Deep Singh

Hi,

Before anybody says a fool and his money.... I'm usually careful about this sort of thing!

I went to audition some HiFi gear at a shop and having a particular make in mind I had investigated those prices so that I didn't pay too much. When I listened to the kit I didn't like it and bought something I hadn't previously looked into(price wise)

I figured they maybe a little more expensive than the cheapest around but thought they deserved that having spent 4 hours with me doing the demo. So rather than leaving and shopping around I paid a deposit it for it.

Today I've done some investigating and two outfits (not internet only traders) are selling this gear for £1400-£1500 and I've been charged £1900!!!

Whats the best course of action if any?

Thanks

OllyK

Depends how much the deposit was, I doubt you'll get it back

Petem95

Pay up and enjoy the hi-fi!

Some people worry about money too much!

DCI Gene Hunt

Unless it was specified as 'non refundable' you will get it back! tell them you want to wait and that you will still buy from them, just not yet

OllyK

What's the point of a deposit on retail goods if it is refundable? If you can demand it back, you may as well just ask him to hold the goods indefinately with no deposit.

Deep Singh

Are you sure? The receipt is headed 'customer order'. There is nothing on it that says nonrefundable.

I don't mind paying a little more for the service but £500 on that price is excessive

Thanks

fivetide

iTrader: (1)

Be honest! say you've found it much cheaper elsewhere and can they match the price. A place like John Lewis guarantee to do this as long as it isn't from the internets. You may as well see what they say and if they won't then demand the cash back.

5t.

CooperS

If you've received no goods yet, then surely they cannot keep the deposit?

Deep Singh

Only put the deposit it down yesterday. I will try being honest, they don't even have to match the lowest price just perhaps split the difference, I'd be happy with that. If they so no I'd like to know where I stand legally. Anybody know for sure?

OllyK

Then what is the purpose of the deposit? Is it not recompense for the retailer holding the goods and you changing your mind?

CooperS

Usually to hold the item if you need to get a loan, or to raise the rest of the cash/get to the bank for the money?

If you paid a deposit on a car and then changed your mind half an hour later and they kept it, would you be happy?

Jer

May be wrong but don't you get a cooling off period. May only be for finance goods.

DCI Gene Hunt

A deposit can be refundable, it just shows you're more likely (serious) to want it than just going "yeah, I'll take it.... order it in and I'll be back next week!"... never to be seen again

Deep Singh

Yeah, I think thats for finance and perhaps things bought over the phone?

pslewis

You were happy to pay £1900 when you saw it, heard it and wanted it.

Forget it and enjoy it

Why destroy the good feeling of an expensive purchase by making it a miserable experience??

If it really eats you away, tell them that it is far cheaper elsewhere and you would like to re-consider under the cooling-off period.

Luan Pra bang

Walk back in show what price you can get it for and split the diference down the middle.

Deep Singh

Thanks. I'll have a chat with them tommorrow, they seemed reasonable people and have been around for 20 years or so. I've actually uncovered another three dealers who are also selling it for £1900 inc Superfi and HiFiBitz so don't feel so bad.
Petes right, (as always) :I've replaced my HiFi after 15 years, I should enjoy it!

Deep Singh

Pete, does the cooling off period apply to this kind of situation?

wrx-kris

What hifi is it?

Dont think theres much chance of a refund tbh.... saying that, the shop wont want the bad publicity either.... Hmm

Luminous

iTrader: (3)

Cooling off period, as far as I know, is for distance selling and finance products only.

fast bloke

No cooling off period if you go to them to buy. Cooling off period only applies to distance selling, financial products or if they sell you something at home.
Phone them up tomorrow, tell them the gearbox fell out of your car on the way home and is there any chance they could refund the deposit so you can sort your car, then get the hifi next month. Go straigh round and buy it from the people who aren't ripping the **** out of it

pslewis

Probably not - BUT, and this is the clever part ........ if you approach any situation with confidence the other side will believe every word you say try it ..... good luck!

suprabeast

How much deposit did you pay?

pslewis

£5

suprabeast

lol Well thats what I was thinkin!

Even of he put £100 down then it'd still be worth his while just forgetting it and buying the gear elsewhere for £500 less!

Deep Singh

Panic over!! Had a chat to the guy and he said he would match any genuine offer for official merchandise. If its from far away its got to take into account postage costs. What a nice chappie!

Looking forward to getting the stuff now!

Thanks for the advice

wrx-kris

Sweet! What system is it?

Deep Singh

Quad amp and cd player. Haven't decided on the speakers yet. Auditioned Cyrus first but it sounded too harsh for my liking

Sonic'

I had something similar when I wanted to buy my Yamaha 12 string acoustic

The shop had it up for sale for 569 and on the interweb it was 329, so I told him and also that I had the cash to purchase the guitar, we both looked at the internet sites and the prices listed

I got it for 369 from the shop and 10 quid knocked off a travel case too, I didnt mind the extra as it would have cost roughly that with postage plus with a guitar you really need to play it before you buy it