Deposits

I have talked to a breeder for over a month she never mentioned a deposit. I was origanally getting a grade from her then she said the doe was not mature enough so instead told me I could get a purebred for the same price. I was very excited and have been counting down the days till she would have the kids. Last night she text me and now wants a deposit,(I would be fine with that) she says if she does not have a doe this year I can pay a higher price for a different goat or wait till next year to get one if she has a doe next year. Is this common practice she will not refund my money if I do not agree to these terms I forfeit the money. I now feel that she knows she is giving me a great deal on the kids and she wants more money. Am I being over sensitive or should I find another breeder, I do not mind paying a deposit but if the doe does not have a doeling then I feel I should have my choice to purchase another one or a refund. I am new so this may be common practice so I would like your opinion?

Breeders with good quality goats do usually request a deposit, but not always. They can set their own terms, but they should be in writing somewhere. For example, they're on my website. If a doe does not have the gender reserved, then the buyer can choose a different kid, or I will give them a refund. Sometimes, the buyer says they want to wait until the next year, if they really wanted a specific sex from that doe, but that's their decision. I left a deposit with a breeder for two years one time, waiting for that doe to have a buck, and she never did. I only buy bucks and only rarely, and I study pedigrees and milk records ad nauseum, and I only wanted a buck out of that doe, and the breeder knew that.

Replies

Deborah Niemann-Boehle December 5, 2016 at 2:05pm

Breeders with good quality goats do usually request a deposit, but not always. They can set their own terms, but they should be in writing somewhere. For example, they're on my website. If a doe does not have the gender reserved, then the buyer can choose a different kid, or I will give them a refund. Sometimes, the buyer says they want to wait until the next year, if they really wanted a specific sex from that doe, but that's their decision. I left a deposit with a breeder for two years one time, waiting for that doe to have a buck, and she never did. I only buy bucks and only rarely, and I study pedigrees and milk records ad nauseum, and I only wanted a buck out of that doe, and the breeder knew that.
Julieanne Cook December 5, 2016 at 11:18am

I'm sure you realize this now, but the agreement should have been in writing. It's my opinion that she is trying to change the terms of your original deal, for whatever reason. If you gave her a deposit for a doeling from a certain breeding, then that's what she's obligated to deliver unless you agree to a different settlement. If you do not, she should refund your deposit.

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