Sorry, no refund

cw3561 · 05/10/2006, 07:27 PM

I just want to vent over something and see what people have to say. I ordered a 120g aquarium from my lfs a few weeks ago and put down a 20% deposit and signed the thing that says, Non refundable 20% deposit. No problem because I couldn't wait for it to get here. Well in the last few days some things have happened and now I have to wait 4 or 5 months at least befor I can even pay for the tank

I called the lfs to ask if they might have some compassion and let me have my deposit. They Said no and pointed out that I signed the thing about no refund. She said they would probably sell it when it came in. I know I signed the 20% thing but my gripe is, they are going to sell it any way and keep my money

For a 10 minute phone call to order the tank they are keeping my deposit. Whit no consideration for my circumstances. Is that bad customer service or is it just me?

ncny21802 · 05/10/2006, 07:36 PM

Its just you. There is a reason companies have policies in place and if they made an exception for you why not everyone else? What is the point of having policis if you don't follow them. Just my 2 sense

crab0000 · 05/10/2006, 07:38 PM

You have to wonder how many people have ordered tanks and then had sob stories. There must be a reason they have the policy. Will they let you use the %20 in the future toward a tank? I know a lot of LFS's operate from sale to sale, so your money was probably already spent and they would have to take it out of pocket to pay you back. JMO

Brenden · 05/10/2006, 07:40 PM

That is exactly why they had you sign the paper.
I would instead see if they would let you make payments on it for the 4-5 months instead of trying to get the money back.
Hello ncny21802. I am not far from you.

Agu · 05/10/2006, 07:49 PM

Maybe they'll sell it in a week, or a month, or at their going out of business sale. In any case they're putting up their money that could be used for faster moving inventory. Don't blame them, they're just trying to run a business.

jmo,

Mike 1911A1 · 05/10/2006, 07:57 PM

Hello ncny21802 and Brenden, I'm not far from you guys either.

cw3561 · 05/10/2006, 08:00 PM

Yeah I understand the business only side of the story but I also think that a blanket policy may be a little tough. I'm from the school of thought that you should take care of your customers and consider that sometimes a blanket policy burns some one who really has ran into a problem. So i'm kinda mad about it but at the same time I understand their side also. I do feel how ever that sometimes you need to bend the rules and by doing so they will have a customer for life. As it stands now I will never spend another dime in that store again.

Brenden · 05/10/2006, 08:03 PM

Quote:

As it stands now I will never spend another dime in that store again.

That is also understandable. Is making payments a option?

Where are you located Mike?

Brenden · 05/10/2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

As it stands now I will never spend another dime in that store again.

That is also understandable. Is making payments a option?

Where are you located Mike?

Aescleah · 05/10/2006, 08:12 PM

will they work with you at all

/wave NC reefers

jmicky41 · 05/10/2006, 08:21 PM

I'd ask for my deposit back as store credit - they may go for that. Then if money is really tight, sell the store credit to a local club member.

cw3561 · 05/10/2006, 08:34 PM

That's a good idea. I need to go back in there tomorrow to get the extra $10 they owe me over the deposit. I'll ask.

phil5613 · 05/11/2006, 12:39 AM

Just a thought, Lfs's get beat up all the time on boards but this time the store is doing exactly what it promised and you won't shop there anymore? I could see the anger if they betrayed you in anyway but the clearely stated the policy and had you sign off on it and now that you cant complete the transaction they are the bad guy? How about using the deposit on a smaller setup? Or negotiating like it has been stated in previous posts? A 120 takes up floor space and operating capitol how big of a store are they?

sloshesv · 05/11/2006, 07:02 AM

Sorry my friend, it's just you.

mthedude · 05/11/2006, 07:07 AM

bottom line is that fish tank proffit margin's aren't that good and that's why they had you sign the 20% deposit contract. Just to ship the tank back to the manufacturer would be a huge cost for them because 1 person couldn't come up with the money. It sucks and it would be nice if the LFS could have compassion for thier customer 100% of the time but the fact is, they're there to make money to support thier family first and foremost. If they can turn a small proffit and make thier customer's happy at the same time I'm sure they would. Don't expect them to order a large tank, hold a deposit and then give it back. It costs them money hold it on thier floor. Cash flow is the name of the game in small buisiness and I can't blame them from protecting themselves a little bit. I'm sure if you talked to the owner you could explain the situation and tell them you want the tank or a similar tank and you'll pay them 10-20% per month until it's paid in full, as long as you're giving them money they'll most likely work with you because they're not completely heartless I'm sure.

gh0st · 05/11/2006, 07:56 AM

Working at a LFS myself, I've got to side with the majority here. You knew the policy, you signed it, and your surprised they are sticking to it?

