Can the deposit paid to a 4S store be refunded?

[VivienneRose]

Deposit cannot be refunded. According to Article 115 of the Guarantee Law of the People's Republic of China: If the parties agree that the payment of a deposit serves as a guarantee for the conclusion of the main contract, the party paying the deposit who refuses to conclude the main contract shall have no right to demand the return of the deposit; the party receiving the deposit who refuses to conclude the contract shall return double the amount of the deposit. The deposit has the following characteristics: 1. The deposit is subordinate: The deposit exists with the existence of the contract and ceases with the termination of the contract. 2. The deposit has the nature of advance payment: Only when it is paid after the contract is established but before performance can it serve as a guarantee. 3. The deposit has dual guarantee nature: The party paying the deposit who fails to perform the obligation forfeits the deposit; the party receiving the deposit who fails to perform the obligation shall return double the amount of the deposit.

[StKendra]

I often encounter this issue when buying a car—whether the deposit paid at a 4S dealership is refundable depends primarily on the contract terms. If the contract explicitly states 'non-refundable deposit,' then it's basically a lost cause, as the deposit serves as a legal guarantee for the transaction; backing out means forfeiting the money. However, if the contract refers to it as a 'prepayment' or 'intention fee,' there might be room to negotiate a partial refund. Legally, under consumer protection laws, businesses are required to engage in fair trade. If the 4S dealership engaged in false advertising or the car has issues, you can argue for a refund. Before paying, it's wise to ask the salesperson to add a refund clause just in case. In practice, negotiation is key—being polite and explaining your difficulties can often lead to the dealership refunding half or even the full amount to maintain their reputation. Don’t worry too much, but don’t delay either.

[LePaul]

I experienced this myself last year. I was eager to buy a new car I liked and paid a 10,000 yuan deposit at the 4S store. Later, after discussing with my wife at home, we felt it wasn't suitable. The next day, I went back to talk to the salesperson. Initially, they said no refund, but I didn't argue. I just explained the family reasons and budget constraints. The manager stepped in and refunded 7,000 yuan. The lesson is to always take a few minutes to calm down before paying a deposit, confirm the policies with the salesperson, and get it written into the agreement. In most cases, as long as the formal contract hasn't been signed, the 4S store will be accommodating. If you regret it, contact them immediately—don't wait. Bring a smile and say something nice to avoid further losses. In short, as an ordinary car owner, I suggest always leaving some flexibility when buying a car.

[VanKendra]

From the perspective of a 4S dealership, the deposit policy is designed to prevent customers from backing out. I understand their inventory pressure—once payment is received, the car cannot be test-driven or sold to others, so the policy generally defaults to non-refundable. However, in reality, many dealerships handle it flexibly. For example, if you switch models or encounter an emergency, sales staff may agree to transfer the deposit to your next purchase or partially refund the amount. The key is to communicate clearly in advance to avoid disputes. From a business standpoint, this is simply a risk management tool, and with some consumer cooperation, it can be a win-win.