.

12.13 It is prohibited to use Alfaparcel services by those individuals included in the UK and EU sanction lists.

13. Work not included

13.1 Alfaparcel does not forward any letters Alfaparcel receives from Third Parties addressed to a Client.

13.2 The Alfaparcel warehouse does not provide the service of parcel pickup by the customers or their representatives.

14. Voluntary Advice

14.1 Alfaparcel will use it’s reasonable endeavours to provide the Client with up to date information to assist the Client with the export or import of goods. Information such as national or regional laws is subject to change and interpretation at any time. Any information Alfaparcel gives to the Client is given in good faith and based on current information. Alfaparcel will not be liable for any loss or damage should such information be incorrect or if Alfaparcel fails to notify the Client of any changes.

15. Alfaparcel’s Liability

15.1 Alfaparcel will do it’s best to make sure that the availability of Alfaparcel Services and the Alfaparcel Site will be uninterrupted and that transmissions will be error-free. Alfaparcel will not be able to guarantee this however due to the nature of the Internet. The Client’s access to the Alfaparcel Site may also be suspended or restricted at times to allow for updates of the Site, repair or maintenance.

15.2 Except in the case of death or personal injury caused by Alfaparcel’s negligence, Alfaparcel’s liability under or in connection with this Agreement, whether arising in contract, tort, negligence, breach of statutory duty or otherwise shall not exceed the sum of the costs of the goods, shipping packaging and Alfaparcel ‘s commission.

15.3 Alfaparcel will make every effort to complete Alfaparcel’s service and do so on time. However there may be delays due to Third Parties or Events Outside Alfaparcel ‘s Control. If an Event Outside Alfaparcel’s Control takes place that affects the performance of Alfaparcel’s obligations under this Agreement Alfaparcel will contact the Client as soon as reasonably possible to notify the Client and Alfaparcel’s obligations under the Agreement will be suspended and the time for the performance of Alfaparcel’s Service will be extended for the duration of the Events outside Alfaparcel ‘s Control.

15.4 Alfaparcel will not be responsible for:

  1. Losses that were not caused by any breach on Alfaparcel’s part
  2. Any business loss ( including loss of profits, revenue, contracts, anticipated savings, data, goodwill or wasted expenditure)
  3. Any indirect or inconsequential losses that were not foreseeable to both the Client and Alfaparcel when the Client started using Alfaparcel Services

15.5 Alfaparcel only provides the Service for private use and the Client agrees not to use the Service for any commercial , business or re-sale use. Alfaparcel has no liability to the Client for any loss of profit, loss of business , interruption of business or loss of business opportunity.

16. Lien

16.1 If Alfaparcel’s charges are not paid, any goods in Alfaparcel’s possession or custody will be removed to store and retained until payment is made. Alfaparcel shall be entitled to charge for the storage of these goods. All charges must be paid before goods are shipped.

16.2 “Lien” means the right to hold property until a debt is paid. Alfaparcel shall have a general or particular lien upon all goods in Alfaparcel’s possession for all the money the Client owes Alfaparcel or for expenses incurred by Alfaparcel and for payments Alfaparcel make on the Client’s behalf.

16.3 End of Agreement/Power of Sale- In the event of more 1 months storage fees outstanding or in the event of goods having been stored at the Alfaparcel warehouse for 6 months without payment of Alfaparcel ‘s invoice(s) (which includes the shipping fees) Alfaparcel may give the Client 14 days notice via Client’s account to the Client’s last known e-mail address requiring payment of all outstanding invoices due. If the Client does not pay his invoice within 30 days of Alfaparcel sending the e-mail, Alfaparcel may sell or otherwise dispose of the goods without further notice. Any proceeds of sale will be credited against any payments due to Alfaparcel and any remainder of any proceeds of sale will be credited to the Client.

17. Termination 

17.1 Alfaparcel have the right to close a Client’s Alfaparcel account, refund any credit less outstanding commission to a Client and refuse any further orders for Services from a Client if:

  1. a Client opens or attempts to open two or more accounts with, Alfaparcel or
  2. a Client breaks any of these Terms or any of the terms and conditions relating to the use of the Alfaparcel website, or
  3. Alfaparcel gives you 7 days notice via e-mail to terminate the agreement for provision of Services by Alfaparcel. 

18. Notices and Complaints Procedure 

18.1 If a Client wishes to contact Alfaparcel or has a complaint please write to Alfaparcel Europa Way, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, PE30 2TZ or e-mail Alfaparcel at complains@alfaparcel.com. Alfaparcel welcomes and learns from complaints. Alfaparcel aims to deal with complaints speedily and sympathetically. All complaints are logged, investigated and replied to. 

19. Other Important Terms 

19.1 Alfaparcel may transfer its rights and obligations under these Terms to another organisation. Alfaparcel will always notify the Client in writing if this happens, but this will not affect the Client’s rights or Alfaparcel’s obligations under these Terms. 

19.2 This contract is between the Client and Alfaparcel. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms unless Alfaparcel have transferred its rights and obligations to another organisation under paragraph a) above. 

19.3 Each of the paragraphs of these Terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect. 

19.4 If Alfaparcel fails to insist that the Client performs any of the Client’s obligations under these Terms, or if Alfaparcel does not enforce Alfaparcel’s rights against the Client, or if Alfaparcel delays in doing so, that will not mean that Alfaparcel has waived Alfaparcel’s rights against the Client and will not mean that the Client does not have to comply with those obligations. If Alfaparcel does waive a default by the Client, Alfaparcel will only do so in writing, and that will not mean that Alfaparcel will automatically waive any later default by the Client.  19.5 All information and data supplied by the Client to Alfaparcel is confidential and shall not be disclosed to third parties , except when such information is requested by the UK government agencies . 

20. Governing Law 

20.1 These Terms are governed by English law. The Client and Alfaparcel both agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.