They broke the law!
Hunter Lewis at Watts Automotive performed deceptive acts and practices by not following Utah State Law "R152-11-10. Deposits and Refunds" found here https://rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r152/r152-11.htm when I requested a refund on my $1000 deposit.
They freely took my $1000 deposit via text message on a vehicle I was interested in without providing me a receipt, which must have these details explained:
"(2) All deposits accepted by a supplier must be evidenced by dated receipts, provided to the consumer at the time of the transaction, stating the following information:
(a) Description of the consumer commodity, (including model, model year, when appropriate, make, and color);
(b) The cash selling price;
(c) Allowance on the consumer commodity to be traded in, if any;
(d) Time during which the option is binding;
(e) Whether the deposit is refundable and under what conditions; and
(f) Any additional cost such as delivery charge."
When I received a better deal at a competitors store, I requested a refund on my deposit but they refused and broke the next law under this same rule, section 3C which states:
"C. It shall be a deceptive act or practice in connection with a consumer transaction for a supplier who has accepted a deposit and has received from the consumer within a reasonable time a valid request for refund of the deposit to fail to make the refund within 30 calendar days after receipt of such request."
The owner Brett Watts and the sales person Hunter both said they don't care about the Utah law or consumer protection and refuse to give me a refund on my $1000 deposit. They also disregarded me as a consumer and never did anything to make things right. They are crooked and dishonest humans that have no integrity despite their aggressive flaunts to establish such attribute. As far as I'm concerned, they are now in violation of theft. However, due to the amount of money involved it's not substantial enough to be criminal so this remains a Civil case in which my only options are to be forced to buy their product or sue them under small claims court. Either option is uncomfortable and frustrating for me. Trust me, you never want to work with thieves, you will always lose!
I would never recommend working with Brett (owner) or Hunter (salesman). Beware, they will use deceptive acts and practices to get their way and will tell you to your face that they don't care about the law, that they never divulge contractual information because they believe "99.9% of people never read them anyway," and that they will not supply this required receipt with the aforementioned details. They admitted to being dishonest and deceptive thieves yet stated they have integrity. Their actions are unlawful and they will never see my business again. Never give Watts automotive a deposit on a vehicle without the aforementioned documentation they are required to provide. Either way they will take advantage of you if you try to get a refund! read more