Is it kosher to ask for deposits back?

[alex matson]

About two years ago, I ordered a Valvetech Hayseed. I put $150 down, and got a call from the guy about six months later that he was ready to start on it. I asked him to hold off, as my Rickenbacker had been delivered to the place where I ordered it and I needed to raise almost two grand for that. He told me to let him know when I was ready.
That was over a year ago. Now that I'm downsizing, I don't think I want the amp. There's no statement about refunds on the website, so I thought I'd ask here before calling the guy. I can appreciate that he's a craftsman and may not be swimming in dough - but I don't want to just lose the money if it's not a problem.

Anyone with an opinion?

[AstroDan]

I would say if he hasn't even started it then it wouldn't hurt to at least ask. No sense in just letting someone have $150 if it was just in the discussion phase.

[chris harris]

Isn't this exactly why people ask for deposits in the first place? The way you describe it, sounds like you flaked. Deposits are insurance against flakes.

[thegeek]

If you look here:

http://www.valvetechamps.com/order.htm

it clearly says "non-refundable"

[alex matson]

If you look here:

http://www.valvetechamps.com/order.htm

it clearly says "non-refundable"

Wow. All I need is some Twilight Zone music. I just looked at that page before posting this, and didn't see that. Bold print even.

Good catch.

[Snarl 12/8]

It still wouldn't hurt to ask. Six months is a long time for him to make first contact. Did you know it would be that long?

[Sean Sullivan]

It still wouldn't hurt to ask. Six months is a long time for him to make first contact. Did you know it would be that long?

Yes, six months is a long wait time, but telling him to "hold off" for a year is even longer.

Ask, but I wouldn't expect to get it back.

[JohnDavisNYC]

yeah, most likely not getting it back... getting the deposit is insurance against people dropping their orders, and also, generally people will only make a deposit if they intend on following through.

it's also pretty tacky to ask for the deposit back... i would just get the amp, then sell it if you don't want it. but, who knows, he could have another customer who wants the same amp, so it saves him building time. but as a small builder, i'm sure that your deposit didn't go into a escrow account, it probably went right back into supplies to build an amp...

john

[AstroDan]

A deposit is a good idea if any amount of time or resources went into even schematics, but I still think if the extent was just a phone call then you should at least try - even if he posted a disclaimer. That's just what I would do. The worst that will happen is he'll get mad and still be $150 richer.

[alex matson]

Toaster hit it on the head. It does seem kind of lame. I'm going to let it go. I'm sure the money was spent long ago. I think I spoke to the guy's wife at first, and I can just imagine how patient she probably has had to be if experience is any guide. At $1150 per amp (I was just getting a head), the guy's probably not getting rich.
As always, thanks everybody.

I don't want to resurrect my navel-gazing thread, but I'd like to report that getting rid of some of the excess stuff around here has been a good mental exercise. The piano and organ don't seem to be calling to anyone, but I don't really want to get rid of them anyway - in a strange twist, I've met a woman who has a thing for old electric organs, so I'm kind of taking that as a sign. The grand I'd get from the sale would be gone quickly.

But I hope to come back from Japan with just a few instruments and a back to basics approach.

[TapeOpLarry]

I know from having friends that build stuff like this that when you place an order they probably work this order into the parts they are ordering and such. It sucks when they do this and then the order gets cancelled.

[alex matson]

Thanks, Larry. You're right. Maybe someone else here might want a Hayseed head and could take it over? That would be good for both parties. But as for me, I'm not going to try for a refund.