Legal Deposit

Having been burned in the past in the UK where a local electrical store went bust when I had paid a 50% deposit I'm now very sceptical about paying a deposit for anything until it's in my hands.

I will not do credit cards either as after getting into trouble before I have no wish to get one.

I went into a well known spectacle retailer in Wexford who demanded I pay 50% up front before they would prepare my specs. I offered a nominal deposit (against my beliefs) but was refused.

Is this legal to demand money up front? Is 50% acceptable if it is legal? What rights do I have if I'm not happy with the end product? What possible grounds can I make a fuss about legally?

As I needed the specs, and to add insult to injury, a friend of mine offered to pay the deposit - went into the shop and they took the lot.

With hindsight I know what I can do....go elsewhere - and I will

It is also a bad state of affairs when I can't pay by laser over the phone but I can by credit card. Any wonder there is a worldwide credit problem when it is easir to spend someone elses money rather than your own!

quarterfloun, how many bad experiences have you had with paying a deposit? If it is only the one I would suggest that maybe it would be worthwhile just giving it a chance again. Insofar as I understand it, it is perfectly legal to ask for a deposit. While not everyone would demand a 50% deposit up front, perhaps the spectacle retailer has had an issue with non-payment and would prefer a sign of good faith on your part that you will pay. A nominal deposit wouldn't really suffice in that case. If you are unhappy with the service provided or the goods offered are defective etc the 1980 Sale of Goods and Supply of Services Act lays out your rights in this regard. First step would be to make the substance of your complaint known to the retailer.

With regards to your second point, I am not entirely sure but since credit cards have a longer history than debit cards it may simply be a matter of time and current practice.

I've had three in total, paid a deposit on a debit card for a training course, a month later they took the rest even though I had, in the meantime, decided to return to Ireland. The course was for a HGV licence - had no start by date, no finish by date, no materials were supplied - foolishly I was badgered into paying the deposit (I registered on their site for more info) and a month later they whipped out the lot - all legal.

Secondly I paid a deposit on a car, went to my bank, sorted out all the loan details, sent back to pay two days later (as agreed) and, cough, "another salesman sold it - sorry mate".

Again the sale of goods act does not cover me if the retailer goes bust.

I had 2 Suits (with 4 trousers) to the value of €1500 adjusted to fit me not two months ago - I tried to pay up front as this business has been trading as long as I've been around - he would not hear of it until I was satisfied. I'll go there again.