A couple of days ago, I received a request for help from a customer, which is actually quite common. It occurred to me that I should share some tips on how to find more posibilities to solve problems when doing business in China with a clear mind and less pitfalls.
前2天刚收到了客人一条求助信息，这样的事情其实很普遍，想来应该跟大家分享点什么去找到解决问题的可能性，同时在中国做业务时，做到心中有数，少踩坑。
If a supplier stops responding and fails to deliver goods after receiving a prepayment, you indeed face some challenges. In such situations, it is advisable to first consider employing proactive approaches that do not damage the relationship, in an attempt to push for progress.
如果供应商收到预付款后，停止回应，也不发货，你确实面临了些挑战，我们可以先考虑采取一些积极的不撕破脸的方式推动试试。
1.Firstly, ascertain whether it is the individual salesperson's irresponsible behavior or a company-wide issue. It is advisable to make an extra effort to gather more contact information for the supplier, including higher-level contacts. In such cases, having the assistance of a Chinese intermediary can expedite the resolution process.
1.先确定是业务员个人不负责任的行为，还是公司行为。最好能多努力找到更多供应商联系方式和上一级联系方式。这时有中国的人的帮手帮你联系更能快速处理；
2.Send a formal notice: If you are unable to reach the supplier, consider sending a formal notice via registered mail or certified mail, requesting a response and resolution to the issue. Ensure that your communication is clear and explicit, and keep a record of your actions. While these actions may not immediately resolve the problem, they are important in providing documentary evidence for any potential legal proceedings in the future.
2.发送正式通知：如果您无法与供应商取得联系，可以尝试通过注册邮件或挂号信等方式发送正式通知，要求对方回复并解决问题。确保沟通明确、清晰，并记录下您的行动。当然可能看起来这些行为不能实际帮你立即解决问题，但是很重要的是为下一步法律诉讼提供材料支持；
3.Seek legal advice: If you are unable to resolve the issue or if the supplier's actions constitute a breach of contract, you can seek legal advice to understand your rights and the available legal options. Professional legal counsel can assist you in taking the proper steps to safeguard your interests.
3.寻求法律咨询：如果无法解决问题或者供应商的行为构成违约，您可以寻求法律咨询，了解您的权益和可行的法律途径。专业的法律建议可能有助于您采取正确的步骤来维护自己的权益；
4.Before severing ties, if the order amount is substantial or if shipping issues could potentially result in a breach of the back-to-back terms with your own clients, leading to significant losses on your end, it is suggested that you engage a representative from China to personally negotiate with the supplier. At this stage, it is crucial to apply the knowledge obtained from legal consultation to prepare for the next steps.
4.撕破脸前，如果该笔订单金额很大或是出货问题可能导致你自己客户订单的背靠背条款的违约，同样遭受巨大的损失。建议你委托中方的代表亲自上门洽谈。此时，务必将在法律咨询时获得的技能用上，为下一步做准备；
5.If the supplier continues to disregard your complaints despite the aforementioned actions, you may consider reaching out to the industry association in the city where the company is located or using public social media platforms to share your experience and expose the situation. This could potentially garner attention from relevant government departments and serve as a warning to other customers or potential clients, thus exerting pressure on the supplier.
5.如果以上行为供应商仍然对您的投诉置之不理，在该企业所在城市的行业协会或是公开社交媒体等呼吁，曝光分享你的经历，可能可以引起一些政府部门的关注或是警示其他的该企业客户或潜在引起其警示，以给与压力。
Perhaps you, like the customer, might be wondering if there are any government departments that can be complained to for assistance in resolving the issue?
可能你也同这个客人一样在想，难道没有任何政府部门可以去投诉来帮忙解决么？
Typically, government departments establish relevant agencies to receive and handle public complaints. In general, you can submit your issues and complaints to the following departments:
一般政府部门通常会设立相关的机构来接收和处理公众的投诉，一般情况下，你可以将相关问题和投诉提交给以下部门：
Consumer Rights Protection Department 消费者权益保护部门
For issues related to consumer rights, such as shopping, service quality, or fraudulent behavior, you can lodge a complaint with the local Consumer Rights Protection Committee or Consumer Association, as they can provide assistance and guidance.