Where I work we try amd work with people on this type of thing, extended payment options, etc, but the fact of the matter is, if no one buys the tank, the store is out the money, and possibly the return freight to ship it back.

We have at least 1/3 of layaways/special orders try to back out. Sad, but true. We try to work things out so everybody is happy, but sometimes it doesn't work that way.

I doubt you'll get your money back, but if you approach them in a reasonable friendly manner, you might be able to get your down payment credited to you later when you can afford the tank, or possibly as store credit.

Craig Lambert · 05/11/2006, 08:02 AM

Yes. it's just you. We're talking what here $100? Chalk it up to a lesson learned.

john rochon · 05/11/2006, 08:08 AM

yep, you should have seen all posiblitys before signing. I would beg/borrow/steal the coin because at least you'll have not lost anything and you can setup later.
LFS's as stated make so very little coin on tanks so hence the policy. I wouldn't even give store credit to you because now they have to move the tank which may or may not sell fast. I've seen tanks sit on the floor for months and months.

mayor10 · 05/11/2006, 08:20 AM

I agree with everyone. The store's policy is completey fair and legitimate. You have absolutely no right to be mad at the store.

They made you sign that policy for this EXACT reason! They ordered a tank for you, and now you don't have the money to pay for it. There's nothing extraordinary about your situtation that would warrant them helping you out.

I'm bummed for you, but there's no reason what so ever that you should be blaming the store. You knew exactly what the policy was, you physically signed it, which means you agreed to it.

RichConley · 05/11/2006, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cw3561
Yeah I understand the business only side of the story but I also think that a blanket policy may be a little tough. I'm from the school of thought that you should take care of your customers and consider that sometimes a blanket policy burns some one who really has ran into a problem. So i'm kinda mad about it but at the same time I understand their side also. I do feel how ever that sometimes you need to bend the rules and by doing so they will have a customer for life. As it stands now I will never spend another dime in that store again.

Do you know anyone else in the market for a tank? It may be worth it to have a friend take over the order. You pay the store his money, he gets the tank. You just have to wait some more when you need a tank.

mthedude · 05/11/2006, 08:37 AM

If they want to keep your business they'll let you use your deposit for another tank or at least let you make payments to them, I'd say if they don't work with you at all you can get them back by not ever going back to that store again. They have a right to keep your deposit but they don't need to be the tank nazi's and keep your money in thier pocket and not let you use it toward a store purchase in the future. Good lesson to learn, if you sign anything, always assume the person offering the contract will use the contract language in any way to benefit themselves, that's business.

sloshesv · 05/11/2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mthedude
if you sign anything, always assume the person offering the contract will use the contract language in any way to benefit themselves

You make sound like they are doing something underhanded here. Which doesn't appear to be the case at all.

RichConley · 05/11/2006, 09:15 AM

Did the 'contract' you signed say anythign on it about the time frame you had to pay for and pick up the tank?

mthedude · 05/11/2006, 09:27 AM

I'm not saying that the LFS used the contract for wrong purposes or evil, I'm saying that if they use a contract, there's a reason for it. I.E. They've been burned before and don't want to have a bunch of tanks sitting on thier floor. Stagnant inventory costs money by means of negative cash flow so all they're doing is trying to keep a little of the store's money off thier floor, they do this by keeping the 20% down so they only have 80% of thier own money on thier floor instead of 100%. Bottom line is I'm sure if you approach them in a good natured manor they'll work with you.

MCary · 05/11/2006, 09:27 AM

In the meantime, I would try to sell it yourself. Maybe you could give some new reefer a 10% discount on a new tank and get half your money back.

05/10/2006, 07:27 PM	#1
cw3561 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: California Posts: 98	Sorry, no refund I just want to vent over something and see what people have to say. I ordered a 120g aquarium from my lfs a few weeks ago and put down a 20% deposit and signed the thing that says, Non refundable 20% deposit. No problem because I couldn't wait for it to get here. Well in the last few days some things have happened and now I have to wait 4 or 5 months at least befor I can even pay for the tank I called the lfs to ask if they might have some compassion and let me have my deposit. They Said no and pointed out that I signed the thing about no refund. She said they would probably sell it when it came in. I know I signed the 20% thing but my gripe is, they are going to sell it any way and keep my money For a 10 minute phone call to order the tank they are keeping my deposit. Whit no consideration for my circumstances. Is that bad customer service or is it just me? __________________ Remember , figures don't lie, but liars figure, so go figure.

