am i being unfair?

[fleming23]

I think being human and having compassion for others makes this situation difficult. If the two of you verbally agreed to a $500 non-refundable deposit then he is out of luck and your willingness to even give him $300 back is above and beyond what you could do. Again, it is the compassionate nature of most people that makes you feel bad and want to help out how you can. If you are in a situation where you don't have the extra money to pay him back right away, then there is nothing you can really do. Maybe send $100 now and the $200 later if possible. Regardless, I personally do not feel you are being unjust if everything was clearly stated from the beginning.

That being said, personally, I would not try to make money off of a bad situation and would try to reimburse the person when you are able because it is the considerate thing to do (whether that is when the motor sells or you have the extra cash). At the end of the day, what is going to help you sleep better at night?