Need Advice On Getting My Deposit Back

The BBQ Pit
1

ok, HERE’S MY STORY: a couple of months ago, under pressure from my husband, I made an appt. with a plastic surgeon to have breast implants. When I called to make the appt, I had to, right then and there, put a 10% down deposit on the surgery before ever even being able to see the doc. It was $385.00

Fast foward - I have my appt, and all this guy talked about were all of the most un-pleasant things that could go wrong, etc… Then, because of a pre-existing medical condition, they called me back a few days later to say I couldn’t have the surgery because of a minor pre-existing condition.

I had spoken with the patient counselor beforehand, and asked her that in the case I did not or could not have the surgery, could I get my deposit back. I even told her that I would be willing to trade it out in non-surgical stuff, such as a micro-dermabrasion, or products that they sell. She told me that in a unusual circumstance, as I am in, that they would work things out with the patient.

My basic problem, is that I had no idea that I would be dis-qualified because of a minor pre-existing condition. I have been completely asymptomatic for a very long time. I did not feel it was my fault that the doc would not and could not do the surgery.

I have been calling this so-called “patient counselor” for over two weeks, and SURPRISE! She won’t return my calls. They already have my money, so SCREW ME!!!

Paying $385.00 before even seeing the doctor, then being told I couldn’t have the surgery. Man, does this guy have his ass covered or what?

Any advice from anyone here? I do feel that I am owed that money, either out-right, or in other services and products. I have been very nice about the whole thing. All I ask is for a return call and the chance to discuss this with them.

Thanks,
Peace Lady

2

Did you get anything in writing about the deposit being refundable?

3

Did you sign anything that said it’s a non-refundable deposit? If so, you’re not getting it back. If not, read on.

Seeing as it may cost you as much or more for any legal action, may I suggest the following somewhat radical but sometimes effective course of action: (You will have to forget about getting services instead of your money back however)

Go to the office in person. Patiently, politely and calmly explain your situation and keep asking for someone in charge until they present you with this person. Tell this person that you need your deposit back and will not leave without it/will keep coming back until you get it.

The reason this works is simple, they will just want to get rid of you. It has worked for me in doing collections for the business I own, when other attempts have failed including collection proceedings. (Always for smaller amounts of money, usually 10 grand or less.) Showing up shows that you mean it and are willing to flout some social conventions (i.e the one that states “thou shalt not make a public pain in the arse of yourself”) in order to get your way.

If they threaten to call the cops, which has happened to me, say: “Fine, I’m sure they’d love to hear about how you’re ripping people off” or something along those lines. The only time this has not worked for me was when the company really did not have the money. When I became convinced of that, I left and wrote the money off.

Always, always remain calm, polite and non-threatening, while stubbornly refusing to leave/take no for an answer. It’s worth a try if you really want your money back and don’t mind making a bit of an ass of yourself.

4

Well, the $385 is disappointing, but guess which part of this story I’m having trouble with.

5

Well… it’s easy and convenient to point a finger elsewhere, but to wind up in a plastic surgeon’s office for a purely cosmetic breast enhancement is ultimately a personal decision a grown adult woman has to make for herself. It’s interesting how people are willing to infantalize themselves into easily pressured puppets when they don’t want to take responsibility for decisions they made.

6

You might call up the state medical board and ask them if they can help you.

As a regulated professional, if the folks who regulate me told me to refund money to a customer, I would do it immediately.

In the future, you might make deposits using a credit card. It’s not too hard to stop payment on a credit card. Also, when folks won’t accept credit cards, it raises a red flag.

7

>> a couple of months ago, under pressure from my husband, I made an appt. with a plastic surgeon to have breast implants.

Send your husband in to get the dollars back or maybe they’ll just let him fondle the receptionist boobies for a while. I am sure their receptionist must be pretty well endowed but if she has tiny tits then it serves you right. Would I give a deposit for a hair transplant when I see the doctor is bald as a billiards ball? No I wouldn’t.

8

I’m thinking maybe you should say a little prayer to Jeebus. Barring that, perhaps talk to the doctor and pray he isn’t one of them homo-democratic terrorist-supporting Hilary Clinton lovers