05/10/2006, 07:36 PM	#2
ncny21802 Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 364	Its just you. There is a reason companies have policies in place and if they made an exception for you why not everyone else? What is the point of having policis if you don't follow them. Just my 2 sense __________________ "The democracy will cease to exist if we take from those who are willing to work and give to those who are not." -Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 46 gallon bow. 20L sump. Vortech MP10, Tunze 6045, Koralia nano, SWC Extreme 160 skimmer, ATI Sunpower, Reefkeeper Elite, etc, etc

05/10/2006, 07:49 PM	#5
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	Maybe they'll sell it in a week, or a month, or at their going out of business sale. In any case they're putting up their money that could be used for faster moving inventory. Don't blame them, they're just trying to run a business. jmo, __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

05/10/2006, 08:00 PM	#7
cw3561 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: California Posts: 98	Yeah I understand the business only side of the story but I also think that a blanket policy may be a little tough. I'm from the school of thought that you should take care of your customers and consider that sometimes a blanket policy burns some one who really has ran into a problem. So i'm kinda mad about it but at the same time I understand their side also. I do feel how ever that sometimes you need to bend the rules and by doing so they will have a customer for life. As it stands now I will never spend another dime in that store again. __________________ Remember , figures don't lie, but liars figure, so go figure.

05/10/2006, 08:21 PM	#11
jmicky41 Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 891	I'd ask for my deposit back as store credit - they may go for that. Then if money is really tight, sell the store credit to a local club member. __________________ The bake sale to raise money for the carwash has been cancelled - due to confusion. Current Tank Info: 125 fowlr: 280watts VHO, 75LBS of mixed rock, Deltec AP600 skimmer, wet dry, GRi 518 return pump, 15 watt Aqua UV,(2) tunze 6000 on a 7095, goldflake angel(RIP), flame angel(8 years old), mitratus butterfly, yellow tang, majestic rabbitfsih

05/10/2006, 07:38 PM	#3
crab0000 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jasper,GA Posts: 2,801	You have to wonder how many people have ordered tanks and then had sob stories. There must be a reason they have the policy. Will they let you use the %20 in the future toward a tank? I know a lot of LFS's operate from sale to sale, so your money was probably already spent and they would have to take it out of pocket to pay you back. JMO

05/10/2006, 07:40 PM	#4
Brenden Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Piedmont, NC Posts: 224	That is exactly why they had you sign the paper. I would instead see if they would let you make payments on it for the 4-5 months instead of trying to get the money back. Hello ncny21802. I am not far from you.

05/10/2006, 07:57 PM	#6
Mike 1911A1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Carolina Posts: 324	Hello ncny21802 and Brenden, I'm not far from you guys either.

05/10/2006, 08:12 PM	#10
Aescleah Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Cary,NC,USA Posts: 260	will they work with you at all /wave NC reefers

05/10/2006, 08:34 PM	#12
cw3561 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: California Posts: 98	That's a good idea. I need to go back in there tomorrow to get the extra $10 they owe me over the deposit. I'll ask. __________________ Remember , figures don't lie, but liars figure, so go figure.

05/11/2006, 12:39 AM	#13
phil5613 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wheaton IL Posts: 428	Just a thought, Lfs's get beat up all the time on boards but this time the store is doing exactly what it promised and you won't shop there anymore? I could see the anger if they betrayed you in anyway but the clearely stated the policy and had you sign off on it and now that you cant complete the transaction they are the bad guy? How about using the deposit on a smaller setup? Or negotiating like it has been stated in previous posts? A 120 takes up floor space and operating capitol how big of a store are they? __________________ Its always this way sometimes Current Tank Info: getting back into the addiction!

05/11/2006, 07:02 AM	#14
sloshesv Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: ft myers, fl Posts: 723	Sorry my friend, it's just you. __________________ It's just sloshesv, your Honor Current Tank Info: 55 gallon reef, 20 gal seahorse and leaf fish

05/11/2006, 07:07 AM	#15
mthedude Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 549	bottom line is that fish tank proffit margin's aren't that good and that's why they had you sign the 20% deposit contract. Just to ship the tank back to the manufacturer would be a huge cost for them because 1 person couldn't come up with the money. It sucks and it would be nice if the LFS could have compassion for thier customer 100% of the time but the fact is, they're there to make money to support thier family first and foremost. If they can turn a small proffit and make thier customer's happy at the same time I'm sure they would. Don't expect them to order a large tank, hold a deposit and then give it back. It costs them money hold it on thier floor. Cash flow is the name of the game in small buisiness and I can't blame them from protecting themselves a little bit. I'm sure if you talked to the owner you could explain the situation and tell them you want the tank or a similar tank and you'll pay them 10-20% per month until it's paid in full, as long as you're giving them money they'll most likely work with you because they're not completely heartless I'm sure. __________________ You........Cake or Death? I'll have the cake please.... ....well we're outta cake! Current Tank Info: 55g Reef Tank, scooter blenny, tail spot blenny, cleaner shrimp, button polyps, fuzzy mushrooms, hammer coral, multi color zoos, 10 gal fuge, Octopus NW150

