Am I entittled to my deposit back?

Question

We answered an ad for an 19ft boat. whe we went to see it we liked the boat and my husband signed a paper saying that we left a deposit for the boat. After trying the boat the next day, we realize that the boat was 18ft instead of 19ft. It felt really small. We called a few dealer and they told us that it was in fact 18ft. We called the seller and told him we wanted to return the boat, he said it was ilegal because we had signed that paper. We returned the boat that Wednesday, 4 days after taking it and the cops were there. I thought I had put a stop payment on the check, he went and deposited the check thursday morning after we had given it back to him. Now it cleared and I do not know what to do. he has the boat, he has everything except a contract or payment of the boat which was 13,900. He took our 934.00. Are we entitled to that money back? we dont want the boat, we want our money back. we had even offer him money for the trouble but he declined it.

Answer 1

Many deposits are not refundable by private sellers due to them holding the item for you and preventing a further sale.

I'm not sure what kind of papers you signed, but look at them, see if anything in there indicates refunds of deposits.

Answer 2

It would all depend upon what state you live in.  If you can prove he mislead and advertised it as a 19ft boat and even stated this on the reciept you signed, then you might have a case.

In any event contact your states attorney generals office to find out more.  Here is a link to find yours

http://www.fair-debt-collection.com/atto...

Some states do not allow a seller to keep a deposit if the deal did not meet certain requirements.

Hope this answers your question

Answer 3

Seek the advise of an Attorney would be the best thing to do at this point. You need to be make sure what it is you are really buying before signing ANYTHING or PAYING FOR ANYTHING.  You need to make sure you know exactly what it is your getting yourself into BEFORE hand.  The details of the paperwork are crucial here. I don't know what they may entail but thats where an Attorney would be of good help.

Answer 4

You are probably entitled to your money back.  It depends on the laws where you live probably.  Talk to a lawyer if you can, but a small claims court case may clear this little matter up.