Deposit problems

U

Unregistered

Guest
Hi, I hope someone would be able to give me a little advice.
We received a deposit from our customer of £500 (total job £800). We have carried out most of the work, but the customer then cancelled the order.
We still hold the goods (value just over the £500) and have offered the customer the goods which he was quite happy to accept.
He has now changed his mind and feels that he is not getting value for money and that we should give more of his deposit back as well as his goods.
These goods were bespoke and specifically made for him.
Any help out there please.
Thank you
Jonni
 

Paul Carcone

Facilitator
Jun 22, 2008
141
7
0
South Coast
www.carconeconsulting.com
The first thing to do is to read your contract very carefully. However, if these goods are bespoke and the deposit was properly contracted for, then you should be entitled to retain the money.

The law is not there to protect customers against errors of their own judgement over value for money. If you have carried out your obligations in accordance with the agreement in the contract, then you should not have any problems.

If you are in doubt, call a solicitor - they can often give general guidance over the telephone without you having to engage them.
 
U

Unregistered

Guest
Thank you Paul
We are only a small company and the loss of this deposit plus the items (which cannot be used elsewhere) is in deed a headache for us.
With regards to contracts, as with everything in our trade (Marine) contracts are not signed and are verbal - apart from quotations and invoices.
We do have terms and conditions as per BMIF and RYA recommendations but does not appear to cover deposits.
Again thank you