Based on looking at the website apple-parking.co.uk, it appears to offer airport parking services at Heathrow. However, a strict review reveals several critical omissions that raise concerns about its legitimacy and trustworthiness, particularly for a service that handles a valuable asset like your vehicle.
Overall Review Summary:
- Website Presence: Appears functional but lacks essential trust signals.
- Contact Information: Provides email and phone number, but no physical address.
- Transparency: Lacks detailed information about company registration, insurance, or operational protocols.
- Security & Trust: No clear accreditation, regulatory body affiliations, or comprehensive terms and conditions readily visible.
- User Reviews: Testimonials are present on the site, but independent verification is difficult due to the lack of external review platform links.
- Ethical Considerations: While the service itself (parking) is permissible, the lack of transparency could lead to uncertainty and potential disputes, which is best avoided.
While the service of airport parking is a practical necessity for many travellers, the absence of crucial transparency elements on apple-parking.co.uk makes it difficult to fully recommend. In today’s digital landscape, reputable businesses are expected to provide extensive verifiable information to build trust. When entrusting a service with your vehicle, a significant asset, it is paramount that the provider demonstrates maximum transparency regarding their operations, legal standing, and security measures. The current presentation falls short of establishing that level of confidence.
Best Alternatives for Airport Parking:
When it comes to something as vital as securing your vehicle while you travel, you want absolute peace of mind. Here are some highly reputable and transparent alternatives for airport parking, focusing on well-established services known for their clear operations and strong customer trust:
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Heathrow Airport Official Parking:
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- Key Features: Direct booking with the airport, various options (long stay, short stay, meet & greet, valet), highly secure facilities, guaranteed proximity to terminals.
- Average Price: Varies significantly based on duration, type of parking, and booking in advance; often competitive for official services.
- Pros: Maximum security, official airport backing, clear terms, easy access to terminals, dedicated customer support.
- Cons: Can be more expensive than unofficial alternatives if not booked well in advance.
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- Key Features: One of the UK’s largest parking providers, offers various parking types at Heathrow, well-established reputation, pre-booking options.
- Average Price: Competitive, often with discounts for online booking.
- Pros: Reputable brand, widespread presence, professional operations, clear booking process.
- Cons: Some facilities might require shuttle transfers, which adds a few minutes to the journey.
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- Key Features: Long-standing specialist in airport parking, offers a range of options including their own car parks and partner services, strong customer reviews.
- Average Price: Generally very competitive, particularly for longer stays.
- Pros: Excellent customer service, varied options, high security, often includes car park transfers.
- Cons: Some partner car parks might have slightly longer transfer times.
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- Key Features: A comprehensive travel extra provider, offers a wide selection of Heathrow parking options from various operators, price comparison tool.
- Average Price: Offers competitive rates due to aggregated options, often with bundle deals.
- Pros: One-stop shop for comparing many providers, often secures good deals, established and reliable platform.
- Cons: You are booking through a third party, so any issues might require liaising between Holiday Extras and the car park operator.
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- Key Features: Global online parking reservation platform, offers various parking types at Heathrow, instant booking confirmation, multilingual support.
- Average Price: Competitive rates from a network of car parks.
- Pros: Wide range of choices, easy to compare prices and services, secure online booking.
- Cons: As a platform, the quality of individual car parks can vary; reliance on the car park operator for service delivery.
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- Key Features: Primarily known for private parking spaces, but also lists commercial car parks near Heathrow, flexible booking, app-based.
- Average Price: Can be very competitive, especially for longer durations or off-site locations.
- Pros: Wide variety of options, potential for cheaper rates, convenient app for booking and management.
- Cons: Some options might be private driveways, which may not offer the same level of security or official oversight as dedicated car parks.
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- Key Features: Similar to JustPark, connects drivers with available parking spaces including commercial car parks and private driveways, flexible booking.
- Average Price: Often offers good value, particularly for non-peak times or residential spots.
- Pros: Extensive network of spaces, flexible booking options, competitive pricing.
- Cons: Security and oversight can vary significantly depending on the type of space booked.
Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.
IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.
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Apple-parking.co.uk Review & First Look
Based on a thorough examination of apple-parking.co.uk, the initial impression is of a minimalist website designed to facilitate airport parking bookings. The site highlights “Heathrow Airport Meet & Greet Parking Services” with a slogan of “Dedicated to quality and professionalism, striving to deliver the best in customer service.” While these statements sound promising, the overall design and content fall short of what a reputable service handling valuable assets (your car) should unequivocally provide.
Initial Observations on Website Design and Functionality
The website presents a clean, modern interface with a straightforward three-step booking process: “Select Your Departure Date,” “Safe and Secure Payment,” and “Safe and Happy Travels!” This simplicity aims for user-friendliness, which is a positive aspect for online booking platforms. However, crucial elements that typically underpin trust and transparency for a service of this nature are notably absent. The visual appeal is decent, and the navigation seems intuitive enough for users to find the booking engine.
Missing Trust Signals and Information
A key concern upon first look is the lack of readily available, verifiable information. For a business operating meet & greet services at a major international airport like Heathrow, certain disclosures are standard practice and expected. These include:
- Company Registration Details: There’s no mention of a company registration number, registered office address, or legal entity name (e.g., Ltd, LLP). This is fundamental for verifying the legal existence and legitimacy of a business in the UK. According to Companies House data, all legally operating UK companies must be registered and provide this information.
- Physical Address of Operation/Parking Facility: While they state “Meet & Greet” at the terminal, the actual location where vehicles are parked is not disclosed. Reputable parking services often provide details or general areas of their secure compounds.
- Insurance Information: There is no explicit mention of comprehensive insurance coverage for vehicles while in their care. This is a critical piece of information for customers, as it outlines liability in case of damage or theft.
- Accreditations and Affiliations: No mention of accreditations from industry bodies (e.g., British Parking Association – BPA, Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme). These accreditations signify adherence to safety standards and ethical practices. For instance, the Park Mark® scheme, awarded by the Police, is a widely recognised benchmark for secure car parks.
- Detailed Terms and Conditions: While the site mentions “Secure Payment,” comprehensive Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) or a Privacy Policy link are not immediately visible or clearly labelled on the homepage or in the footer. These documents are vital for outlining customer rights, responsibilities, and the company’s obligations.
Apple-parking.co.uk Pros & Cons
When evaluating apple-parking.co.uk, it’s essential to weigh its stated benefits against the significant areas of concern. For any service, especially one handling a valuable asset like a vehicle, a balance of convenience and verifiable trust is paramount.
Stated Advantages and User Experience
The website highlights several customer-centric advantages, focusing on convenience and ease of use. These include: Winstonebooks.co.uk Review
- Convenient Meet & Greet Service: The core offering is a meet and greet service at Heathrow terminals, which eliminates the need for customers to find parking themselves. This is a significant convenience, particularly for travellers with heavy luggage or those on tight schedules.
- Hassle-Free Luggage Handling: The promise of secure luggage handling as part of the drop-off service adds to the perceived ease of the experience.
- Competitive Rates & Discounts: The site mentions “affordable parking packages” and “special discounts available during peak seasons and special events,” suggesting a focus on value for money.
- 24/7 Customer Support: The availability of 24/7 customer support implies readiness to assist at any time, which is crucial for airport services given varying flight times.
- Professional Chauffeurs: The claim that “skilled team of professional chauffeurs treats your vehicle with the utmost care” aims to reassure customers about the handling of their car.
- Positive On-Site Testimonials: The presence of testimonials from “Priya Patel,” “Jonathan Reed,” and “Emily Sanders” suggests positive past customer experiences, reinforcing the idea of a reliable service. However, these are internal testimonials and lack external verification.
Significant Disadvantages and Red Flags
Despite the stated advantages, the drawbacks related to transparency and verifiability are substantial and raise serious concerns. These are crucial aspects for discerning customers, especially in a market where trust and security are non-negotiable.
