Poor Business Ethics

I am currently facing an ******** matterbwith a decor, events and catering company (DECOR-DIVAS).

On the 25th February 2020 I made a deposit payment via EFT of R5000 to the owner of the company under the name DECOR-DIVAS. This decor and events company, named "Decor-Divas" is based in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. The deposit of R5000 I paid was to secure the function date which was to take place on the 13th June 2020.

The owner of the company and I were in constant communication with each other via WhatsApp, especially when the President of S. A announced the NATIONAL LOCKDOWN.

I then sent her a message towards the end of March 2020 informing her that due to the Lockdown, we will have to CANCEL the event .

She informed me that she is unable to refund my deposit at that time as she is financially unable too, but will do so as soon as she has a income coming in from the business.

I was patient, compassionate and understanding to her circumstances at that time.

Every month thereafter I made contact with the owner of DECOR DIVAS to find out the progress and plan on how and when she is going to refund my deposit of R5000.

On the 1 September 2020, I sent her a message, she responded to my message the next day, in her response she then informs me that she will not be refunding me my deposit in full, she will be retaining 25% for "her time" . We had no contract drawn up and from the beginning there was no mention of a 25%.

I then responded seeking clarity on what she ment by "her time" because no service was given or rendered to me due to the National Lockdown .

She has recently BLOCKED my phone number so I am unable to make contact with her.

I have sent her emails, I have also made copies of our conviction since February 2020 till now.

I feel is that the owner is being unprofessional and treating me unfairly and ********ly.

Please can you assist me in this matter.

THANK YOU