I welched on a deal....

[bigtuna]

My financial situation changed and some money that I had allotted for "recreation" needed to go towards school. This meant that I was forced to back out of a deal that I had made with an outfitter for a hunt. We had talked on the phone about the hunt and had an agreement in place. I had also sent the deposit check. When I realized that I wasn't going to have as much financial flexibility as I thought I cancelled the deposit check (which had not been cashed) and immediately contacted the outfitter to explain the situation so he would not hold the weekend for me and hopefully to minimize his inconvenience.

I realize that I really screwed up here and I have profusely apologized to this person (who is a member here). They of course were really ****** and now have said they don't want to have anything to do with me, which is of course fine. I have offered to refund the fee that was charged for the cancelled check ($12). In the opinion of the green screen - how bad did I screw up and what can I do to make it right?

[cantexduck]

How far in advance did you cancel check?

[RdRdrFan]

Pretty big in my opinion. You made a commitment and didn't follow through. He earned the deposit money by booking the weekend for you. Did you know that the deposit was non-refundable?

disclaimer - I am aware that there may be more to the story than is posted here.

[bigtuna]

About six weeks before the date that I was scheduled to hunt.

[BIG D]

If there was no agreement about the deposit being non refundable, not to bad.

But then again, you did come to an agreement.

So, I am no help.

[elliscountyhog]

Prolly should have contacted before cancelling the check and explained the situation, and then at that point he may or may not have refunded you the money which either way you couldnt be mad at him, that is the reasoning for a deposit. But atleast you are trying to make it right somehow

[Texastaxi]

It's not like you were asking for a refund.
Canceling the check might not have been the best option, but if you contacted him, and told him that you cancelled it BEFORE he cashed it, I don't see why it would be an issue.

[skyhawk]

Forfeiting the deposit would be step one to making it right, IMO.

[Bily Lovec]

you probably shouldnt be cutting your finances that close.

[hellbndr23]

I wouldnt just cancel a check that someone is holding. At least call him and give him the heads up. Theres a reason you give a deposit.

[Jakesfish]

Tuna, thats kinda close, BUT in my opinion, this economy sux, and I understand, I am in the ins. industry and look at vehicles every day. I also know that over 1/2 of the vehicles I look at will not be repaired due to not having their deductable monies as of right now.. all you can do is ask forgiveness and explain as best as possible, I also had to back out on a couple of deals because of money... so I have seen the same boat your in...

[Mike Javi Cooper]

Shouldn't have canceled the check.. should have asked if you could find someone to pay the balance and replace you or if the outfitter had a waiting list for that date...

Yep you screwed up..

[skyhawk]

How about you tell him that if he is unable to re-book that weekend, that you will pay the original deposit (or some other agreed-upon amount)?

Always best to put yourself in the other person's shoes for a while when deciding what is "right" in the situation. Might change your thinking.

[DorothyNotKeegan]

I would've of called him/her first. I would've given him/her the circumstances of your financial situation. I would've allowed for him/her to try to book someone in your place as 6 weeks is a long time to find a hunter to replace your spot. If he/she found someone to take your place, then you get your money back. If not, you forfeit the money.

[Smokeater]

Yip, communication is key. Might should've touched base with him first, explained the situation and then both of you come up with a solution. Mistakes happen and it's certainly easy to do when things get tight. We have to learn and live on. Hope everything works out for both parties.