Puppy Deposits - Page 3

I do not breed very often, but when I do, I sell as a first come first serve deal. When the pups are born, then a person can leave a deposit for a certain pup. The deposit will hold that pup for that person and will also prove to me that they are serious and not just window shoppers. I do not put people on a list because I never know when I may breed next. It could be years down the road.

As for the deposit. If everyone was alloawed to get their deposit back when they back out, why would you even ask for a deposit? It would be pointless. I would keep the deposit, especially since he has been such an ass about it. As others have said, it might have been different if he had approached the issue in a polite way.

>>I DON'T like the fact that 98% of any kind of breeder is demanding you get on a waiting list and make a payment - and so you are held HOSTAGE to getting something from them, or lose a good deal of money.  Never mind it's sight-unseen (which I will not do) on a waiting list, and you may wait forever when surely you could get a dog NOW, when you want it and are ready.  Circumstances change, don't you know?  What if you wait so long faithfully, and then come to a crash in finances, or personal disaster?<<<

No one MAKES you give a deposit.  This is done of your own free will.  If you want to wait until a promising litter is weaned and those with deposits have made their choices, in the hopes one that is left that will suit you, that is your choice.  But promising litters are in demand, and that kind of litter is often a "seller's market".  I personally return a deposit if what you requested is not in the litter, refering to your own detailed description in my files, and sometimes, return a deposit under other circumstances as well. 

I could not begin to keep up with those who want a puppy without the commitment of a deposit.  The deposit makes the window shoppers leave me alone, I just do not have time to write down all the people who want a puppy from a certain litter, only to eliminate the window shoppers at seven weeks of age with yet even more time and expense (phone calls) and try to fairly figure out who requested a pup first and match what they requested in the puppy's look and temperament to what I have observed and tested for in the litter.  I do a lot of work on the litter, observing, testing, taking pictures, and I now videotape the Volhard PAT, which takes HOURS with a large litter and I have to call in favors/beg my busy friends to do it for me, as the breeder cannot be present if it is going to be a valid test. 

I usually start some rag work when the pups are ready, so I can see their grips and report on that.  (I say usually, because with my recent injury, the last litter did not get much rag work, which did make me feel guilty.)  I check back on my reservations in my notebook frequently to remind me of what my buyers are looking for individually as I continue to observe the litter daily. 

Lots of breeders are like me, though their methodology may be less documented with fewer formal tests, and others are way more intense than me, and keep better documentation and do more testing. 

Then there are the people who want instant gratification in their puppy purchase.  That is fine for you, go find an instant gratification breeder to suit you.  

Veronica

"No one MAKES you give a deposit.  This is done of your own free will."

I beg to differ.  So many breeders (at least, I mean US breeders) insist you put down a deposit if they don't have a pup available right now (i.e., almost never).  Mostly German-type, but also now it's become epidemic in AKC types too.

You and many others may be different, but what I've run across just for a pet dog is they "MAKE" you deposit if you want at all to have a pup in the future.  Indeed, why do so many advertise that they will have XXX$ deposit.  If they don't happen to have a litter when you call, they say "pay up" for the next 1.

"Then there are the people who want instant gratification in their puppy purchase.  That is fine for you, go find an instant gratification breeder to suit you."

As I said, you can't find them as a rule!  That stands not only for fashionable breeders with good lines, but less known with not top lines.

If I'm ready to take a pup now, and may not be ready in the future, why can't I?  What's so terrible about that?

This isn't simply to be glibly dismissed as "instant gratification".  It ain't instant gratification for me to check out personally a living animal which can have a wide range of personality, character and other aspects, and be sure *I* like it, not the breeder.  It's fine if the breeder thinks it's great, but *I* better like it and not just have to take what the breeder insists is a "great dog", sight-unseen.  I don't even buy cars without trying them, much less take a living animal that can kill someone without examining them a bit.

Rebel, you protest too much.  There is a saying, "Your rights end where mine begin". 

I should not be held captive to your WANTS either, or go through extra expense and work myself  just so you do NOT have to put money down to make a commitment for something I have and that you want.

I'm just curious now...are you looking for a showline pup, or a working line pup?  What will puppy's job be?  What are the ideal characteristics you are looking for in your puppy?   You mentioned pet puppy, but what does that mean to you?

Veronica

I've read your statement again, and decided I am way too verbose.  I apologize for that and edited it out.

