Backing out after paying a deposit?

[WalkingWolf]

Quote:
While I probably would not give any of the deposit back, you also have to consider your own health as to the stress dealing with this man causes.

 

[pips&peeps]

I wouldn't give him back the deposit simply because you had to pay for the supplies for the custom order. I would finish the work, just in case he sues. Then you will have his finished product to give to him and he can fork over the remaining balance owed.

Judge Judy would probably chew him a new one ..................

 

[Katy]

I wonder what would happen if you said you were going to counter sue for the money you shelled out for his custom order. Probably make matters worse, but it would be interesting to see if that made him back off. Have you even seen any proof that he's got any kind of lawyer? He sounds like a big bag of hot air who's gotten thru life being a bully.

 

[twentynine]

Quote:
While I probably would not give any of the deposit back, you also have to consider your own health as to the stress dealing with this man causes.

That's what I was trying to say.

Sometimes just knowing your right has to be enough.

I do not like the idea of giving in to a bully. But as you stated your time is valuable, is it really worth investing your time fighting this guy. Make peace with it, put it behind you, so tomorrow you can dedicate your time to a customer who really deserves it. Your business depends on you and the time you have available.

 

[DuckLady]

Quote:
Ding ding ding!

 

[CityChicker]

I totally agree with twentynine. I'm sorry, but I don't agree with fighting over a few hundred dollars (and I'm a student, so I know how much money that can be). Too much stress and heartache. Sometimes, bullies get their way. It can be a hard pill to swallow, but think of the big picture. What is your sanity worth? Is doing battle with this guy really worth the stress and headache? Ultimately it doesn't matter who is right and who is wrong. You know that old saying about what goes around coming around. It is very true. There is another one that is very true- let go and let God. Lots of truth there even for the non-religious. You sometimes have to trust that someone will "get theirs" even if they get you. Does that make sense?

For me personally, this would not be worth the drama. At one point in my life, it would have been, but not now. Life is too short to get caught up in all this heartache. Give the guy his money back and tell him to never contact you again. Just be done with it and move on.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Even after she spent her own money in excess of the deposit? These are too hard of times to be throwing money away IMHO.

 

[Spookwriter]

No, I don't let people annoy me over a few hundred dollars.

I might forgive, but I don't forget.

This thread appears to be over a deposit put down on an article of
custom built something. Article was not completed on time. Not about
eggs.

Is the deposit refundable? I have not seen the WRITTEN contract, I do
no know.



Let me ask a few questions...

1.) Is the builder in position to stand the blow of losing a lawsuit? Or even
in the position to afford a lawsuit.?

2.) Are you in some way incorporated, or insured that losing a lawsuit would
be against your business and not you personally?

3.) Your reputation is at stake. Care to gamble?

4.) If you return the entire deposit, are you really at a loss? You actually have
the product you've built. It is yours. Can it be sold elsewhere, even if less than
the original price.

5.) Surely you file taxes on all this money. Can you write off the loss?

Not saying I disagee with not returning the deposit. At the same time, how much
grief are you willing to take to prove a point?

 

[Goose and Fig]

We don't have any money to return- it was spent on materials. We live week to week like many other people. I told him he would get his deposit (or part of it) when the pieces sold.
We are a green business- we don't make things unless they are ordered because it is a waste of materials. The only exception is when we do the annual arts festival- which has a 400 dollar booth fee. We did not apply to be in it this year, and it's too late now.

Like I said before- one guy with a gripe is not going to ruin 15 years of furniture making. We tried everything to make him happy. He could have had his stuff on time if he got someone to pick it up. He chose not to. It's not that it wasn't completed- he didn't like when our driver was going to pick it up! Our driver is a great guy that gives our customers good rates- and he actually picks up here in the middle of nowhere.

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Hon you are never gonna get everyone to get it.