What this service is for
I help foreign buyers deal with Chinese supplier disputes before the situation becomes more expensive than the order itself. Common cases include suppliers refusing to refund a deposit, increasing shipping costs after payment, delaying production without explanation, shipping goods that do not match the agreed sample, or asking the buyer to send money to a different company account.
Many disputes are not large enough to justify full litigation immediately, but they are serious enough that doing nothing is costly. A local lawyer's involvement changes the tone. It tells the supplier that the buyer understands Chinese procedure, has preserved evidence, and is prepared to escalate if necessary.
Common supplier dispute scenarios
- Supplier agreed to one price or shipping term, then demanded more money after payment.
- Supplier stopped responding after receiving a deposit or full payment.
- Factory delivered goods with serious quality defects or wrong specifications.
- Supplier refuses to provide export documents, shipping records, or refund timeline.
- Buyer discovers that the bank account, contract party, and business licence do not match.
How I handle the first stage
The first stage is designed to be proportionate. I review the evidence, identify the legal pressure points, contact the supplier directly on your behalf, and demand a written response within a defined period. If the supplier refuses to communicate or gives an unreasonable answer, I prepare a formal lawyer's letter on law firm letterhead.
This approach is often more efficient than jumping straight into arbitration. Many suppliers respond when a Guangzhou-based lawyer contacts them, because they understand the matter is no longer just a foreign buyer sending angry messages from overseas.
Evidence I need from you
- Supplier's Chinese company name and business licence if available.
- Contract, purchase order, invoice, pro forma invoice, or quotation.
- Payment record and receiving bank account information.
- Full email, WhatsApp, or WeChat conversation records with timestamps.
- Photos, inspection reports, shipping documents, or quality complaint records.
Timeline and next step
For a first-stage intervention, the process usually takes about one week: evidence review, first contact, follow-up negotiation, and lawyer's letter if needed. If the supplier still refuses to resolve the matter, I can then advise whether arbitration, civil litigation, criminal reporting, bank recall, or platform complaint is realistic for the value of the case.