Q: A few months ago I requested a quotation from a local furniture supplier for a kitchen, living room and sofa. I was asked to pay a deposit to secure the price quoted for the kitchen.

I agreed to this and paid a deposit of €640. I was given a receipt for the deposit paid but no contract was signed.

I recently went back to the showroom to view some furniture models they had in stock. During this visit I told them I had second thoughts about the kitchen but was still interested in purchasing the sofa initially quoted and some other soft furnishings.

At this point I was informed that since I left a deposit to secure the kitchen’s price it had to be purchased. The only options I was offered were to change the kitchen’s layout and a possibility to postpone its installation to a later date.

I would like to know whether I risk losing the deposit if I decide not to purchase the kitchen. I only paid a deposit and did not sign a sales contract. I would like to be able to use the deposit paid to buy the sofa. What are my rights?

A: Even though you have not signed a formal contract, once you have agreed to pay a deposit on a specific quotation, you are bound to honour the sales agreement according to the quotation. If you were unsure about the kitchen, you should have never agreed to pay a deposit to secure it.

If you decide not to proceed with the purchase of the kitchen you do not only risk losing the deposit paid but the seller may oblige you to honour in full the original agreement – unless you manage to reach an amicable voluntary agreement with the seller that allows you to use the deposit paid to only buy the sofa.