Big Love wrote:
I would contact the owner, not the salesperson, and inform that you will spend the next year or two advising potential customers via social media/BBB/letters to RV newsletter and magazine editors, about this episode...unless you get your deposit back or at least a credit for future parts/service.
I'm not sure if that will actually accomplish anything really. The OP may convince a few, but they'll face quite a bit of opposition for reasons explained by others. We're not even sure if the OP has experienced a level of extenuating circumstances would demand compassion and sympathy.
To put it simply, both parties agreed on the rules and no one should be upset when the rules are actually enforced. For all we know the dealer may have had a very good or better reason for keeping the money. It is a business after all. I still think that it would be a nice gesture for the dealer to work something out with the OP. However, in this situation, it's hard to fault the dealer for enforcing agreed upon rules.
Think carefully before you sign, give your word, or shake on something because someone may hold you to it. That's what I live by.