Frequently asked questions
Contents
Ordering
What do I do if I make a mistake when placing an order?
If you’ve selected the wrong address:
- Before placing the order:
- Use the address finder to select the correct address.
- After placing the order:
- Call our Customer Service team on 0115 971 3550, or
- Raise a query on the order in your account.
How do I place an order?
Please refer to the training guide notes on the login screen of the ordering site or our website’s ‘How to guides’ section.
How do I log on to the ordering system?
To access our ordering site, click the pink ‘Platform Login’ button at the top of the page. Then, enter your account username and password and sign in.
Can I place more than one order at a time?
Yes. Once you’ve submitted an order for a particular property, you can place another order or finish the session and log out.
Do I need to send a plan?
Yes, please. Ideally, you should use our mapping tool, but you can also upload your own plan.
How do I cancel an order?
Please read our Cancellation Policy first, and if you need help, call our customer services team on 0115 971 3550.
What if I have not got a postcode for a property?
A postcode helps us to locate a property. Our website can search for a postcode when manually entering the address details in the relevant fields. Alternatively, you can use Royal Mail’s postcode finder service.
What if the property is a new development or land?
Select the ‘add address manually’ option when you’re asked to enter the property details.
However, it can be difficult for us to determine the boundaries of new developments. Therefore, we would appreciate it if you could upload a plan when ordering. If you know the postcode, please ensure it’s used. If in doubt, leave the postcode field empty.
Can I change an existing order?
Once you’ve placed an order, you can still edit it via the ordering pages, provided we’ve not started work on it. You can also add new searches to an existing order. Alternatively, telephone our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 (quoting the order reference), and they can do this for you. Please note that you must place a new order if you wish to amend the property address and the order has been completed.
Credit card ordering
I am an account customer, can I pay my monthly invoice by credit card?
BACS is the preferred payment method for account holders. However, you can also pay your invoice by credit card, debit card, or cheque. Please call our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 to discuss this.
How do I create a credit card ordering facility?
To create a credit card ordering facility:
- Go to our ordering site and click the pink ‘Platform Login’ button at the top of the page.
- Click the ‘Register to Pay by Card’ button.
- Enter your customer name, address, user name, and password to register.
Who do I contact for help regarding payment?
Please contact our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 or email us at enquiries@severntrentsearches.com.
Will I receive a confirmation of my payment?
Yes. You’ll receive email confirmation from Severn Trent Searches and PayPoint for your order and payment.
Is the site secure?
Yes, all payments are processed through PayPoint, which is validated by PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards).
When paying, you can also look for the padlock symbol on our web page, which indicates that the site is locked and secure. All personal data is also encrypted before transmission.
How do I apply to become an account customer?
Complete the account customer application form. Please note that applications are subject to a credit check and further terms and conditions apply. Please see the web site for further information or call the property searches accounts team on 0115 971 3550.
Can I get a refund to my credit/debit card if the order is cancelled?
Yes. Please call our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 to arrange a refund on a cancelled conveyancing search. However, if your query is regarding refunds from Severn Trent Water, then please get in touch with their billing team directly on 0345 7500 500 or visit www.stwater.co.uk
Can I place several orders and pay in one single transaction?
Unfortunately, no. You must make one payment per order, although you can request multiple searches on one specific property address.
Is there a charge for using my credit card?
No. Severn Trent Searches will cover any administration charges. They will not be passed on to you.
Can I add more users to the ordering facility?
Yes. You can add more users to the account either in the ‘Preferences’ section of the ordering pages or by sending your request to us via email at enquiries@severntrentsearches.com
Which cards am I able to pay with?
We accept MasterCard, Visa Debit, Delta, Connect, Visa, Maestro, and Solo cards.
Manage your account
What do I do if I have forgotten my password?
If you forget your password, you can select the ‘Forgot your password’ link on the log-in screen of our ordering site, contact us on 0115 971 3550, or send us an email at enquiries@severntrentsearches.com
How do we change or add new user details into the system?
In the ‘Preferences, contacts’ section of the ordering pages, you can:
- Amend contact details,
- Add staff members for online ordering,
- Update email addresses for report delivery
- Alternatively, email us at enquiries@severntrentsearches.com
How do we pay?
Our account customers receive a monthly invoice, which must be paid via BACS transfer within 14 days of receipt. For further details, please get in touch with our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 or email them via enquiries@severntrentsearches.com
Dispatch and delivery
How do I save my PDF file to my document file?
Once you’ve opened the PDF attachment, click on the “File” icon in the top left-hand corner of the screen. Then, scroll down, select “Save as… / Save a copy,” and choose the destination folder. Type in the desired filename and then click “Save.”
What is the file size of the PDF?
Each file is typically between 2MB and 5MB in size.
Which searches will be sent electronically?
We can return all searches to you as a PDF attachment.
How long will it take for my reports to be delivered?
It depends on the report you ordered. For instance, we usually provide CON29DW reports in under half a day. If that information is available, you’ll find typical turnaround times on each product page.
How will my reports be delivered?
Once your reports are completed, they will automatically be sent to your email address in PDF format and/or through the post, depending on which delivery method you requested when you placed the order. If you wish to change your delivery preference, you can do so in the ‘Preferences, settings’ section of the ordering site or contact us, and we’ll do it for you.
What do I need to do to be able to receive reports electronically?
You must select the e-mail delivery method in the ‘Preferences, settings’ section in the ordering system and provide us with your email address. Alternatively you can contact us on 0115 971 3550, and we’ll do it for you.
How do I download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader?
Click on Adobe’s website. Then, follow the onscreen instructions to download the free software.
Customer service issues
Is there any training guidance for the ordering system?
Yes. Please see our ‘How to guides’ page for help and support.
Who do I contact if I have a product query?
This website contains a wealth of product information; however, if you’d like to speak to someone, please call us on 0115 971 3550.
Who do I contact if I have a technical query with the ordering system or reports?
Please get in touch with our customer services team on 0115 971 3550 or email them via enquiries@severntrentsearches.com
What are your full contact details?
Severn Trent Searches
Pure Offices, Sherwood Business Park
Lake View Drive
Nottingham
NG15 0DT
Tel: 0115 971 3550
Website
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