Deposit=Sold, until then all bets are off ???? - Page 2

I do not hold a pup without a deposit, and I make that clear with initial contact/conversation with people interested in puppies. If they hold off on deposit (usually because they are shopping around and researching other breeders) - that's fine, up to them - but the pup might be sold when/if they do decide they want it. molly

CONGRATS on not selling her the "drivey pup"!!!!

Money talks, BS walks. Period. Not only do I NOT hold a puppy without a 50% deposit AND a signed contract explaining deposits are NOT refundable, but there's a place on my contract for WHEN the balance is to be paid and the puppy delivered (picked up). I have made exceptions, for friends, and been burned roughly half the time. Which reminds me... I have a contract to send off today. :) Shelley -who HATES administration

Even if you don't bring it up about wanting a deposit to hold the puppy, she should have asked you *what can I do to hold the puppy to make sure no one else buy's him/her*. It is very hard when you get into a situation like this. I totally understand how you feel EchoMeadows, I've been through the same thing but you get a little tougher on these things after awhile. If I went to buy a puppy and the owner said nothing about putting a deposit down to hold that said puppy, I would have mentioned it to make sure that no one would come up and take that said puppy. To me it's just common sense. First come first serve!!!

I too, felt at first that this is being pushy or asking for money, etc – I hated it, I know my voice shook when I asked someone for a deposit the first several times, and I then would drive my husband crazy asking him ten time “Was it OK I said that? What if they think I’m pushing the sale? What if they decide not deal with me after I said it?” Etc, etc. But at the end I realized that this is much easier than having to deal with two people interested in one puppy and both thinking they will have it. I agonized over such situations of my own before I learned how to politely educate people about deposits. Of course, there is no need to talk about a deposit in the very first conversation, but if I see they are seriously interested – it’s in their best interest to know about the deposit – it is not being pushy. It’s even harder to tell people that they are not a good match for one of my puppies! Takes a lot of nerve, in my case, to basically tell them they are not good enough, but it feels great at the end, when that puppy goes to a perfect loving home! Please don’t feel bad! We all have been in similar situations! I always try telling myself “I will know now what to do the next time” and move on.

PSP, It's not her fault, It's mine, I can admit that as bad as it makes me feel omgosh, I did her a dis service because of my own inexperience. Molly, I commend you, I hope that I can learn the difference between being my definition of "pushy" and being a professional who knows how to help someone secure what they want. 1doggie2, well the drivey pup would simply not do well given what her wants/needs/desires are, the drivey pup would have driven her NUTS. It's in my best interest and my pups to make sure the "right" pups go into the "right" homes.

I stand by the expression that "my word is my bond, and your words are just words." I don't mean to sound pessimistic about a making a "verbal" agreement, and we know that in most jurisdiction that yes, a verbal agreement is a valid and enforceable agreement, but just try and produce the wind that was used to make those words. There is NO substitution for a WRITTEN agreement, and even if it is not construed 100% correctly it is still a WRITTEN agreement. EchoMeadows, it is not about being "rude or pushy" at all-it is a function of business. Realize that if this person was REALLY serious about this puppy, she would have volunteered to make a deposit before you asked her. Do Right makes several good points about the contents of this conversation, as well as future conversations and these point require one to be careful as to what one says about this or that, as a verbal agreement is still an enforceable agreement if it can be proven. Just for the record, I normally do not advertise that I will take a deposit, and if it comes up, it comes from the mouth of the potential purchaser. Yes, I have done it, but it was always handwritten and signed into the final agreement for the sale of that puppy, since my purchase agreement does not have any provisions the terms required for a deposit. I like to keep the agreement as simple, yet all-inclusive as possible. It is of course negotiable. Bob-O

Kelly M Shaw is right! "you get a little tougher on these things after a while"

BTW even if your contract says that deposit is nonrefundable you should be aware that if you are sued about it and you have already sold the pup for the full amount you may not be able to keep the deposit. The court could decide that you suffered no damage and and order you to return it. The wonders of the American legal system.

Echo,I too agree with everyone on this one,no deposit no hold.Everyone is told right off the bat here that to be absolutely SURE they want a puppy,no returns on deposits.They do have the option to change their mind on another pup though.Some time ago I held a female,the only one in that litter,in the meantime I'm telling everyone who called no females available,then they changed their mind.It took me the time and expense of redoing the ad and another two months to sell her because I did'nt take any names of buyers assuming this girl was sold.