Simply...go find a breeder you can travel to that will do what you want in reguards to how you want it.  Negotiate your own terms, get an agreement that the pup has to meet your requests or you get your money back.

If you decide you can make a deposit if you get to come in person and make your choice, that's great.  If you do not want to make a deposit, find someone you can visit in person who does not require it.  Beyond that... compromise or pray. 

Veronica

 For those that deal in first come, first serve, they get to pick their puppy, what happens when the puppy they pick turns out to be too much puppy for them. Or what if that puppy in the breeders eyes is going to be a very nice show quality puppy only to be kept in someones house never to be shown, trained or titled. Most serious breeders do alot of research and planning (this is alot of work and very time consuming) for puppy buyers to think there is no work involved.  Most of us that have raised a few litters know first hand this is alot of work and very time consuming, just stating the obvious. The puppy buyer only see cute little puppies they want to take home, but then a week or two later the buyer is calling the breeder back demanding their money because the puppy is too much for them to handle. That is why it is always best for the breeder to ask what they are looking for and choose for the puppy buyer. I will always ask what they are looking for in a puppy, what are their plans for the puppy and also what home life can you give this puppy,  then after the temperament tests they get to choose from those pups that fit their needs.  Some buyers just are not interested in showing or breeding, some puppies will have a softer temperament and make awesome pets, but then there are those that will be beasts and will require constant boundries and training to keep them busy and out of trouble. I think that if breeders just let anyone pic the pup they wanted we would be seeing many more german shepherds in the pounds and shelters because that cute puppy  has grown  up  without the proper training and boundries and that is bad.; I think out beautiful german shepherd gets enough of a bad rap.  A good breeder will always look out  for their pups and make certain they go to the correct homes, you match the right puppy with the right family and hope everyone is happy.   Breeders puts alot of time and effort into all this work and to expect her/him to do it for free is rather silly. If a puppy buyer does not want to lose their money, then don't give a deposit, and then don't expect your choice puppy to be waiting for you. I'd say that's like, "Taking the cake and eating to"...

Debbie

Debbie - my question to you is how can you guarantee any home? I think every good breeder tries to help match the right pup with the right owner, but we all know that is never absolute. I am sure many people have placed what they thought to be a great "pet" pup into a home only to get a call a few months later stating that he is "too much". I try to not sell ANY pups to homes unless the family knows what they are getting into. None of my pups are ever laid back "house" pets. If that is what they want, they should look at another breed.

As for the really sport quality, I usually have a good idea of what will be what when they start becoming active. I really do not allow people to come look at pups until they are at least 4 weeks of age. Usually by the time people come to look at a "pet" pup and leave a deposit, I can hold back the pups that I think look most promising.

As I said before, I do not breed very often. I think there are others on here in the same boat. I, for one, do not want lists or deposits from people that I have to tell to "wait" for a few years to get a pup. I am not saying that having lists and such is a bad thing, just not something I feel comfortable with doing considering how few and far between my litters are. JMHO

I offered him another puppy from another litter in the future and that I would apply this deposit to that puppy.  He refused wanting him money back.  I know now why he changed his mind.  He now wants a oversized long coated  Collie like male puppy from West German Show Lines.  My pups are Czech working lines within the GSD standards.  He choose a stock coat solid black male.  Very nice pup.

This was a Man/Adult who read the contract and signed it = an agreement to the content of the contract.  It doesn't matter why he has changed his mind, you are NOT obligated to return the deposit.  I would not be concerned about him or anyone else hurting your reputation when you are following an agreement made between two adults.  He can file all day long, doesn't mean he would win.  Tell him to go ahead with his threats.  No one forced him to look at the pups, agree to pay you a deposit on a pup or sign the contract.  He did that of his own free will and should not be so wishy washy.  

Anyone throwing around threats to get their way after coming to an agreement and signing a contract needs of growing up.  Life is about choices, he made his and now he needs to live with it.  If he had an unforeseen medical emergency, death in the family or something of that nature and came to you as a mature adult to discuss the issue then that would be another matter.  You wouldn't be obligated to refund his or anyone elses money because even a verbal agreement is binding.  A written contract is spelled out, should be discussed and understood by both parties and any other parties (Court) reading it.  You have done nothing wrong.  I agree with others who suggested you stick to your contract and not refund his money.  He should have made up his mind before signing your contract and giving you a deposit.

Teri