Open Question: Asking for a Refund
August 16th, 2006 @ 2:52 pm by Mrs. Bee
My makeup artist got violently ill and went in to the ER the night before my wedding. Now I’m wondering if it is appropriate for me to ask for my deposit back. It’s been two weeks since the wedding and although she did do my trial, I never used her services. How do I ask for my deposit back from a vendor?
Katie
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11 Responses to “Open Question: Asking for a Refund”
I agree w/Ms Butterfly. If you did not receive the service, and SHE’s the one who had to cancel, then you have every right to ask for a refund. Good luck!
Nope - she said she had no one to fill in and I ended up at the MAC Counter. Those girls saved my day! she hasn’t tried to contact me yet so I’m not sure how long I give her - but she did cash the check and it posted AFTER the wedding.
yup - i would totally call her up now and ask for the money back. although, if its a deposit, and not a full payment, maybe there was something in your agreement that said that deposits were not refundable after a certain time?
It depends on your contract [and I do hope you signed a contract--some girls don't!] If it’s in your contract that deposits are non-refundable, then you’re probably out of luck.
However, if there is nothing–not even an air of it to the wording–that states your deposits are non-refundable, I’d say very politely, in writing, ask for your deposit back.
Let us know, Katie!
if she didn’t provide the service, then you should absolutely get your deposit back. The one thing that I would check is whether the “deposit” is actually a deposit or whether is was meant to cover the trial. The key question is whether you would have to pay for the trial even if you didn’t book her.
i suppose, you will get a refund for whatever kind of service you didn’t receive. Just ask her.
i totally agree with miss butterfly…
asked when the refund check will be in the mail… as if you assume it will be…
Write a formal letter requesting the refund and the reason why so you have it documented. ALWAYS inportant for every vendor.
Hey Ladies!
I wrote a nice letter because it wasn’t a bad situation, just an unfortunate one. I told her that the wedding day went great and asked about the refund. She responded saying that she would have it in the mail and even offered to do my makeup for free for an upcoming special occasion. Now I just need to find a special reason to have my makeup done! 
Thanks for your help!
Katie
The Texas Reader
Without reading anyone else’s comments first, my opinion is this- I feel you are entitled for a refund because that said deposit was to secur e the desired services for a particular date. It wasn’t your fault that she fell ill and it wasn’t hers either, but good business ethics would entitle you to get your deposit back. Or at least a partial refund of some sort.
Mrs. Bee, New York
Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet
Engagement Date: May 7, 2004
Wedding Date: March 5, 2005
Venue: Westside Loft, New York
About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
Hmmm - did you have a contract? Did she provide a substitute service? if you were left with fending for yourself on your wedding day, then yes, absolutely you should ask for your money back. be completely honest and say that you did not receive the services that you paid for, and you wanted to know when the refund check will be in the mail.
but if she got someone to cover for her, then i dont think you can ask for your money back.