Q: I need to order a new fitted kitchen and a few days ago I found the model I was looking for.

To my disappointment, upon finalising the details of the order, the company representative informed me that a down-payment of 50 per cent of the total amount is required on order and the other 50 per cent should be paid a week before the kitchen is delivered and installed. Basically the seller is asking for the entire amount to be paid in advance. Does the law allow these terms and conditions?

A: The law does not stipulate a maximum amount of deposit. It is up to the buyer and the seller to reach an agreement on the amount to be paid as deposit.

If it is the seller who asks for a specific amount, or for the total price to be paid in advance, we should not be afraid to negotiate different payment terms. We should do this before we place our order.

It is in our best interest to only pay the full amount after our order is delivered, installed and carefully inspected. Should there be a problem with the kitchen, such as missing components, your strength very often depends on how much money you still owe to the supplier.

Hence, in these circumstances, the advice is to cling tight to your money, or at least to a substantial amount of it, until your kitchen is delivered and carefully checked.