1. General Information

• 1.1. In these terms and conditions, references to “Data Recovery Specialist” relate to Data Recovery Specialist LTD affiliate partners of Fields Associates Ltd. The term “Client” or “Customer” relates to any person, firm, company, or any other party that sends media to Data Recovery Specialist for diagnostics or data recovery.
• 1.2. The word “Full” or phrase “Full Recovery”, when used in relation to the process of data recovery or the amount of data recovered relates solely to the amount of data that has been able to be recovered from the media and not to the amount of data originally contained on the media.
• 1.3. As part of its diagnostic process, Data Recovery Specialist agrees to use its best commercial knowledge and expertise to determine the probability of and, where possible, the volume of recoverable data from the client’s media.
• 1.4. As part of its recovery process, Data Recovery Specialist will endeavour to retrieve or replicate the maximum amount of data from the client’s media.
• 1.5. Business days are Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays. Business hours are 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Services outside these hours will be charged at an agreed rate.
• 1.6. Response times are not contractual unless agreed otherwise.
• 1.7. Media Dispatch and Collection Responsibility: Once dispatched, media collection is the recipient’s responsibility. Customs-related issues must be resolved by the recipient.
• 1.8. Uncollected Media: Media returned to the lab and uncollected for 7 days may be destroyed without further notice.
• 1.9. No Liability for Uncollected or Disposed Media: Data Recovery Specialist is not liable for loss resulting from uncollected media or disposal.
• 1.10. Acknowledgement of Terms: Accepting media dispatch confirms agreement to these terms. Accurate delivery details are the recipient’s responsibility.

2. Estimates, Quotations and Payments

• 2.1. Quotations are valid for 7 days unless otherwise agreed.
• 2.2. Prices are exclusive of VAT.
• 2.3. Quotations may be accepted in writing, verbally, or electronically. Work does not begin until approval is given.
• 2.4. If the client cancels after approval, charges may apply for work or parts used to date.
• 2.5. Payment is due upon completion and before data release. Accepted payment methods include credit/debit card, cheque, or bank transfer.
• 2.6. Interest of 1.5% per month applies to overdue payments. Admin fees include: £75/month late payment, £10/phone call, £30/letter, £10/invoice copy. VAT applies.

3. Confidentiality

• 3.1. Data Recovery Specialist will not disclose client data without consent, except to authorized personnel or as required by law.
• 3.2. Only authorized engineers handle media, which is stored securely. Storage location may differ from initial delivery address.
• 3.3. Recovered data is stored on offline devices per the Data Protection Act 2018.

4. Diagnostics and Recovery Processes

• 4.1. Diagnostic reports are delivered via phone or email unless agreed otherwise.
• 4.2. The client acknowledges that:
  • 4.2.1. The media is already damaged.
  • 4.2.2. Recovery efforts may cause further damage.
  • 4.2.3. Warranties may be voided.
  • 4.2.4. Data Recovery Specialist is not liable for such damage.
• 4.3. Additional parts may be required and charged with client approval.
• 4.4. In complex cases, a fixed, no-obligation fee may apply. This is separate from the “no recovery, no fee” policy.
• 4.5. Charges apply only if data is successfully recovered. No guarantee is made about data completeness or relevance unless agreed in writing.
• 4.6. Media may be sent to other recovery locations at Data Recovery Specialist’s expense. The company is not liable for transit damage or loss.

5. Performance, Delivery & Carriage

• 5.1. Recovered data under 500GB is delivered via Dropbox only. Larger recoveries may require extra charges for physical media.
• 5.2. Recovered data is returned via traceable next-day service. Postage and admin fees may apply.
• 5.3. No liability for postal network delays unless previously agreed.
• 5.4. Client must inspect deliveries within 5 days and report issues within 7 days of dispatch.
• 5.5. Recovered data is retained for 7 days. Further storage may incur charges.
• 5.6. Unsatisfactory work may be remedied or refunded at the company’s discretion.
• 5.7. Media may be stored internationally for up to 14 days post-recovery. Return requests must be made within 28 days.
• 5.8. Free return service is untracked and not insured. Delivery is within 21 days post-recovery + 14 days.
• 5.9. No warranties or guarantees are offered. Liability is limited to fees paid for services.

6. Data Integrity

• 6.1. Contents of files are not examined by Data Recovery Specialist.
• 6.2. Integrity estimates are based on file signature analysis and are not guaranteed.
• 6.3. No responsibility is accepted for content, integrity, or usability of recovered data.
• 6.4. The client must request a file list to review recovered data. No guarantees are made on data shown in the list.

7. Legality

• 7.1. The client affirms that they legally own the media and content provided and have the legal right to request recovery services under the laws of England and Wales.

These Terms and Conditions were last modified on 27th May 2022.