Sign a written contract when you pay a prepayment; when a merchant is at risk it must stop taking prepayments, and before it runs away you have the right to demand your unused balance
- Moderate value
- Evidence A
- Saves money
- Free
- Takes minutes
- Some willpower
In plain words
A merchant that takes your prepayment must sign a written contract with you that states clearly how to get a refund. If the merchant's business runs into serious trouble, it should stop taking money, and if it is going to close or move it must tell you in advance. At that point you can ask it to keep providing the service, or to refund the unspent balance to you. Merchants who violate these rules are fined.
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 5, tip 22. This section is about money and spending. It is general information, not financial or investment advice. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer