to think that deposits are not refundable?

[petswinprizes]

As a seller of a (seasonal) product that has been assembled, stored for several months (now out of season), the buyer has decided that they no longer want it (no reason given), and are demanding their deposit money back. AIBU to say no?

Have you had it since last Christmas?

YANBU at all. You could have sold it to someone else in that time. The deposit meant that you kept it especially for them.

No, YANBU as long as when the deposit was paid you stated it was non-refundable.

YANBU a deposit is to secure the item and to cover the seller should the sale fall through.

Yanbu - but check out the legalities before you respond - I am not clued up at all so check out the terminology you used in the agreement with the purchaser.

Here is a link from the consumer pov on the cab website - i would say you have the right to hold the deposit as you have spent money and assembly time IMO

www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/faq_index_consumer_affairs/faq_consumer_affairs_deposit_back_if_cancel_goods_or_services.htm

Well, there are refundable and non-refundable deposits. Do you have published terms and conditions? What does it say on their receipt? In your circs I would keep it.

I agree - some deposits are refundable (for example if the item or service can be re-sold or re-used) and some aren't (on a customised or personalised item for example, or on a service which is cancelled at too short notice to be re-sold elsewhere).

What was your agreement? Can you re-sell the item? YABU to say no without considering the alternatives, but YANBU to bloody well want to and to ensure that you are not left out of pocket by this person's indecisiveness.

YANBU a deposit is your insurance against this sort of thing happening.

However, if you manage to sell it elsewhere and the amount you sell it for is greater than the amount-still-owing (i.e. normal selling price less deposit paid) then it would be reasonable to give a partial refund as a goodwill gesture as otherwise you will be better off than you would have been if the buyer kept to the original agreement.