White Goods and Return of Deposit

[chippy]

We paid a deposit of €1000 on a number of electrical goods to the value of €3000. Due to a change in circumstances we no longer are in a position to purchase the goods due to a change in house purchase.

We have not gone back to the shop just yet and wanted to know in advance if they have any legal stance in keeping the deposit or do they have to return the monies paid.

They may well be totally reasonable and return it straight away but we just wanted to know legally where we stand, just in case there are any wrangles.

Cheers in advance

Chippy

 

[CCOVICH]

Legally, I don't think you are entitled to your money back.

Did you get a receipt? Does it say whether or not the deposit is refundable and under what circumstances?

 

[Wicklow]

It all depends on what your receipt states: if it calls the 1000 euro a deposit then they do not have to refund it but if its described as part payment then you should be entitled to your money back. Seems only a slight difference but im sure thats the case. If you have taken possesion of the electrical goods then it might be a different matter a shop cant sell second hand electrical goods.

 

[vector]

in my lay understanding, a deposit is inherently non-refundable, that is the point of it

 

[ClubMan]

Any use?

Deposits on goods

Don't pay a deposit on goods unless you are certain you want them. The shop may be entitled to hold onto your deposit if you subsequently change your mind about buying. If you are unsure, always check with the shop before placing a deposit.


Remember too that if you pay a deposit and the seller goes out of business, it may be very difficult to get the goods or your money back. Individual customers are low in the order of priority if the business goes into liquidation or receivership.


In this situation, if you paid for the goods by credit card, contact the credit card company and try to cancel the payment. You do not have a right to have this done, but the credit card company may be able to do it for you.