AD Deposit question

[Cool Hand]

So, a local AD that I met with over a year ago regarding purchase of an Explorer has been in contact with me via text messaging over the last few weeks. He has not had an available watch, but has assured me that I am "on the list". I have no purchase history with this AD, but they are a fairly well respected local chain.

Today I received a text from him telling me that they could now accept a 30% deposit, and to forward my information so that he could send a link to pay. No other information was given, but I asked for terms and refund policy for my commitment. He told me that the deposit was refundable, but could not give other information on a timeline receipt of the watch.

My question is - is this normal practice?