Hi guys
I'm just curious if you are one someone's waiting list  for a custom bow and let's  and you put money down. And the list is long. At the time you got put on the list you were in a situation to buy you dream bow. Well 5-6 months pass and life throws a few curves and money becomes tight. Is it possible to ask for you deposit back being that  the bow has not been started or even specs been given.

Don't know of any bowyers that ask for a non-refundable deposit. As long as no money/time has been spent on "Your bow" I think you are entitled to the full refund of your deposit.

Eric

Been in that situation more than once.  Both occasions I had found a used bow before my build came up.

Each bowyer is different.  One refunded my deposit and the other required a percentage of the deposit.  However, I was able to sell my spot in the Classified for the amount of the deposit.  As a warning!  It is not thought highly of to sell your spot for a profit.  Just what you have into it.  

Spots come up for sale fairly often and offer a good way for you to get your money back and continue to give business to the bowyer.  Just discuss with the bowyer what you are doing an make sure they concur.

Good luck with those curve balls.

FYI

I would definitely speak with the bowyer personally, and ask them what their thoughts and preferences are on the process. that might get you enough respect to help you out.

good luck to you.

Sometimes  are ordered and paid for with the deposit, e en when the waiting period is long.  This gives the bowyer time to make sure the wood is dried Properly.  This is one reason they
Ah want to keep some or all of the deposit.

Sometimes  are ordered and paid for with the deposit, e en when the waiting period is long.  This gives the bowyer time to make sure the wood is dried Properly.  This is one reason they
Ah want to keep some or all of the deposit.

Sometimes  are ordered and paid for with the deposit, e en when the waiting period is long.  This gives the bowyer time to make sure the wood is dried Properly.  This is one reason they
Ah want to keep some or all of the deposit.

Talk with your bowyer every situation is different and yes some bowyer do require a non refundable deposit.

This should be made clear by the bowyer or clearly spelled out on their website.  I'm sure they have their reasons and this has never been a problem with me as I understood the requirements prior to making the deal  

Most if not all bowyers are willing to work with you.  Give your bowyer a call.

I know Bigfoot policy states a Non-refundable deposit.

Non refundable deposit here. I used to do refunds but I had some experiences that really burned me. Sad tales but found out after I had bows half built that people just wanted to buy a different bow and were being less than forthright with me.

After a couple of times I went with non refundable. However if I do not fulfill my time obligation I offer a full refund back if the buyer wants it. So far I have met my time obligations. I start the bow when I get the deposit  so I do have an investment.

I  limit the amount of orders I take though because I never want to get in a situation that will leave anyone without their bow or their money.

God bless, Steve

Sound policy Steve, that makes sense for both you and the buyer.

Non refundable here. Thats not to say your money is gone. Its not. Your money then becomes a credit with us. Thats my policy. Of course its my policy so I have made exceptions on occasion. HOWEVER, for that generosity I have been burnt many times. It leaves a bad taste in your mouth when you try to help someone out then you see pictures of their other new bow they just bought.    :rolleyes:

you  may also want to ask if the bowyer can just "roll you back" on the list, if that would give you time to recoup etc.

I'm with Bill. A non refundable deposit means just that as any other business. You know that going in..  Why make the bowyer responsible  for your decisions. As a bowyer we buy most all materials in higher quantities and not for a specific order, exception maybe a special riser woods.
Word travels around on these sites fast, and its like a threat when a bowyer stick to there return, orders or warrantees.
Roll back will work for most bowyer unless bow in already in production or completed.

Non-refundable here also.  After having guys order multiple bows from multiple bowyers years ago and then cancel for a refund for the fun of saying they had 5 bows on order we put this policy in place.

I've made exceptions on occasion but that's my decision at the time.  We roll back on the list at times also.

Mike

I guess I never considered that a deposit should be refundable.  I have just always assumed that bowyers would be like most other businesses.  I expect them to honor the price that was quoted at the time of the order.  And I expect that if I back out on the contract through my own choice that I will lose my deposit.  

It only seems fair to me.  By the time an order is placed a bowyer has probably spent a significant amount of time with the customer, done paperwork, done the accounting on his business records (or paid someone to do it for him).  All that preliminary stuff takes time, and just like every job you've ever worked on, time is money.

Although I sure wouldn't do it, I have no doubt there are plenty of people who just can't make up their minds and would place multiple orders just to get "on the list" and hold a spot, only to cancel on all but one when the time nears.  

Keeping a credit on the books seems like a very fair solution.  If a bowyer is generous enough to offer a refund in select cases, that is going above and beyond expectations in my opinion.

The deposit is a deposit,means that is what you are willing to give to insure you get the bow you want.Non-refundable !But ,it depends on the bowyer ,were he is in the build etc. I would understand if you do not get it back and be happy if you did.If you are on the list for a bow, the next person has to wait longer and for that reason the bowyer may loose a sale.

The only time I asked for a deposit back and got it was when I ordered from O.L. Adcock. He did not meet his time and I even waited a few more months. He refunded with no questions.