More customers from hell--

[belindaY]

One week after the sale, a customer wants a full refund for a puppy they are allergic to. What do you do?

[Miley's mom]

I would take it back as if it is true that they are allergic , the puppy needs to go and if is a lie obviously they don't want the puppy anymore. I would prefer to get involved and know where the puppy will end up, I would take the puppy back and offer to refund (keep deposit) as soon as I place the puppy again.
I'm considering to put the allergic issue in my sales contract.........something like they'll have to spend at least a week around a dog to see if there is any allergic reactions before they adopt . I have read so many times that new owners turned to be allergic and can't keep the puppy, adopting a puppy is a very serious desicion .........I get so sad to see a puppy back and forth.

[Breny]

Originally Posted by belindaY

One week after the sale, a customer wants a full refund for a puppy they are allergic to. What do you do?

I would take the puppy back for sure. I would want to be able to place the pup and make sure he/she goes to the best home

[nudiva37]

I would take the puppy back and like the other poster said keep a deposit until placed... or maybe I wouldn't...but I would try to be fair.

[YorkieRose]

Take it back...be done with them...I know it sounds so unfair to you as the seller and if you were selling used cars or potted plants I would say the opposite, but you want your puppy in a home where it is wanted.

Although, I do think you could deduct for another advertizing fee if you advertize...and any vet fees if shots, worming were due and they did not follow through. In a court situation, they make sure you as the breeder are even, not in the hole...

[Nancy1999]

Joey's breeder said that anytime during Joey's life I wanted to return him I could. She would find a new home for him, and give me the money she had earned from the sell. However, the first week I could return him for any reason, and all my money would be returned.

[linda44]

I had that happen. It was tragic for all of us. They were totally in love with the puppy, crying etc, and I was beside myself with worry, my puppy getting bounced back and forth and the worst was she was very car sick and they lived about an hour and a half away. I took her back gladly but felt so very sorry for them. They even sent the bed, and other items they bought for her to go to her new home. Luckily she did go to a good home, but another hour drive. It happens sometimes.

[belindaY]

My puppies' welfare always comes first, and I did take the puppy back with full refund, but I find I NEED IDEAS ON HOW TO AVOID THIS IN THE FUTURE. This is scary because I thought I was being careful and selective about the homes my puppies go to. I don't understand how someone could be allergic to dogs and not know it before taking one home. I make it VERY clear to customers that I will buy back my Yorkies any time, for any reason, and I totally mean that, but it is not my intention to be sending puppies off with people who think they can just try them out. This has happened three times out of five litters in the past year. I'm thinking of starting a Hall of Shame directory or something like that where breeders can report customers who should not be sold dogs. I do an internet search on all customers before my dogs leave home, just in case there's something there I should know. Once some info came back that caused me to cancel a sale. I learned too late that one person who returned a puppy this year has done it at least one other time. Wouldn't it have been nice for me to be able to know that beforehand?

[mistyinca]

Chances are, they weren't allergic. It was probably just an excuse. Perhaps a puppy was more work than they realized. So, let's say they had called you and said, "I'm sorry, I think we bit off more than we could chew. Can we return the puppy? She's just too much work for us." A good breeder should take it back no matter, simply for the fact that they don't want their puppy in a home it's not wanted. Because if they don't want it, eventually, they'll give it away or take it to the pound. Very sad, but true.

But many breeders out there would just say, sorry, no returns. So many people will claim allergies for an excuse. The truth is, it is best that she contacted you, whether or not she was lying about the allergy, so you can decide what happens to your puppy.

You did the right thing.

[belindaY]

I know I did the right thing, but I'm losing too much money here. I do believe she lost interest in the puppy when she realized there was some real work involved in training him, but you're right that the reason does not matter very much. Of course I'd rather have the puppy back and have some control over where he goes next, but my point that I'm very angry that people can be so careless as to joepardize a puppy this way, and waste my time and resources as they have. The yorkies are wonderful, but the people, probably can't describe them on here. And this particular couple, young professional, ivy educated types...

[Yorkiekids]

I'd take the puppy back, because they obviously don't want him. This way you know he can go to a house where he will be loved.

[Nancy1999]

Joey's breeder made it very clear that we would not be picking the puppy up the day we met, she wanted us to see the dogs, and "talk", she spent a long time talking about the dogs, and their needs and I felt very much like I had to pass her test, not the other way around. This was, of course, after we sent several e-mails and had many phone conversations. What I'm trying to say is that just because someone looks or acts respectable, it isn't enough. Ask them questions about their beliefs in discipline and training, and really keep a keen ear open for anything that alarms you. They need to pass your test, as well as you passing theirs.

[belindaY]

This couple first visited in February before they had their own home, which is one of our requirements. I was very impressed when they returned upon purchasing their home, felt it was a sign they were very serious about wanting this puppy. I prefer older people who have had small dogs before, but have seen great success with less experienced ones too. A couple of other people who were here when the puppy was returned commented that she (the purchaser) looked like a spoiled brat and that most likely the puppy peed on her floor and sent her into a state of shock. I make a long speech about training issues, but that doesn't seem to get through to some sociopathic types who are adept at fooling people. If I can't bust them up front, I certainly have to follow up with something. At the monent I'm looking at reporting on sites like Ripoff Reports. I can't make myself just let it go, and I can afford to cause some trouble.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by belindaY

This couple first visited in February before they had their own home, which is one of our requirements. I was very impressed when they returned upon purchasing their home, felt it was a sign they were very serious about wanting this puppy. I prefer older people who have had small dogs before, but have seen great success with less experienced ones too. A couple of other people who were here when the puppy was returned commented that she (the purchaser) looked like a spoiled brat and that most likely the puppy peed on her floor and sent her into a state of shock. I make a long speech about training issues, but that doesn't seem to get through to some sociopathic types who are adept at fooling people. If I can't bust them up front, I certainly have to follow up with something. At the monent I'm looking at reporting on sites like Ripoff Reports. I can't make myself just let it go, and I can afford to cause some trouble.

Perhaps the couple discovered one was actually allergic. You aren't losing money...you can resell the puppy.

[chachi]

I have seen on here before a person who was allergic to dogs but heard yorkies were good for people with allergies so they got one and had to turn around and rehome it because of their allergies