The store promised delivery in eight to 12 weeks, which was in advance of their baby's due date. When the furniture didn't arrive by the promised time, they contacted the store and received assurances that it was expected shortly. Several days later their daughter was born. Shortly thereafter, the couple visited the store only to discover it vacant. Try to negotiate with the merchant on the deposit so that you pay as little up front as possible.
Different stores have different policies on deposits.
Call around before buying to find out what is customary in the industry. Protect your deposit by paying it with a credit card. Laws regulating credit card issuers provide you with certain safeguards if the business fails to deliver the merchandise. When the store owes you money or merchandise, you become a creditor, standing in line with all of the store's other creditors for what's owed to you. Depending on the amount of your deposit and the circumstances surrounding all the other creditors, you may receive back all, some or none of your deposit under the bankruptcy law.