How many days does the 4S store deposit refund process take?
3 Answers
When purchasing a car, a deposit contract has already been signed, so to cancel the deposit, this contract must first be voided and a new deposit refund contract signed. Different 4S stores have different refund methods. Some merchants may directly refund in cash, but most stores will choose to refund via bank transfer. At this point, all procedures have been completed, and you only need to wait for the refund to arrive. Stores with good service may complete the refund on the same day, while others may take ten days to half a month.
Last year when I refunded my deposit at the 4S dealership, it took a week for the money to arrive. First, I had to submit a refund application—they reviewed my order records and payment details, confirmed everything was correct, then forwarded it to finance. Next came the bank transfer, which dragged on for another two days. The whole process was affected by the dealership’s internal procedures—smaller shops might be quicker, while larger ones require multi-level approvals. It also depends on contract specifics, like refundable deposits being processed faster. Holidays slow things down further since staff and banks are closed. My advice: clarify the exact timeline in advance, get refund promises in writing, and don’t rely on verbal agreements alone.
The timeframe for processing a deposit refund typically ranges from a few days to two weeks. The key factor is the dealership's efficiency—if the process is straightforward, involving just filling out a form and waiting for financial approval, it might be completed in two to three days. However, in more complex cases, such as when the deposit is non-refundable per the contract, it may require multiple negotiations or legal intervention. The payment method also plays a role: cash refunds are quicker, while bank transfers may take a few extra days. Additionally, applying during holidays can extend the entire cycle. It's advisable to clarify the refund policy before signing the contract and keep receipts and communication records for easier follow-up.