- Lack of Company Registration and Legal Details: As noted in the initial review, the complete absence of a registered company name, company number, or a physical business address is a major red flag. Legitimate businesses in the UK are legally required to provide this information. This makes it impossible for consumers to verify the entity they are dealing with.
- No Proof of Insurance or Liability: The website makes no explicit mention of insurance coverage for customer vehicles. What happens if a car is damaged, stolen, or involved in an incident while in their care? This fundamental omission leaves customers completely unprotected and uncertain about liability.
- Absence of Industry Accreditations: There are no badges or claims of accreditation from recognised bodies like the British Parking Association (BPA) or the Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme. These accreditations are crucial for indicating adherence to safety standards, security measures, and ethical operations within the parking industry.
- Undisclosed Parking Facility Location: While they offer meet & greet, the actual secure facility where vehicles are parked is not disclosed. Customers have no way of knowing where their car will be stored, nor can they verify its security measures (e.g., CCTV, fencing, staff presence).
- Limited Contact Information Beyond Phone/Email: While a phone number (07496830677) and email ([email protected]) are provided, the absence of a physical address or clear company registration means there is no formal way to trace or contact the business beyond these digital channels. This is concerning for dispute resolution or legal recourse.
- Unverifiable Testimonials: The testimonials presented on the website are internal and cannot be independently verified through external platforms like Trustpilot, Google Reviews, or other reputable review sites. This makes it difficult to gauge genuine customer satisfaction and identify potential widespread issues.
- No Visible Terms and Conditions or Privacy Policy: These legal documents are essential for any online service. Their absence means customers are agreeing to an unknown set of rules, and their data privacy is not explicitly addressed. This poses a significant risk for consumers.
- General Lack of Transparency: Overall, the website fosters an environment of non-transparency. For a service that takes possession of a high-value asset, this lack of verifiable information is a serious impediment to building customer trust.
Apple-parking.co.uk Alternatives
Given the significant lack of verifiable information and transparency on apple-parking.co.uk, exploring robust alternatives is not just recommended, but essential. When you’re entrusting your vehicle, you need services that offer not just convenience but also undeniable security, comprehensive insurance, and clear legal standing. The following alternatives are well-established providers with proven track records in the UK airport parking industry, providing peace of mind through their transparency and professional operations.
Official Airport Parking Services
These are often the most secure and reliable options, directly managed by the airport authorities.
- Heathrow Airport Official Parking: Booking directly with Heathrow Airport ensures maximum security and convenience. They offer a range of options including short stay, long stay, business parking, valet parking, and meet & greet. All their facilities are secure, well-lit, and often monitored by CCTV, with clear terms and conditions. Prices can vary but are typically transparent and competitive for the level of service and security offered.
Reputable Third-Party Parking Providers
These companies specialise in airport parking and have built strong reputations over years of operation, often with their own secure facilities and clear accreditation.
- NCP Parking: As one of the largest parking operators in the UK, NCP offers various parking solutions at Heathrow. They have established processes, clear security measures, and a track record of reliable service. Their website clearly outlines terms, privacy, and company details.
- APH Airport Parking & Hotels: APH is a highly respected name in the airport parking industry, known for its focus on customer service and secure parking options. They own and operate their own award-winning car parks, which are typically Park Mark® accredited. They also partner with other reputable providers, offering a wide range of services with clear transparency.
- Q-Park: While perhaps less dominant in direct airport meet & greet, Q-Park is a major European parking operator known for high-quality, secure, and often multi-storey car parks. If they offer direct airport parking at Heathrow, their facilities are typically very modern and well-managed.
Parking Comparison and Booking Platforms
These platforms aggregate services from multiple providers, allowing you to compare prices and features, but it’s crucial to still verify the underlying operator’s reputation. Breathing-otter.co.uk Review
- Holiday Extras: A widely recognised and trusted platform for booking airport parking, hotels, and other travel extras. Holiday Extras partners with a vast network of legitimate parking providers at Heathrow, including official airport car parks and reputable third-party operators. They provide detailed information about each parking service, including security features, transfer times, and independent customer reviews, allowing you to make an informed choice.
