Deposit forfeited and non-transferable

[lkf]

Hi,

Any parents out there have similar problems too?  My child was a student in a playgroup.  In April 07, parents were been asked to pay deposit for class in year 2008.  Then, in Oct 07 one month before school holiday, parents were asked to pay for year 2008 school fee.  In Nov 07, when parents inform school about withdrawer, I was forfeited deposit and materials fee. 

I had not attended year 2008 class or taken/used any materials, schools simply refuse to refund.  Even when I told them I could find replacement for them to fill up the seat and pass the materials to the new students (in the same age group), they also decline.

Subsequently, I propose to transfer the deposit to own sibling was also rejected.  In short, no refund or transfer is entertained.

Just wanna to know whether is it fair for parents to often pay in advance and when we terminate or withdraw we get nothing but frustration?

[Alaska]

how much is the deposit? Have you sign any parents information booklet or form? Why not read the terms and conditions. If the deposit stated clearly unable to witdraw because of certain reason. Think you have to honor as you have signed the form.

[lkf]

Just a piece of A4 size without letterhead was given upon registration (see attached).  And the registration was done in Sep year 2005.  Didn’t sign any parent’s information booklet or form.  Just the registration application form-stating child’s and parent particular.  My child had been in school for 2yrs.  Every term, we would pay school fee one/two month in advance.  And the class in Year 2008 deposit was collects as early in April 07.  There was also no indication of materials fees.  Upon notify of withdrawer, they simply quote $75 as material fee non-refundable.  Materials was not even used or issued and can be passed to the next students. Why can’t they refund?  Also, why can’t transfer the deposit $50 to the sibling whom will also commerce in year 2008?  Although, $50 & $75 may not be a huge amount but it is neither small especially nowadays.  I can utilize it to buy 3 tins of 1.8kg milk formula, which can last for 1-2mths.

[Alaska]

clause 3B stated deposit non-refundable.

In fact in business term, deposit means a commitment. Some stated refundable deposit, some states non-refundable. In this school practises non-refundable deposit. Take it as a lesson next time before making any commitment. Not only in education, some services like buying and selling things also require deposit. If change mind even in 1 hr, the deposit is forfeited. Business world is like that, money....