Paying up front

Savermaid

I need to make a large purchase and the dealer is asking for 50% deposit and the balance to be paid a week or so later when the full receipt has been given but before receiving the goods.  Is this safe? Is it the norm now since lockdown?

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

What are you buying?
Where are you buying it from?
How are you paying?

user1977

It doesn't affect your consumer rights. Whether it's safe or normal depends what and who you're talking about, and you haven't given us much to go on!

pinkshoes

Who are you buying from? (name of company? have they got a good reputation? Have they been around for a while and financially solvent? UK company?)
What are you buying? (will it be sent in post or hand delivered or collected?)
How are you paying? (cash or bank transfer = dodgy, credit card or debit card safer)

SavvySaver24

I strongly suggest against doing this!! We learnt the hard way. 50% upfront and 50% a week before receiving the item. It cost nearly £3k, its wrong and they won't fix it!

theonlywayisup

SavvySaver24 said:

I strongly suggest against doing this!! We learnt the hard way. 50% upfront and 50% a week before receiving the item. It cost nearly £3k, its wrong and they won't fix it!

They have offered a refund.  Perhaps that should be in your statement to the OP?

SavvySaver24

theonlywayisup said:

SavvySaver24 said:

I strongly suggest against doing this!! We learnt the hard way. 50% upfront and 50% a week before receiving the item. It cost nearly £3k, its wrong and they won't fix it!

They have offered a refund.  Perhaps that should be in your statement to the OP?

No because its irrelevant when I ordered a bespoke shed and waited 3 months. It should be right. If I hadn't of paid the full amount I certainly would have withheld a portion hence I suggest the OP keeps that in their back pocket!

JetpackVelociraptor

It really depends on what it is you're buying. If it's goods, most companies expect to be paid in full before delivery. Ultimately the company gets to decide how they wish to accept payment, if you withhold part of the payment without agreeing this with your supplier you may find that they refuse to deliver the goods at all.

Jumblebumble

SavvySaver24 said:

I strongly suggest against doing this!! We learnt the hard way. 50% upfront and 50% a week before receiving the item. It cost nearly £3k, its wrong and they won't fix it!

Perhaps the dealer learned from the experience of the unfortunate 3rd party installer  who carried out what was asked of them, trusted the shed purchaser to pay as agreed but was then knocked  because of a problem that has nothing to do with them.