> or you lose your deposit Calling that a deposit is stretching the definition - you're just paying a fee to skip ahead in line: a reservation. Suppose though

> or you lose your deposit Calling that a deposit is stretching the definition - you're just paying a fee to skip ahead in line: a reservation. Suppose though it actually was a partial, non-refundable, advance payment of a yet-to-be-determined sum. Who in their right mind would sign such a contract? Those people should find someone else to manage their money for them ASAP.