Jeff, if you stated that the deposit was not refundable when you
accepted it, you are entitled to keep it as you acted in good faith in
reserving the car for the buyer. Since you missed out in selling it to
others, your good faith has resulted in a loss.
If you did not state that is was non-refundable, keep the money anyway
until he threatens legal action. Maybe he will just slink away as do
most slimey worms.
Vic Whitmore
76 Spitfire
Thornhill, Ontario
jbonina@nectech.com wrote:
>
> I took a deposit of $400 4 weeks ago from a buyer. He told me he would
> be back with the balance of $3000 in 2 weeks. In writing, I gave him 3
> weeks to come back. 5 days before the 3 weeks was up he called to ask
> if he could come test drive it and he was going to bring another $2500
> leaving a $500 balance due; oh, he asked if he could have the title at
> that time also. (luckily, I declined to give it to him). That night he
> called an hour after he was supposed to be there and said he couldn't
> come for 2 more days. No problem, see ya in 2 days. 2 days later, 1
> 1/2 hours after he was supposed to be at my house he called with "bad
> new". Yeah, you guessed it, he "couldn't" buy my car. It wasn't in his
> budget. I was a bit upset but didn't let him know. I told him I would
> call him back when I figured out what I was going to do. At the end of
> the conversation he said "If you have a hard time selling it, I will
> buy it" ??????
>
> While I waited 3 weeks for him to pay the balance of my price, I
> turned away 3 potential buyers and removed it from the local auto
> advertiser.
>
> What's the general consensus on how I should handle this situation?
>
> I've got my own idea but don't want to influence your opinions.
>
>
> Thanks,
> Jeff
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