Can I Get the Deposit Back?

Why doesn't this concept apply in the OP's case?

jecottrell wrote in post #17676811
Why doesn't this concept apply in the OP's case?

It may, or it may not. Again, this all depends on the language used in the terms that the OP agreed to when he secured his place with the workshop provider.

If there is anything that your linked article makes clear, it is the fact that the precise wording of one's contract is what will make the biggest difference in court. In your article, if the photographer's contract had said that the $400 deposit was for the scheduling and procurement of a make-up artist, and for the scheduling, procurement and preparation of studio space, she would have undoubtedly been entitled to keep the entire deposit. But she made the mistake of saying that the $400 deposit would be applied to a print package.......not too bright on her part to have worded it that way.

I'm sometimes involved in organizing or attending sport training workshops with well-known competitors from the sport (some of whom travel over from Europe). Prepayment is required, but if a participant can't come for whatever reason, their spot is always sold to someone else and they get a refund. And we're not talking about anything like $700: less than half that in most cases. Not refunding deposits, especially large amounts, sounds to me like a quick way for the photographer to sabotage her own reputation. I can understand her keeping a percentage (10%, even 20%) to cover her overheads, and for inconvenience, but to keep it all seems very greedy to me.

Cancellation terms should be written down clearly somewhere - usually on the registration form, or possibly in the advertising material. This has been the case for all the workshops I've attended or organized.

If it's not clearly specified somewhere that the deposit isn't refundable, I'd suggest you try again to get it back.

Good luck with your dog, glad he's getting better.