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Old 09-02-2009, 08:09 PM   #1
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SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

Hello All: Was scheduled to bring van in for some conversion work in a few weeks..
Was told via e-mail that work would take approx 2 months, some unexpected $$$ problems came up and now I can't get the work done and SMB West will not refund my $500 deposit.
No work order was ever signed, nothing in writing, they did not disclose to me that the $500 deposit I sent them was non-refundable.

I figured that once I got there and went over all the work I wanted done and signed on the dotted line then I would obviously be committed.

I would like to get some of your FEEDBACK on this? am I right or wrong?

THANKS JEFF

Here are the 2 e-mail responses I got when I asked for my $500 back...


I am sorry, but our deposits are non-refundable. This covers the cost of
the parts we order. I can however hold the deposit for a future purchase.

"I NEVER SIGNED ANYTHING or DID I AUTHORIZE THEM TO ORDER ANYTHING?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had you scheduled for production in about three weeks. It can take almost
that long to get the top once it is ordered. As soon as I receive a
deposit, the parts get ordered...otherwise I end up with unhappy customers
waiting for their van while we wait for the parts to show up. I had already
quoted a time frame for you and got moving immediately to ensure I would
meet your expectations. The top is a big item that I will now have to
inventory. The top and shipping has already been paid for...and $500
doesn't even cover those costs or the time we have already spent on this
project. I don't understand what would lead you to believe the deposit
would be refundable?


"I FIGURED ONCE I ARRIVED THERE I WOULD FINALIZE AND AUTHORIZE
ALL WORK TO BE DONE" (sign on the dotted line etc)


****UPDATE****

SMB WEST say's there gonna return my refund, I think under the circumstances that is the correct decision. ALL IS WELL AGAIN...........THANKS for all the INPUT I got........

JEFF

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Old 09-02-2009, 08:33 PM   #2
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $50 deposit?

too much drama
i fold
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Old 09-02-2009, 08:47 PM   #3
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

CA Bureau of Auto Repair has some strict rules. Unless you signed something saying you were giving them a non-refundable deposit, you can get it back.

I filed against a local company once and got money back for work that was done, but not estimated and agreed to.

On this site is a Complaint button:

http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/

I know it says smog check, that is the biggest current issue. But it is for any automotive repair station complaints.

Just be honest with the facts, don't try to embellish. If possible furnish copies of any and all work orders, estimates, etc.

Mike
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Old 09-02-2009, 09:33 PM   #4
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $50 deposit?

Quote:
Originally Posted by billwilson
I will check the reciept i got for my $500
i am pretty sure it is merely a reciept to hold your space in line

i was pushed pretty hard to get my $500 in
per chance it is a spiff to the sales people that has already been paid?

i am waiting on Alan's decision on my personal "customer service issue"
i have been waiting 7 days for him to talk to his staff
Bill,
What happened?????
We're going to get some add-ons to our SMB, should we watch out for something?

Ray
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Old 09-02-2009, 11:17 PM   #5
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

What is the point of collecting a deposit if it's refundable? If that's the case then why even collect it in the first place? I never once signed anything when SMB built my van until the day I showed up to pick it up. THat's just the way they do business. I think it's kinda cool that they don't have tons of paperwork and fine print. While I do think you'll get you $$ back if you involve the state as Mike says I don't see why SMB should feel obligated to give it back. Did you lose your job or have some other serious event ? I'd try to appeal to their good side and deal with them privatly first although I guess it's a little late now.
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Old 09-02-2009, 11:29 PM   #6
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $50 deposit?

see above
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Old 09-03-2009, 05:21 AM   #7
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

It is a tough break that you could use the money and now cannot get it back. But, I have to second the notion that a deposit wouldn't serve much purpose if it was completely refundable. Deposits on rentals are returned. But deposits on work and purchase usually aren't something I'd expect to get back if I back out of the arrangement.

But, as others have said, perhaps given your circumstances they will try to help you out.

Good luck.
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Old 09-03-2009, 07:38 AM   #8
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammyauto
What is the point of collecting a deposit if it's refundable? If that's the case then why even collect it in the first place? I never once signed anything when SMB built my van until the day I showed up to pick it up. THat's just the way they do business. I think it's kinda cool that they don't have tons of paperwork and fine print. While I do think you'll get you $$ back if you involve the state as Mike says I don't see why SMB should feel obligated to give it back. Did you lose your job or have some other serious event ? I'd try to appeal to their good side and deal with them privatly first although I guess it's a little late now.

Absolutely right. SMB is a business and it needs to be run accordingly in order to survive. I can only imagine the outcuy and second-guessing on this board if they were to bite the dust.........
R
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Old 09-03-2009, 07:51 AM   #9
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jammyauto
What is the point of collecting a deposit if it's refundable? If that's the case then why even collect it in the first place? I never once signed anything when SMB built my van until the day I showed up to pick it up. THat's just the way they do business. I think it's kinda cool that they don't have tons of paperwork and fine print. While I do think you'll get you $$ back if you involve the state as Mike says I don't see why SMB should feel obligated to give it back. Did you lose your job or have some other serious event ? I'd try to appeal to their good side and deal with them privatly first although I guess it's a little late now.

HI: i figured the $500 was to get a place in line? like I said, nothing was signed or finalized?
My home equity line did not come through....no funds now!
jeff
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Old 09-03-2009, 07:53 AM   #10
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Re: SMB WEST will not refund my $500 deposit?

see above
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