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Original poster

Reservation Fee?

28 replies

AnotherOne4 · 07/04/2022 20:06

Can I get some advice please. I have found a puppy I am interested in, and have reached out to the seller. All good, and going well with communication. I have asked if I can go and see the puppy on Saturday, but she has asked for a £300 reservation fee.

Is this normal? I really don't want to pay this. She does say it is refundable. I'd much rather go and visit the pup and THEN pay the reservation fee...

OP posts:
Whitney168 · 07/04/2022 20:08

There will be some along to tell you that this is fine, but no, this is categorically not how reputable breeders operate.

lemonyfox · 07/04/2022 20:10

@Whitney168

There will be some along to tell you that this is fine, but no, this is categorically not how reputable breeders operate.
Really? We have a pedigree dog from a KC registered breeder and we paid a reservation to them, and I can understand why because 1) time wasters and 2) they want commitment.
Whitney168 · 07/04/2022 20:13

If you paid anything before you’d even seen the puppy and the conditions the breeder kept their dogs in, and before the breeder had met you and was satisfied that you were an appropriate home for their puppy, then that is not a reputable breeder.

If you paid a deposit after you’d seen everything first hand and answered lots of questions from the breeder, then that’s absolutely fine.

Hoppinggreen · 07/04/2022 20:19

I think you should pay after you visit, that’s what I did when buying a puppy

gonetogroundnow · 07/04/2022 20:23

No, 100% not a reputable breeder. I ask for a deposit once someone has come to see pups with bitch and decided they want one.

Floralnomad · 07/04/2022 20:25

You would have zero chance of seeing that money again if you decide not to buy .

Original poster
AnotherOne4 · 07/04/2022 20:26

Thanks for the replies Smile
I have reached out again, and said that I am not happy paying a reservation fee, and that I hope she still allows us to come visit.

(Even if I did pay the fee, I can see it becoming a nightmare to get the money back)

OP posts:
Whitney168 · 07/04/2022 20:28

If you paid anything before you’d even seen the puppy and the conditions the breeder kept their dogs in, and before the breeder had met you and was satisfied that you were an appropriate home for their puppy, then that is not a reputable breeder.

Sorry, should also have said that anyone who commits to a pup before they’ve checked the breeder out thoroughly is also not a sensible buyer - buying a dog well is difficult these days, but it is so important that people try hard to do so, and don’t support what can be an evil industry.

celestebellman · 07/04/2022 20:29

We bought our first puppy last year. From what I understand asking for money before even seeing the puppies is a huge red flag. We paid a deposit after visiting, deciding to have a puppy (didn't pick as he was last one!), being asked various questions and seeing all the puppies and parents. I think this is usual.
The situation you describe sounds dodgy.

Whitney168 · 07/04/2022 20:30

(Even if I did pay the fee, I can see it becoming a nightmare to get the money back)

Agree, I don’t imagine it would be easy.

To be honest, I wouldn’t be wanting to view pups from a breeder that operates like that, even if she does still allow you to go (and you can be sure she will allow it, unless she’s found others to pay up front first).

Lou98 · 07/04/2022 20:31

@Whitney168

There will be some along to tell you that this is fine, but no, this is categorically not how reputable breeders operate.

Agreed! It's normal to pay a fee after meeting the breeder and pups, asked/answered questions etc but not before viewing.

I wouldn't pay anything and honestly if they say you can't view without paying it I would question if there even is actually pups available

Original poster
AnotherOne4 · 07/04/2022 20:40

No response from seller yet Hmm

I was shocked when she asked for the fee. (I might be judging too quickly here) But the fact she hasn't replied to me, indicates I may have dodged a bullet here. She was replying really quickly before.

OP posts:
Whitney168 · 07/04/2022 20:49

Sounds like a good miss …

Original poster
AnotherOne4 · 07/04/2022 21:08

What a pita this is turning out to be. They have now replied saying that maybe I can go and view, and that they will call me in an hour.

I'm sorry, but p*ss off, lol. I'm not taking a phone call at this time of night. Feels like they are playing games.

OP posts:
celestebellman · 07/04/2022 21:53

I have also heard of scams like this, where elaborate fronts are created but there aren't actually any puppies and the scammers disappear.
If you have a breed in mind I'd try to get a recommendation of a reputable breeder, even though it may mean going on a waiting list.

Lastqueenofscotland · 08/04/2022 08:02

Paying a deposit on a 4/5 week old puppy you’ve been to see a couple of times, met mum etc is one thing. A reservation to go and view?! Nah screams puppy farmer to me.

Easterisoffeggstooexpensive · 08/04/2022 08:06

Scam. They are now trying to figure out just how to part you from your money in another way...

bunnygeek · 08/04/2022 10:01

Screams scammer.

Best to block their number, report their adverts to the platform as possible scam, let out a sigh of relief as you've dodged a bullet.

Arianya · 08/04/2022 10:04

This is not how reputable breeders operate. A good breeder doesn’t need to take your money in advance because they’re confident about finding another buyer for the dog if you decide you don’t want it. They probably have a waiting list a mile long.

Original poster
AnotherOne4 · 09/04/2022 10:47

Thanks for all the replies Smile

Not much to update, just that the seller never got back to me, and I notice they have blocked me on the website. I have reported them and raised my concerns.

OP posts:
Whitney168 · 09/04/2022 10:53

What breed are you looking for, @AnotherOne4 - perhaps one of us will be able to recommend a better route, although in general you’re probably better starting with breed clubs for their puppy lists.

Original poster
AnotherOne4 · 09/04/2022 10:57

@Whitney168 I'm looking for a Shih Tzu

OP posts:
fufulina · 09/04/2022 11:09

We bought a puppy in December 2020, and I’ve just checked and we did put down a deposit just after the breeder told us he had been born.

At that stage, we were six months into conversations with the breeder and very confident in her. She shows her dogs, had lots of online presence at dog shows, and had a lovely social media group with all the owners of her first litter.

We visited when he was 4 weeks old, then collected at 10 weeks. He was in northern England and we are in the south.

I had already discounted a breeder - refused to even entertain us visiting, was always having new litters - and we have changed our search from cockatoo (I know…) to shih tzu - because I couldn’t work how how to ensure a poo cross wasn’t farmed.

In hindsight - I’m not sure why we agreed to pay the deposit (!!) but we did and he’s lovely and he was brilliantly socialised, and she refused to let us have him until two sets of vaccines and more time with mum and siblings. He’s a really lovely dog. But we were very confident in the breeder, her previous buyers and we understood that she wanted a show of commitment.

fufulina · 09/04/2022 11:10

How weird! I see you’re looking for a shih tzu! Lovely dogs 🐶

alwayswrighty · 09/04/2022 11:13

I'd bet money it was a scammer

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