For the moment, forget the ‘jurisdiction’ of the contract, it will get you nowhere, other than more heartache and costs.
It’s normal for a supplier in China to ask for the full balance payment, even if a part shipment is required on your part.
Do the following:
1. Arrange a 3rd party full inspection report, before any further funds change hands.
2. After a SATISFACTORY inspection report, pay the balance and arrange your own shipping and storage for the goods. You can then ship as you need and you’ll find quicker options than 10 weeks, apart from an air shipment.
3. Try to negotiate a 2% discount or payment for the 3rd party QC inspection. No harm in asking, as they will want the balance paid and goods out by the end of this month.
4. For subsequent orders, and certainly for the order values you’re likely to give, have an agent to do the following:
a. A contract that includes discounts if deadlines are not met, plus many other issues to ensure clarity and requirements on both sides.
b. Signed off sample approval before any deposit payment is made.
c. Pre production samples before mass production starts, to ensure they are 100% correct. (Not 99%)
d. Full QC check, including component checks, production line overview and final inspection, including any certificate checks.
e. Arrange shipping to your requirements.
f. Liaise in Chinese to avoid any miscommunication.
China suppliers are becoming increasingly harder to work with, one of the main reasons is that they NEVER own their mistakes, instead they try and offer excuses. Very frustrating!
Feel free to ask for any further advice, by using the link in my signature below.
Good luck.
