artists_beware | A question about refunds (Reply)

Hey A_B,

I have a question regarding two situations from around the same period of time; about three or four years ago, I ran into some computer troubles and took on some commissions to pay for a new motherboard. Now, all transactions have been completed save for these two:

Situation 1 - I'm going to use this guy's username since this could also be considered an issue of lost contact. A guy going by the name The-Ih on dA approaches me for a commission. It ends up taking a lot longer than I had intended, but I had completed two sketches, since one was a revision, so it's not exactly as though I was completely MIA. But, he ends up asking for a refund of his $20.00 because he felt that it was taking too long and even threatens to take action against me. I refund him his money and well... That's where everything just stops; my refund kept bouncing from his account and he had completely dropped off the face of the planet. It's been several years and I've been completely unable to contact him, whether by notes, IM, or his Paypal e-mail, and I still have $20.00 reserved for him.

Situation 2 - I was approached by a friend for an $80.00 commission, and things started off without a hitch, work was performed, etc. Then, we moreorless had a huge falling out together and for the most part, no longer talk to one another. Over the past few years, I've tried repeatedly to refund her the money, but she keeps sending it back to me demanding that I do the art. I've already told her and made it as clear as I possibly can that I am not comfortable continuing with this project and therefore have no intention of finishing it and that she should just accept the refund. Here I am, many years later, again, still holding onto this money.

So my question is, basically, in any of these situations, is it acceptable just to hold onto the funds for myself?

Thanks, guys!