- Park via: A global leader in online parking reservations, Park via offers a comprehensive selection of parking options at Heathrow. They display clear information about the car parks they list, including photos, services offered, and user ratings, helping ensure transparency.
- Looking4Parking: Another popular comparison site that allows users to find and book airport parking. They work with a wide range of operators and typically provide key details about each service, including security features and customer reviews, to aid in decision-making.
When considering any airport parking service, always prioritise providers that:
- Are transparent about their company registration, physical address, and contact details.
- Clearly state their insurance coverage for vehicles in their care.
- Display relevant industry accreditations (e.g., Park Mark®).
- Have a strong presence on independent review platforms (e.g., Trustpilot).
- Provide comprehensive and easily accessible Terms and Conditions.
These reputable alternatives provide the necessary peace of mind that apple-parking.co.uk currently lacks due to its significant transparency deficiencies.
How to Cancel Apple-parking.co.uk Subscription
Based on the publicly available information on the apple-parking.co.uk website, there is no mention of a “subscription” model for their parking services. Their system appears to operate on a one-off booking basis for specific departure dates. Therefore, the concept of cancelling an ongoing subscription, in the traditional sense, does not apply.
Understanding the Booking Process
The website outlines a three-step booking process: “Select Your Departure Date,” “Safe and Secure Payment,” and “Safe and Happy Travels!” This indicates that customers are making individual, pre-paid reservations for a defined period of parking. There is no visible option or information suggesting a recurring charge or a continuous service agreement that would constitute a “subscription.”
Cancelling a Booking vs. a Subscription
If a user needs to cancel a pre-paid booking with apple-parking.co.uk, they would need to refer to any terms and conditions provided at the time of booking or contact the company directly. The website lists two contact methods: Localarchitectsdirect.co.uk Review
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 07496830677
Steps for Attempting to Cancel a Booking (if applicable):
- Review Booking Confirmation: Check your email or any confirmation pages received after booking. These often contain cancellation policies or instructions.
- Contact Customer Service: Use the provided email or phone number to inquire about their cancellation policy and process. Clearly state your booking reference number, name, and the dates of your reservation.
- Document Communication: Keep a record of all communication, including dates, times, and the content of emails or phone calls, for future reference.
Important Considerations for Cancellations:
- Refund Policy: Without clear terms and conditions on the website, it is unknown if apple-parking.co.uk offers refunds for cancelled bookings, and if so, under what circumstances (e.g., notice period, cancellation fees). Reputable parking services usually have a clear refund policy.
- Payment Provider: If you paid by credit card, you might have some recourse through your card provider if a cancellation is refused without justification and you believe you are entitled to one based on any implicit or explicit agreement.
Given the lack of transparency on the website regarding terms and conditions, any cancellation process would likely be reliant on direct communication with the company and their undisclosed policies. This uncertainty is precisely why choosing a reputable and transparent service is paramount, as they clearly outline their cancellation and refund policies upfront.
Apple-parking.co.uk Pricing
Based on the information available on the apple-parking.co.uk homepage, specific pricing details are not explicitly published. The website indicates that it offers “Affordable Parking Packages” and mentions “special discounts available during peak seasons and special events.” However, to obtain a price, users are guided through a booking process that likely involves inputting their desired departure and return dates.
How Pricing is Determined (Implied)
Like most airport parking services, the pricing for apple-parking.co.uk is almost certainly dynamic and based on several factors: Grapekitchen.co.uk Review
- Duration of Stay: The longer the parking period, the higher the total cost, though the daily rate might decrease for extended stays.
- Booking in Advance: Airport parking prices typically increase significantly closer to the travel date. Booking well in advance (weeks or months) usually secures the best rates.
- Seasonality and Demand: Prices will fluctuate based on peak travel seasons (e.g., school holidays, summer, Christmas) and specific event dates at Heathrow. Higher demand leads to higher prices.
- Type of Service: While the primary service is Meet & Greet, different tiers or packages might exist (though not explicitly detailed on the homepage), potentially influencing price.
