Paid a Chinese Supplier, but Nothing Shipped?
A practical checklist for organising the order, payment trail and delivery history before discussing a non-delivery dispute.
Procurement Guide
Start with the Transaction
Identify the Supplier
Record the supplier's Chinese company name, contact details and the name on the contract. Note whether a trading company, factory or another party received the money.
Put the Order in One Place
Collect the purchase order, quotation, invoice and any later changes. Keep the original versions so the sequence of agreements can be understood.
Record the Payments
List each payment date, amount, currency and recipient. Keep bank records alongside the supplier's payment instructions and acknowledgements.
Build a Clear Timeline
List the Promised Dates
Write down the original delivery date and each later date mentioned by the supplier. Add the message or document supporting each entry.
Separate Facts from Assumptions
Mark what you know directly, what the supplier has said and what remains unclear. For example, distinguish a tracking number from evidence that goods were collected.
Prepare Your Document Folder
An organised folder makes the first discussion easier. Include the following records where available:
The contract, purchase order and agreed specifications
Payment records and recipient details
Delivery promises and subsequent changes
Emails, messages and any shipment information
A short timeline and a list of unresolved questions
Keep original files and complete conversations, with working copies for annotation. Identify any missing records during the review.
Prepare for the Discussion
State the Outcome You Want
Explain whether you are seeking delivery, a revised schedule, a refund or another commercial arrangement. The options require assessment against the actual facts and documents.
List the Open Questions
Make a list of information that still needs clarification, such as production status, the identity of the recipient or the reason for delay.
Discuss the Next Steps
Chanhai can review the available material and discuss the proposed work, responsible lawyer and fees. This guide helps prepare an enquiry and does not determine the outcome of any case.
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