Deposit for 992 from a bay area dealer
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 25
Deposit for 992 from a bay area dealer
I need some wisdom from the forum members.
I made a deposit for my 992 in a bay area dealer 6 months ago. Luckily, Sam from this forum introduced another dealer to me, which gave me a good discount for an ordered 992.
So, I just asked refund of my deposit to the previous dealer a couple of months ago. Last week, when I call my SA again to check the refund status, he said they don't have any record of my deposit from the beginning.
Probably, I was never in their 992 waiting list after all. Anyway, I had to send a proof of my deposit. The refund still didn't show up, yet.
I already talked to the sales manager, but whenever I talk to them, I hear a different story. Should I call Porsche NA or is there something else I can do to get refund?
I made a deposit for my 992 in a bay area dealer 6 months ago. Luckily, Sam from this forum introduced another dealer to me, which gave me a good discount for an ordered 992.
So, I just asked refund of my deposit to the previous dealer a couple of months ago. Last week, when I call my SA again to check the refund status, he said they don't have any record of my deposit from the beginning.
Probably, I was never in their 992 waiting list after all. Anyway, I had to send a proof of my deposit. The refund still didn't show up, yet.
I already talked to the sales manager, but whenever I talk to them, I hear a different story. Should I call Porsche NA or is there something else I can do to get refund?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 28,108
Likes: 2,322
From: DFW, Texas
Attorney. A nice short straight forward letter from your attorney. Probably invest the extra $5 and change and send certified mail. No mistaking if you are going away or not. Or, if was me I'd show up in the finance managers office with proof and say I'll be hanging around the showroom while you cut me a check. Finance guy usually has an open door.
RL Community Team
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Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2019
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From: Doylestown, PA
Not a Porsche NA issue. Don't bother them with this.
If you don't mind confrontation, simply let the SA know that you're coming over to pick up the deposit. You'd be surprised how effective that posture is -- nothing scares people more than bold confidence. If you're not the confrontation type, engage an attorney to write a demand letter. It is my understanding that California has a law on the books explicitly regarding the refund-ability of these deposits.
With that being said, you didn't mention the size of the deposit. If it's $1-2k, it will not be worth your while to engage an attorney person to deal with it, unless the California law has explicit penalties. If it's real money, ie, something $10k or greater, that's a different story. I suspect that this dealer may be doing their little dance on this with a small deposit, because they know that it's not worth your while to collect it.
Good luck!
If you don't mind confrontation, simply let the SA know that you're coming over to pick up the deposit. You'd be surprised how effective that posture is -- nothing scares people more than bold confidence. If you're not the confrontation type, engage an attorney to write a demand letter. It is my understanding that California has a law on the books explicitly regarding the refund-ability of these deposits.
With that being said, you didn't mention the size of the deposit. If it's $1-2k, it will not be worth your while to engage an attorney person to deal with it, unless the California law has explicit penalties. If it's real money, ie, something $10k or greater, that's a different story. I suspect that this dealer may be doing their little dance on this with a small deposit, because they know that it's not worth your while to collect it.
Good luck!
RL Community Team
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From: Doylestown, PA
Rennlist Member
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
Originally Posted by detansinn
If it’s a small deposit, even that may not be worth your while. You’ll have to pay a fee to file.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 25
Thanks for your advice and opinion. My deposit was $2.5k check. Yes, if it were a credit card transaction, it could have been a lot easier, but the dealer insisted.
I don't believe they would steal my money, but they don't just seem to care since this doesn't make them any profit. I didn't expect this kind of sales practice from a prestigious brand like Porsche.
I don't believe they would steal my money, but they don't just seem to care since this doesn't make them any profit. I didn't expect this kind of sales practice from a prestigious brand like Porsche.
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Joined: May 2014
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Thanks for your advice and opinion. My deposit was $2.5k check. Yes, if it were a credit card transaction, it could have been a lot easier, but the dealer insisted.
I don't believe they would steal my money, but they don't just seem to care since this doesn't make them any profit. I didn't expect this kind of sales practice from a prestigious brand like Porsche.
I don't believe they would steal my money, but they don't just seem to care since this doesn't make them any profit. I didn't expect this kind of sales practice from a prestigious brand like Porsche.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 834
From: SF Bay Area
I need some wisdom from the forum members.
I made a deposit for my 992 in a bay area dealer 6 months ago. Luckily, Sam from this forum introduced another dealer to me, which gave me a good discount for an ordered 992.
So, I just asked refund of my deposit to the previous dealer a couple of months ago. Last week, when I call my SA again to check the refund status, he said they don't have any record of my deposit from the beginning.
Probably, I was never in their 992 waiting list after all. Anyway, I had to send a proof of my deposit. The refund still didn't show up, yet.
I already talked to the sales manager, but whenever I talk to them, I hear a different story. Should I call Porsche NA or is there something else I can do to get refund?
I made a deposit for my 992 in a bay area dealer 6 months ago. Luckily, Sam from this forum introduced another dealer to me, which gave me a good discount for an ordered 992.
So, I just asked refund of my deposit to the previous dealer a couple of months ago. Last week, when I call my SA again to check the refund status, he said they don't have any record of my deposit from the beginning.
Probably, I was never in their 992 waiting list after all. Anyway, I had to send a proof of my deposit. The refund still didn't show up, yet.
I already talked to the sales manager, but whenever I talk to them, I hear a different story. Should I call Porsche NA or is there something else I can do to get refund?
I'm glad Gary was able to get you a great deal on your car, but you need to get your ducks in a row and then present to the dealer why he owes you money... I can't imagine they're trying to rob you, this must be a clerical error.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 6,209
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From: New Orleans, LA (NOLA)
You don't need to get a lawyer or go to court. Geesh.
You have proof that you paid a deposit. You gave them that proof. They may be slow but they will refund it.
Give them a bit of time and then go in person if needed.
You have proof that you paid a deposit. You gave them that proof. They may be slow but they will refund it.
Give them a bit of time and then go in person if needed.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 159
From: Auburn, CA
Did they ever deposit/cash the check? Most of the time when I have left a deposit on a new car purchase, it is stapled to the order file and when I go in to actually pick-up the car they return the deposit check. Your experience may be different of course. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 47
Likes: 25
Yes, Gary/Jason has been nice. I was not sure which to order between 4-way sport+ and 14-way before I tried. They called me when the spec'd cars were available and I tried them both before I made my decision. The previous dealer never bothered and never offered test-drive at all.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 834
From: SF Bay Area
Yes, Gary/Jason has been nice. I was not sure which to order between 4-way sport+ and 14-way before I tried. They called me when the spec'd cars were available and I tried them both before I made my decision. The previous dealer never bothered and never offered test-drive at all.