Transparency in Pricing
The absence of a clear pricing table or a ‘Get a Quote’ section that immediately displays a price range before committing to the booking process is a minor transparency concern. While most booking engines require dates to provide an accurate quote, a general indication of pricing structures or typical daily rates would enhance user confidence.
What we know about their pricing:
- They claim “competitive rates that help you save money.”
- They offer “special discounts.”
What we don’t know:
- Actual daily or weekly rates.
- Any hidden fees (e.g., airport access charges, booking fees).
- Cancellation or amendment fees.
To determine the actual cost for a specific trip, a user would need to proceed through the “Select Your Departure Date” step on their booking interface. This means the pricing is revealed only after the user has engaged with the booking process. For a service that emphasizes “transparency,” the lack of upfront pricing information is a notable oversight. In contrast, many established parking providers offer instant quotes on their homepages or through dedicated pricing tools before requiring full booking details.
Ethical Considerations for Airport Parking Services
While the service of airport parking itself is generally permissible and a practical necessity for travellers, the ethical considerations revolve around the transparency, reliability, and trustworthiness of the service provider. For any business, particularly one involving the care of a valuable asset, honesty, clear communication, and accountability are paramount. Hairrepairclinic.co.uk Review
Transparency and Honesty
A key ethical concern for apple-parking.co.uk stems from the significant lack of transparency on its website. Ethical business practice dictates that customers should have access to fundamental information about the entity they are engaging with. This includes:
- Identity of the Business: Knowing the legally registered name and number of the company. Without this, how can a customer verify who they are truly entrusting their vehicle to? This is a basic requirement for consumer protection.
- Physical Location of Operations: While meet & greet is convenient, customers have a right to know where their vehicle will be stored. Is it a secure, monitored facility? Is it a reputable car park? Secrecy around this raises questions about potential liabilities and the security measures in place.
- Insurance Coverage: It is ethically imperative that any business taking custody of another person’s property clearly outlines its insurance coverage and liability in case of damage, theft, or other unforeseen events. The absence of this information leaves customers vulnerable and can lead to significant disputes and financial loss.
- Clear Terms and Conditions: All terms of service, including cancellation policies, refund policies, and responsibilities of both parties, should be readily accessible and unambiguous. This prevents misunderstandings and provides a framework for resolving disputes fairly. Omitting this information can be seen as an attempt to avoid accountability.
Reliability and Trustworthiness
The promise of “Dedicated to quality and professionalism” and “travel with peace of mind” needs to be backed by verifiable evidence. Ethical conduct involves delivering on promises and ensuring the security and proper care of a customer’s property.
- Security of Vehicles: Without clear information on security measures (e.g., CCTV, secure fencing, manned premises), the claim of a “safe, monitored facility” is difficult to trust. An ethical service provider would highlight its security accreditations (like Park Mark®) to reassure customers.
- Professional Conduct: While the website mentions “professional chauffeurs,” the overall lack of corporate transparency can make it difficult to ascertain the training, background checks, or employment standards for these individuals.
- Handling of Personal Data: With a booking system, personal data (name, contact details, payment information) is collected. An ethical business must have a clear Privacy Policy detailing how this data is collected, stored, used, and protected, adhering to regulations like GDPR in the UK. The absence of a readily available Privacy Policy is a significant ethical lapse.
Avoiding Uncertainty and Potential Disputes
From an ethical perspective, services that create uncertainty or potential for disputes due to a lack of information are problematic. In Islamic principles, clarity in transactions (avoiding gharar – excessive uncertainty) is highly valued. When a business is not fully transparent, it introduces an element of risk and ambiguity that can lead to unforeseen negative outcomes for the customer.
Therefore, while the core service of parking is permissible, the method and transparency of delivery by apple-parking.co.uk raise substantial ethical questions. Customers are advised to opt for providers who demonstrate unwavering transparency, clear legal standing, comprehensive insurance, and verifiable security measures to ensure peace of mind and protect their valuable assets. This aligns with the principle of dealing fairly and openly in all transactions.
FAQ
How can I book parking with Apple-parking.co.uk?
