Advance payment · PRACTICAL GUIDE
Chinese Supplier Took My Deposit and Did Not Ship
Do not treat every delay as fraud, but do not let a vague production story replace evidence. The immediate task is to fix the facts and preserve leverage.
Separate delay from refusal
Ask for dated production evidence, warehouse records, inspection access and a definite shipment plan. Compare those statements with the written order and payment conditions.
If the supplier changes identity, account, address or explanation, preserve each version. These changes may affect both legal strategy and counterparty risk.
Prepare for recovery
Confirm the registered entity and receiving account, calculate the refundable amount, preserve messages in exportable form and identify the agreed forum.
A demand, negotiated exit or formal claim should be chosen after considering claim value, evidence, assets and the supplier’s continuing ability to perform.
Initial document checklist
- Order and PI
- Deposit receipt
- Promised ship date
- Production evidence
- Refund communications
