I was interested in an Ecoscape Cottage last Fall and made a deposit. John O' Connor told me that if I wanted the December "rebated" price, I would need to give him a deposit and fill out an order. He also told me verbally, that should I change my mind (I told him I wasn't sure of my finances) I would get my deposit back. So I filled out the form and gave him a $1,500 dollar check to hold my price.
Almost two months later I realized I was not in a position to buy at any price. So I gave John a friendly ring and asked him to send my deposit back ASAP as I had unexpected vet bills and had to pay for a new roof.
I didn't think there would be any problem as John had assured me, verbally and in an email, that my deposit was fully refundable if I do not get the unit. I have the email.
After I had made that first call and request for my deposit (left a message) sometime in early January, I didn't hear back from John at all. I was very patient and felt there wasn't going to be a problem so I just waited. Curious as to why I didn't hear from him I call back a week later. This is probably on the 14th of January. I called and left a message telling him to please send my deposit back but I will certainly think of him in the future when I am ready for his services. Still no response.
It wasn't until I called a different number that he answered the phone personally. I asked him AGAIN for my deposit and he balked. He said "not sure if it's refundable". I told him that he assured me verbally and in writing that it was so. He asked for the email and I sent it to him with his words underlined. He wrote back that "technically" I wasn't due the refund but because I am having financial issues he will send one... But I still have no received it. It's been almost two weeks.
I looked up John's company and he had 8 complaints with the BBB with only one resolved... But even that one was not resolved with satisfaction to the customer.
John, unfortunately, does not tell the truth. He told me verbally and in writing but still is trying to keep my deposit. He also got me to "hold" my unit at the "rebated" December price, implying that this price was very special and would not come again. That was another lie as the special was still going on in January. He told me only 25 units were available at that rebate and using high pressure sales techniques... He made me believe I had to buy one at this price now. It wasn't true... After Christmas the special still was there and it's probably still there to this day. There was no 25 units... It was all at his discretion.
I am not sure what will happen... But because this young man is not following thru on his promises may have to go to small claims court. He doesn't seem to care that there are 8 complaints with the BBB... He didn't even respond to 7 of them.
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