05/11/2006, 07:56 AM	#16
gh0st Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 956	Working at a LFS myself, I've got to side with the majority here. You knew the policy, you signed it, and your surprised they are sticking to it? Where I work we try amd work with people on this type of thing, extended payment options, etc, but the fact of the matter is, if no one buys the tank, the store is out the money, and possibly the return freight to ship it back. We have at least 1/3 of layaways/special orders try to back out. Sad, but true. We try to work things out so everybody is happy, but sometimes it doesn't work that way. I doubt you'll get your money back, but if you approach them in a reasonable friendly manner, you might be able to get your down payment credited to you later when you can afford the tank, or possibly as store credit. __________________ I REFUSE to buy Named/LE/High End Corals for insane prices. I REFUSE to pay Per Polyp for micro "Frags." Further more, I REFUSE to sell in any similar fashion. This is a hobby, not the Stock Market. If you feel the same, change you're signature to something similar and spread the word! Long Live the Reef Revolution!

05/11/2006, 08:02 AM	#17
Craig Lambert Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,897	Yes. it's just you. We're talking what here $100? Chalk it up to a lesson learned. __________________ "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend all day in a boat drinking beer." Current Tank Info: 75G Tank, 29G Sump, 100lbs LR, AquaC EV-180, Iwaki MD-20RT return Tunze nano streams 4X54 t-5/Icecap Ballast & SLR's 2x110 vho actinic

05/11/2006, 08:08 AM	#18
john rochon Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: canada Posts: 2,082	yep, you should have seen all posiblitys before signing. I would beg/borrow/steal the coin because at least you'll have not lost anything and you can setup later. LFS's as stated make so very little coin on tanks so hence the policy. I wouldn't even give store credit to you because now they have to move the tank which may or may not sell fast. I've seen tanks sit on the floor for months and months.

05/11/2006, 08:20 AM	#19
mayor10 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 111	I agree with everyone. The store's policy is completey fair and legitimate. You have absolutely no right to be mad at the store. They made you sign that policy for this EXACT reason! They ordered a tank for you, and now you don't have the money to pay for it. There's nothing extraordinary about your situtation that would warrant them helping you out. I'm bummed for you, but there's no reason what so ever that you should be blaming the store. You knew exactly what the policy was, you physically signed it, which means you agreed to it.

05/11/2006, 08:37 AM	#21
mthedude Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 549	If they want to keep your business they'll let you use your deposit for another tank or at least let you make payments to them, I'd say if they don't work with you at all you can get them back by not ever going back to that store again. They have a right to keep your deposit but they don't need to be the tank nazi's and keep your money in thier pocket and not let you use it toward a store purchase in the future. Good lesson to learn, if you sign anything, always assume the person offering the contract will use the contract language in any way to benefit themselves, that's business. __________________ You........Cake or Death? I'll have the cake please.... ....well we're outta cake! Current Tank Info: 55g Reef Tank, scooter blenny, tail spot blenny, cleaner shrimp, button polyps, fuzzy mushrooms, hammer coral, multi color zoos, 10 gal fuge, Octopus NW150

05/11/2006, 09:15 AM	#23
RichConley Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bostonian in Chicago going to DC Posts: 9,908	Did the 'contract' you signed say anythign on it about the time frame you had to pay for and pick up the tank? __________________ NO TANKS!!!

05/11/2006, 09:27 AM	#24
mthedude Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 549	I'm not saying that the LFS used the contract for wrong purposes or evil, I'm saying that if they use a contract, there's a reason for it. I.E. They've been burned before and don't want to have a bunch of tanks sitting on thier floor. Stagnant inventory costs money by means of negative cash flow so all they're doing is trying to keep a little of the store's money off thier floor, they do this by keeping the 20% down so they only have 80% of thier own money on thier floor instead of 100%. Bottom line is I'm sure if you approach them in a good natured manor they'll work with you. __________________ You........Cake or Death? I'll have the cake please.... ....well we're outta cake! Current Tank Info: 55g Reef Tank, scooter blenny, tail spot blenny, cleaner shrimp, button polyps, fuzzy mushrooms, hammer coral, multi color zoos, 10 gal fuge, Octopus NW150

05/11/2006, 09:27 AM	#25
MCary Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Hardin, Montana Posts: 3,142	In the meantime, I would try to sell it yourself. Maybe you could give some new reefer a 10% discount on a new tank and get half your money back.