Would I be stupid to pay the deposit?

[Star4567]

Not AIBU but need advice.

I'm looking to book a party next summer. I've found a nice, independent cafe who does a lovely lunch and I thought this would be great to book.

But they want £300 deposit to book and secure. Would I be silly to pay this so far in advance? I worry what would happen if they go bust an I lose the money!

I suppose it depends what percentage of the total cost it is. I would pay by credit card if possible.

That seems a lot. What is the total bill?

£500

I think £100 deposit is more then enough for a £500 bill

I wouldn't.

Agree £100 deposit should be more than enough on a £500 bill.

No one pays such a high percentage deposit. I think they're trying it on tbh.

I wouldn’t. Especially as it is an independent small cafe. They may not even be in business next year.

Nah I wouldn’t pay £300 deposit for a £500 total bill.

I agree with pp. No way would I pay that.

I’ve just booked a smallish independent venue for a party next March . Owners asked for 20% of likely final cost . That seems fine to me but I would not have paid any more . I think you have been asked for far too much and I would not pay that , and frankly it would trouble me that they are potentially exploiting your goodwill .

Blimey, have they got cash flow problems? No I wouldn't pay that.

No. Definitely not.

Blimey, have they got cash flow problems?
That was my first thought ....

Agree with pp. 60% of the predicted cost as deposit is way over the top.
I suspect financial problems. Any deposit you pay- and agree £100 is enough -should be paid by credit card.

How long has the cafe been running?

Because many such places have the lifespan of a mayfly, and unless it's extremely well established I wouldn't even consider it

That's too much for a deposit that far in advance. They can't possibly say they need it to cover their costs in case you cancel, they're certainly not going to buy the food now, are they!

I would also wonder if they have cash flow issues.

£50 -£100 would be more than generous at this stage.

No way would I pay £300 for a total £500 booking.. a year in advance ? where is it? the Ritz

Nope.

10% to hold it; 20% if really pressed;

Then perhaps half of the remainder a lot closer to the actual party ... then the remaining half by another agreed date.