By AlanJay, 1730802403
Return of deposits is an occasional topic!
I had an experience, on another site, where I had paid a model, who had a lot of positive references, a deposit. (I know, I should have know better!)
We had agreed the shoot, date, time, location and fee, before she asked for the deposit.
The day after I had paid it, she messaged to say that she had 'miscalculated' and her fee would be £100 more than agreed.
I refused to agree to an increase and requested the return of my £40 deposit. She refused, saying "I never return deposits" and blocked me.
Fortunately I had obtained her real name and address before paying the deposit, so I made a claim through the Online Civil Money Claims, (used to be small claims court).
The model did not respond to the court, so they made a judgement based on my evidence and in her absence, awarding me £40 return of deposit, 18p interest and £35 court costs.
Even at this point, I knew that I may never see that money.
3 weeks later, I received a copy of the letter the court sent to the model.
This included information - that this was a CCJ and that would affect her ability to get credit in future.
It also advised that if she paid within 1 month she could have the CCJ entry marked as resolved.
2 hours later, the full amount was in my bank account.
The whole legal process took less than 8 weeks.
The things I take away from this:
Keep ALL communication onsite, whichever site that may be.
Understand the law and act within it. (e.g. once you have agreed terms, fee, etc. you cannot change them unless the other party agree)
BEFORE you pay a deposit, ensure you have the other person's real name and address.
