Deposits?

[liliro1]

Recently a friend of a friend went to see a gelding last week that was for sale for 2k. He was trying it really liked it when some one drove past who knew the owner and they stopped and said ill give you 2.5k for it.
So because he really liked it he said ill give you that and ill put a £700 deposit down on it and come collect it next week.
On Monday he was tipped off that it had been lame for the last two months with a bone spavin. When he and another friend went back unknown to the owner and had a look at it in the field and it had obviously got a problem. Rang the guy to get his money back and owner is saying no, your not having it back. (no receipt either)
When he put the deposit down it wasnt subject to a vetting or subject to anything else.

I personally think he has been rather stupid but also just wondered if he has a leg to stand on?

 

[emilyw]

Im sure deposits are normally non returnable

 

[RhiannonE]

oh dear - i think he might not get that back. I've always known people to (and i have myself) given a small deposit and had a receipt for it to say deposit, subject to successful vetting or something like that.

 

[Fazzie]

I wouldnt of thought the deposit is non refundable. Its really up to the owner tbh and give the deposit back.
it could be a bit dogy that someone just 'happened' to be driving past and offer an extra £500
when i bought my mare when i was 15 i was dealing with the owner (i think she was a dealer) at a show/fayre trying to get the price down, when a guy walked up and said i'll give you x for the mare, cue my rushing to my dad grabing the money, so i fell for it. good job was a great mare

 

[lexiedhb]

Why would anyone give a total stranger £700 without getting a reciept, or contract saying it was subject to vetting etc???

 

[Ellies_mum2]

QR

Maybe I'm just cynical but how convenient for someone to drive past at just the right time and offer more than the asking price

Don't think your friend is going to get the deposit back sorry

 

[liliro1]

I know, i thought it all sounded a bit dodgy. Think it all got a bit complicated with the friends friend knowing the seller and some one driving past blar blar.

Theres even talk of them taking one of the sellers other horses until he gives the money back.
OMG just reaks of trouble and illigal.
Some people!!!!!!!!!!

 

[M_G]

Deposits are normally returnable after a vetting but your mate has no receipt so cannot prove he handed over the money.

I would chalk it up to experience and next time take someone with them who knows about buying/selling

 

[Lippyx]

Personally I think your mate has just shot himself in the foot!

If I was THAT desparate for a horse, I would still ask for a receipt saying deposit subject to vetting!

Sadly I think he has just lost £700!

 

[liliro1]

Not a friend just an acquaintance lol

But i think he can wave goodbye to his £700

I think he'll of learnt a hard lesson

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Take a positive from this - he could have spent all £2500 only to actually recieve the horse - if he is lame from bone spavin then he would not be rideable or sellable and sounds like the current owner wouldnt take him back - better £700 than £2500.

 

[Firewell]

was the owner a dealer or a private person? If u dont mind me asking, what did the horse look like?

 

[liliro1]

Firewall i im not sure if seller would class himself as dealer or not but i know he is well connected to a dealer.
The horse is a Chestnut gelderlander i believe

AND WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT BUT HE DID ACTUALLY GET HIS MONEY BACK!!!!!!!!!