Trying to get a deposit back on a puppy

Puppylove1980

Hello there, newbie here.
Having tried to find an online answer to this or at least some help and MSE comes up so I thought somebody here might be able to help.
So...
During lockdown my partner and I decided to get a puppy- we've always wanted one, both working from home etc.
We found a breeder via Facebook. Important to say they seem very legit so i'm not questioning whether it's scam.
We were after a particular colour Cocker, they had three dogs in that litter. One was provisionally reserved. 
We were told we could have 'first dibs' on the other 2 (or all 3 if the other buyer pulled out).
My partner agreed to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure this, and the seller filled in her usual contract for us as we weren't meeting face to face. My partner didn't actually sign it.
During this process the seller told as, given the unusual circumstances, that she'd pay back the deposit if either Covid restrictions made the whole process too difficult or if, on meeting the dogs, we decided we didn't like any of them (aww).
Although she sent us a video or two of the entire litter, we weren't able to identify which dogs were potentially ours, and that combined with the seriousness of lockdown resulted in us asking to pull out of the deal. At this point we were expecting the deposit to be returned, understanding this was founded in goodwill. This was three weeks before we due to meet the puppies. We didn't ever meet the puppies or choose a particular puppy nor pull out after we supposed to meet them.
We had no response. We tried various other ways of getting hold of the seller for the next two weeks. About a week after the proposed sale date the seller messaged us saying that they hadn't had any contact- but they hadn't contacted us either (would make sense to ask where we were if she was expecting us to pick up a puppy and pay the rest of the fee). Their message was rather patronising and curt but they agreed to pay the deposit. After sending bank details we waited a few days, no response. Then a message telling us the bank details we sent were incorrect. They were correct, we sent them again plus another set of bank details. We've heard nothing.
Now i understand we were silly to pay the deposit if we hoped to get it back (though she said that was fine), and as i said at the start, i'm certain they're no scammer, I think they're probably just hoping we'll give up. It's probably all just a question of what if you think is right and wrong, we're probably being naive, but now we'd really like the deposit back because they're being an !!!!!! more than anything.
Does anyone have any advice on what to do next?
Many thanks in advance. 

Supersonos

Phrases like "via Facebook", "seemed legit" and "usual contract" make me concerned how genuine this seller is.  Possibly a dodgy puppy farm who will not be rushing to get your deposit back to you.

Unless you went to visit the puppies and meet the parents at their home, I'm not sure how you can be so confident they're "no scammer".

powerful_Rogue

Anyone that doesn't go and see the puppy along with mum, or is able to purchase without being questioned by the owner should not own a dog. Sorry OP, as harsh as it sounds, I hope you do lose your deposit. Maybe next time you'll research purchasing a puppy and what should be the correct procedure.

davidmcn

Puppylove1980 said:

We found a breeder via Facebook. Important to say they seem very legit so i'm not questioning whether it's scam.

Did you find a real-life (and verifiable) name and address for them, and not merely a profile on Facebook?

shaun_from_Africa

If you want a Cocker Spaniel pup, here's the latest litter I've bred:

Just send me £100 and you can have your choice.
I'm sure that I could find make a video if you prefer
Dodgy? without a doubt, but that's basically what you've already done.

Puppylove1980

davidmcn said:

Puppylove1980 said:

We found a breeder via Facebook. Important to say they seem very legit so i'm not questioning whether it's scam.

Did you find a real-life (and verifiable) name and address for them, and not merely a profile on Facebook?

Yeah they have a proper Facebook page, work details, school etc, loads of photos.

Puppylove1980

powerful_Rogue said:

Anyone that doesn't go and see the puppy along with mum, or is able to purchase without being questioned by the owner should not own a dog. Sorry OP, as harsh as it sounds, I hope you do lose your deposit. Maybe next time you'll research purchasing a puppy and what should be the correct procedure.

Cheers for the friendly advice.
We were always going to see puppy and Mum, and we were told we could pull out if puppy/Mum, breeder, didn't feel right.
You've noting better to do with your life?

hollydays

Are they a registered breeder. If you wanted to message their details I'll try to check them out. I will not post any personal details publically

photome

You are certain they are no scammer!

Everything about it screams scammer to me.

hope I am wrong but the way they are doing business says it all. 
 

photome

Puppylove1980 said:

powerful_Rogue said:

Anyone that doesn't go and see the puppy along with mum, or is able to purchase without being questioned by the owner should not own a dog. Sorry OP, as harsh as it sounds, I hope you do lose your deposit. Maybe next time you'll research purchasing a puppy and what should be the correct procedure.

Cheers for the friendly advice.
We were always going to see puppy and Mum, and we were told we could pull out if puppy/Mum, breeder, didn't feel right.
You've noting better to do with your life?

I agree with what powerful rogue says...it’s tough love rather than puppylove

London50

I take it that you paid the deposit by bank transfer??