You can book parking with Apple-parking.co.uk by visiting their website and following their three-step process: selecting your departure date, proceeding with secure payment, and then receiving confirmation for your parking spot. Refreshmentsystems.co.uk Review
Does Apple-parking.co.uk operate 24/7?
Yes, according to the website, Apple-parking.co.uk operates 24/7, implying that their services are available around the clock to accommodate various flight schedules.
What kind of parking services does Apple-parking.co.uk offer?
Apple-parking.co.uk primarily offers Meet & Greet parking services at Heathrow Airport, where you hand over your car at the terminal to a chauffeur and have it returned to you upon your arrival.
Is my car secure with Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website states that your vehicle will be parked in a “safe, monitored facility” and that they provide a “secure, reliable, and customer-centered service.” However, specific details about security measures (e.g., CCTV, fencing, accreditations) are not explicitly provided on the homepage.
How do I contact Apple-parking.co.uk customer support?
You can contact Apple-parking.co.uk customer support via email at [email protected] or by phone at 07496830677. The website indicates 24/7 customer support.
Are there any discounts available for Apple-parking.co.uk?
Yes, Apple-parking.co.uk mentions that they offer “special discounts available during peak seasons and special events,” encouraging users to check for current offers. Cabhub.co.uk Review
Where is the physical parking facility for Apple-parking.co.uk?
The specific physical location of the parking facility used by Apple-parking.co.uk is not disclosed on their homepage. They offer a Meet & Greet service where you drop off your car at the terminal.
Does Apple-parking.co.uk have a company registration number?
Based on the website’s publicly available information, a company registration number or specific legal entity details are not displayed, which is a significant omission for a UK business.
Are Apple-parking.co.uk’s testimonials verifiable?
The testimonials presented on the Apple-parking.co.uk website are internal and do not link to external, independent review platforms, making them difficult to verify.
Does Apple-parking.co.uk provide insurance coverage details for vehicles?
The website does not explicitly mention or detail any insurance coverage for customer vehicles while in their care, which is a critical piece of information for users.
How do I cancel a booking with Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website does not explicitly outline a cancellation policy or process. You would need to contact their customer support via email or phone to inquire about cancelling a booking and any associated terms. Train4academy.co.uk Review
Is Apple-parking.co.uk regulated or accredited by industry bodies?
There is no mention or display of accreditations from industry bodies such as the British Parking Association (BPA) or the Park Mark® Safer Parking Scheme on the Apple-parking.co.uk website.
What payment methods are accepted by Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website mentions “Safe and Secure Payment” as part of its booking process, but specific accepted payment methods (e.g., credit card types, PayPal) are not detailed on the homepage.
Does Apple-parking.co.uk have a clear Privacy Policy?
A readily visible link to a comprehensive Privacy Policy document is not apparent on the Apple-parking.co.uk homepage or in its footer, which is an important legal requirement for data handling.
Are there any hidden fees with Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website states “competitive rates,” but without a clear pricing structure or terms and conditions, it’s not possible to ascertain if there are any additional or hidden fees (e.g., airport access charges) before booking.
How far in advance should I book with Apple-parking.co.uk to get the best price?
While the website mentions discounts, it does not specify how far in advance one should book. Generally, for airport parking, booking as early as possible (weeks or months ahead) tends to secure better rates. Bathpanelstore.co.uk Review
Can I modify my booking with Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website does not provide specific instructions or a policy for modifying existing bookings. You would likely need to contact their customer support to inquire about making changes.
Are chauffeurs at Apple-parking.co.uk DBS checked or professionally vetted?
The website states they have a “skilled team of professional chauffeurs,” but it does not provide details on their vetting process, background checks, or professional certifications.
What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled when using Apple-parking.co.uk?
The website does not outline a specific policy for flight delays or cancellations. It is advisable to clarify this directly with their customer support before booking, as reputable services usually have a protocol for such events.
How does Apple-parking.co.uk ensure luggage handling is hassle-free?
Apple-parking.co.uk states their drop-off service includes “secure luggage handling,” aiming for a convenient start to your journey, but specific details on how this is managed are not provided.
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