What would you do? - Page 2

Kczaja- From a "legal standpoint" yes they are but from a MORAL standpoint no they are not and to proceed with legal action to force them to stand by their written agreement may not be worth it as it will cost you more money for the dog in the long run in legal fees.  If it were me I'd tell the breeder "thanks but no thanks, give me back my deposit and keep your pup you greedy SOB" LOL 

Was the deposit $500? Maybe he meant after the deposit, you will still owe $1,500 to total $2,000???

when you say, "in writing" i still do not get the impression that this was a contract - signed by both parties.  what does "in wiring" mean?  an email?  a letter?  price quoted on their website?  i wish you luck and hope they honor their original agreement, but without a contract signed by both parties, this stuff can get pretty sticky.

pjp

A verbal agreement is legal and binding and ethics and morals do apply that is why is is legal in the eyes of the courts.  The verbal agreement has to be proven and in the case of a written document to support your claims, you are golden.  It doesn't have to be a contract, although that would be the best situation.  The fact that you have the agreement for the price in writting (ex. via email, etc.) binds them to that price and they should stand behind the agreement made between the two parties.  It is possible there were/are some miscommunication issues, a lot can be miss understood easily and I would try to clarify why the sudden change in price after reminding them of the previous quote for the pup (ex. extra fee's for shipping, crate, etc.).  If the difference isn't for shipping, etc., they have broken your agreement and should refund your deposit if they are not willing to honor their origional agreement on the price of the pup.

Teri.     

I agree with Agar.  If the breeder is changing parameters already, what kind of support will you get if/when you need it later?  Find a different breeder to work with.  Since they changed the price after the agreement, that should give you grounds to have the deposit returned.

Different people have different definitions of "reputable."  Try Preston's approach, and it that does not work, Jason Angel put it succinctly:  RUN.   Also, check your state's consumer protection laws.

If it were me, I would try to get my deposit back. If not, take the loss with a lesson learned.

I don't ask for contracts. If you are not closer than 500 miles from the breeder, they are as worthless as the paper they are written on. People either do business stright or they don't.

I would never pay more than an agreeded upon price just for the principle. I will take a loss, before I do business with someone I do not like, think is crooked, or I think will send me an inferior dog.

It's the principle of the matter.