Shopping: deposits
Paying a deposit indicates your intention to buy the goods. and you therefore enter into a contract with the shop.
It's easier to know what your rights and responsibilities are if you have details of the contract in writing, but a verbal contract is also enforceable.
The amount of the deposit and the timing of payment of the balance are a matter between you and the seller. Be clear at the time of paying the deposit what your obligations are, such as when you need to pay the balance.
The seller's obligations
Also be clear about the seller’s obligations, such as when the product will be supplied.
If a seller informs you that a delivery will be delayed, you should try to agree a new, reasonable date for delivery with them.
If you cannot agree a new date, or the date they propose is significantly further away than you had originally agreed or they fail to meet the new agreed delivery date, you have a right to ask for your deposit back. If the seller refuses, you may have to take them to court to try to get the deposit back.
If you pay a deposit then change your mind about paying the balance, the supplier may not be obliged to return your deposit.
If the shop goes out of business
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.
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