Refund of car holding fee?

[patty101]

Hi my husband went to view a car a few days ago and liked the car. He said to the salewoman that he couldnt make a decision without me and that I would need to see the car before a decision made. The saleswoman asked him to put down a £50 holding fee and said the car wouldnt be sold to anyone else. She did say if I didnt like it the money would be refunded. The receipt my husband has just says £50 holding fee received. He hasnt signed anything. I was pretty p..... off with my husband for doing this anyway as the mileage on the car and the price was higher than what we were looking for.

 

Anyway 4 days later and my husband phones up and says he has lost his job and cannot buy the car (not true we have found a better car). The saleswoman says she has put off 2 people from coming to look at the car and the £50 is not refundable. My husband argues with her and re-iterated the conversation they had. She says she has to ask her boss whos not in until next Tuesday. Where do we stand on this - money is very tight and I need the £50 to go towards the car we want to buy and Tuesday might be too late.

 

Any help or advice greatly appreciated.

[peterlucas]

"She did say if I didnt like it the money would be refunded."

 

Can you prove this?

[buzby]

In cases of a dispute like this, you need to be firm. If you are sure of the fact the holding fee was not a 'deposit', then ask them for their Terms & Conditions regarding these fees, ans the lack of a refund means you'll resort to the courts to obtain a refund.

 

Next, in the absence of these conditions, WRITE using RMs 'Signed for' service, noting the dispute and giving them 14 days to refund your money. If the funds are not received by the due date, you will without further warning raise a Moneyclaim action for the refund of all monies paid, wit interest - as appropriate.