thanks for all the feedback. It was an amuse R1 exhaust it is a used item, but it is coming from Japan. I will probably just give him the deposit to save the headache and the negative feedback, but I wanted to see where everyone stands on this topic, because it is a common problem in the used parts biz..

 

I would state its pretty clear depending on whom the financial burden lies on and if the item is a custom application. Of course what is considered custom, would lie with the seller/buyer. In a nutshell if you normally don't stock the item, or wouldn't have one available to buyers on a regular basis, I would consider that custom or specialty.

1. If the item is specifically ordered for an individual and their specific application, the deposit should be non-refundable, pending the seller can fulfill his promise to secure the part in the agreed upon time frame.

2. If the item is a standard item being brought in as a stocked item, and deposit was used to simply hold the item, the deposit should be refundable.

3. I'd also think the dollar amount of the item being brought it should have some weight on if the deposit is refundable or not.

In the end, it should be the seller who states all policies up front for all to see and understand before accepting a deposit. Anything else and it just creates headaches down the road. I'd create a policy that takes the above mentioned items into consideration and have something that is fair on both sides.

 

WTF is wrong with people ... if a buyer decides he wants to buy an item that is shipped from JAPAN, that deposit is to GUARANTEE that he is purchasing it. Otherwise why the hell would you put one?

I don't care if the buyer "finds" another one cheaper .. you already went into the agreement that you are purchasing that item.

AT WORSE, the buyer has to put the seller in the situation he was or would've been w/o the buyer purchasing it. In other words, either choke the money up to send it back, or find another buyer for the seller.

How in the world can any deposit be refundable for any special order item?

IMO you do not really have to "state" whether its refundable or not if the item is a special order item. The buyer has agreed and IMPLIED that he will purchase it.

Otherwise he would have not put a deposit and he would've maybe stop by and purchase the exhaust that you shipped at your own discretion.

 

[QUOTE=al4t1gbundy,Nov 19 2008, 03:33 PM] WTF is wrong with people ... if a buyer decides he wants to buy an item that is shipped from JAPAN, that deposit is to GUARANTEE that he is purchasing it.

 

What the heck is the point of a deposit if it is refundable?!?

 

i thought you dont get the deposit back since thats the point of the deposit. to ensure that the person buying is serious about buying the merchandise. but the deal you gave him seems very fair though, since he did strike the deal with you i think he should get his deposit back only if he finds another buyer

 

Charge him a restocking fee. Give part of his deposit back.

 

The deposit should be refunded.

It's a "deposit"... not a "purchase".

If you don't want to give back deposits on special orders, then they should be pre-purchased in their entirety.

The business is yours not his. He as the customer should not have to give a crap about finding you another customer. To think he should find you one is absurd.

Unless he signed paperwork, best to give up the coin and take it as a lesson learned.

 

[QUOTE=al4t1gbundy,Nov 19 2008, 04:33 PM] WTF is wrong with people ... if a buyer decides he wants to buy an item that is shipped from JAPAN, that deposit is to GUARANTEE that he is purchasing it.

 

Im confused, isnt the point of a deposit for exactly this reason, to cover your a$$ets? If I ever put down a deposit on something and then decided I didnt want it (why is really irrelevant) then I would be quite upset with myself.