针对与消费者权益相关的问题，例如购物、服务质量或欺诈行为，您可以向当地的消费者权益保护委员会或消费者协会投诉，他们可以提供帮助和指导。
Administration for Industry and Commerce 工商行政管理部门
If the dispute involves commercial activities or disputes between enterprises, you can lodge a complaint with the local Administration for Industry and Commerce or Market Supervision Bureau, as they can handle violations related to commercial activities.
如果涉及到商业活动或企业间的纠纷，您可以向当地工商行政管理部门或市场监管局投诉，他们可以处理一些商业行为的违规问题。
Judicial authorities司法机关
If it involves contract disputes, breach of contract, or other legal issues, you can file a lawsuit with the local court, and the judicial authorities can make judgments and rulings on the relevant disputes according to the law.
如果涉及到合同纠纷、违约行为或其他法律问题，您可以向当地法院提起诉讼，司法机关可以依法判断并裁决有关纠纷
Public Security Bureau公安机关
If you suspect that the supplier's actions involve fraud, you can report the case to the police department in the supplier's location and provide relevant evidence.
如果认为供应商的行为涉嫌欺诈，可以向供应商所在地的警察部门报案，并提供相关证据。
If the issues encountered with the supplier fall under contract disputes, it is typically resolved through litigation or arbitration. Therefore, such actions would fall under what we referred to as severing ties. Other government departments in China generally do not intervene in contract dispute matters.
如我们遇到的供应商问题属于合同纠纷，通常需通过诉讼或是仲裁来解决。所以这样的操作就属于我们说的撕破脸的情况下了。中国的政府其他部门一般也是不介入合同纠纷问题的。
So, here are a few suggestions for everyone to consider, to be prepared and minimize potential losses :
所以，几点小建议供大家参考，为平时减少自己的损失做好准备：
1.Emphasize supplier assessment. We often receive commissions from clients to conduct on-site visits, video inspections, evaluations of China's corporate credit system, and investigations through other social media channels, based on individual cases. We assess multiple dimensions, such as employees, raw materials, operational guidelines, production schedules, warehousing, and other minute details, from a multidimensional perspective.
1.重视供应商审核。我们也经常受客人委托，根据个案，从实地考察拜访，视频考察，中国的企业信用体系调查评估，其他社媒体系调查等；从员工，原材料，操作给范，生产排班，仓储等很多细微之处多维度评估；
2.Trade contracts. This aspect is crucial but often overlooked by our foreign clients. Foreign clients often make direct payments as soon as the supplier provides the Proforma Invoice (PI). However, in the event of disputes, it becomes challenging for lawyers to find solid standards for negotiation. Factors such as defect rates, delayed delivery, prepayment, differences in deposits, trademark and patent protection, etc. all require specific techniques and considerations. We can discuss these in a separate article, highlighting various tips and key points.
2.贸易合同。这点十分重要，但又是我们国外客户最为忽视的。国外客户常常供应商一提供PI就直接付款了。但是如果出了此类的纠纷，这些都是律师在诉讼时何难找到好的标准去谈判依据。例如次品率，延迟交货，预付款，定金差别，商标及专利保护等；这个很多技巧和要点。我们可单独文章再来讲解；
3.Emphasize the importance of avoiding buying under someone else's customs declaration. Some suppliers, who do not have import-export rights, often engage in the practice of buying under someone else's customs declaration. This means they declare the quotas of goods exported by others as their own. Clearly, this does not align with their actual goods. If customs inspection occurs, it can lead to serious issues concerning the safety of the goods and fines.
3.重视尽量不要买单报关的行为。有些供应商自己没有进出口权，常常会采用买单报关。意思就是买别人出口的配额报关。显然这样肯定和自己的货物不相匹配。一旦海关查验，可能涉及的货物安全以及罚款都是更为严重的问题。
Author 作者 | Lily
