Cancellation- deposit rights?

Colliewobbles

Hi all, I stupidly paid a deposit of £250 to guarantee a price for kitchen worktop (2 varieties)- even though did not have exact date or  finalised worktop agreed. There was no mention on original paperwork about non- refundable deposit. However,  yesterday when I contacted them to cancel order suddenly - non- refundable deposit appeared at top of there t and c whereas on previous it stated balance payment 1 day prior to fitting. Have I any rights to any refund of deposit?

Alderbank

You might have.

You say what was not mentioned in the agreement, but what was mentioned? That is more important.

Was the deal agreed on their premises, at your home or entirely online?

Undervalued

Colliewobbles said:

Hi all, I stupidly paid a deposit of £250 to guarantee a price for kitchen worktop (2 varieties)- even though did not have exact date or  finalised worktop agreed. There was no mention on original paperwork about non- refundable deposit. However,  yesterday when I contacted them to cancel order suddenly - non- refundable deposit appeared at top of there t and c whereas on previous it stated balance payment 1 day prior to fitting. Have I any rights to any refund of deposit?

A fully refundable deposit isn't really a deposit at all!

That said, a deposit cannot be a penalty but the firm would certainly be entitled to retain as much of it as is reasonable to cover their costs or loss of profits (but not both).

Colliewobbles

Alderbank said:

You might have.

You say what was not mentioned in the agreement, but what was mentioned? That is more important.

Was the deal agreed on their premises, at your home or entirely online?

I received a photocopy of pencilled estimate for 2 different types of worktop on their premises  Told if wanted early booking discount would need to leave deposit within 24 hrs.Then next day paid deposit over telephone.  Printed quote/estimate sent to my email.