Terms of business
By accepting our services or purchase of goods, you the client contractually agree to the Terms of Business as laid out below.
Data Protection
We promise to only use client details for the purpose of our business. We will not intentionally pass any details to third parties, unless specifically detailed below, without your permission. We may, from time to time, send you veterinary information that would be relevant to you. We will aim to maintain your details correct on our database. You, the client, will provide us with correct and up-dated personal information to allow us to provide our services to you. These include name, contact details, animal details, details of owners or those looking after the animals and details of any other vet the animal has been registered with.
Fees
All fees, diets and drug charges are subject to VAT at the current rate. Fee levels are determined by the time spent on a case and according to the drugs, resources, materials, consumables and diets used.
Estimates of treatment costs
We will happily provide you a written estimate as to the probable costs of a course of treatment. Please bear in mind that any estimate given can only be approximate – often an animal’s illness will not follow a conventional course. We will always try to keep you informed on costs as they arise. It is therefore important that clients leave an appropriate contact number where they will be available. If we cannot contact you, we will always put the welfare on the animal first.
Payment terms
The payment terms are detailed separately below. Notwithstanding this, we reserve the right to ask clients to prepay for services offered.
Client Financial Referencing
We reserve the right to reference current or prospective clients’ credit worthiness. This will include credit referencing agencies, CCJ’s and payment history with previous veterinary practices.
Returned cheques
Any cheque returned by our bank as unpaid, any credit card payment not honoured and any cash tendered that is found to counterfeit will result in the account being restored to the original sum. Additional charges will be added in respect to bank charges, administrative costs and interest on the principal sum.
Overdue accounts
Overdue accounts will be charged an interest rate at the statutory level of Base rate + 5% per month (for other B2B this will be served under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998). Any part payment will go to reduce the interest charge first, unless other arrangements have been agreed with us in writing. If payment is not forthcoming under our agreed terms, clients will be referred to our Debt Collection Agency or the County Court. Further charges may be levied in respect of costs incurred in collecting the debt, such a production of reports, correspondence, court fees, attendance at court, phone calls, home visits, etc. We reserve the right that to receive any further service goods, clients who have an outstanding debt must prepay or guarantee with a credit/debit card. Bad debtors will be removed from our client list. A summary payment history may be passed to other veterinary practices who request it.
Disputes
Any dispute with the fees presented must be put in writing to the Practice within 7 days of receiving the invoice. Where any dispute is not proven and as a result payment is late, then the overdue accounts procedure will become effective. Therefore clients are always advised to settle their invoice on time, and if there is a dispute this payment being made without prejudice.
Payment terms
Invoices are to be settled within 30 days. Certain procedures may require payment in advance, such as Vettings or large surgical procedures. For larger clients (e.g. Suds or Livery Yards), where it has been agreed, collated monthly invoices will be sent. New clients may be required to prepay (or guarantee with a credit/debit card) for services or goods until an account with us has been set-up.
Livery Yards/Stables
Our policy is to normally invoice the horse’s owner directly. Where a livery yard/stables has permission from the horse/pony’s owner to authorize veterinary work, purchase goods or that invoices will be initially settled by them, then that livery/yard/stables is responsible for ensuring accounts are settled on time and are liable for any late payment action. Where livery/yard/stables arrange such veterinary service or purchase goods from us, it is assumed that permission has been given by the owner for this service or goods to be provided. If any dispute over such permission between the owner and the livery yard/stables occurs, then the livery yard/stables will be liable to settle our invoice.
Payment Methods
Debit/Credit Card we accept Switch, Visa or MasterCard credit/debit cards as a preferred method of payment. Card payments, which can be made via telephone to 01344 426606. Payment can also be made at the clinic when horses undergo procedures here.
Standing Order Large permanent equine clients who incur significant veterinary costs can spread their payments over the year through standing order agreement. Each year, or if there are significant charges to your costs, the monthly payment will be reassessed. Please to the Practice Manager about setting up a standing order with us on 01344 426066.
Online banking payments can be made by bank transfer / online banking. Our details are:
Name: Scott Dunns Equine ClinicSort Code: 56-00-68
Account: 37590146
Reference: please enter your name and invoice account number, e.g. Smith - 13657893
Other Methods: We also accept payment by postal order or cheque (made payable to Scott Dunns Equine Clinic). Cheques are to have the client’s name, address and client account number written on the back.
Contact Details:
AccountsScott Dunns Equine Clinic
Straight Mile Farm
Billingbear
Wokingham
Berkshire
RG40 5RW
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