My supplier from China makes product that does not match the prototype and when they ship more than 60% are broken in shipping. They tell me this is not their problem that everything was good when it left their factory.  Is this normal?? How can I fight this since I am in the US and they are in Shenzhen City?

Unless you did a pre-shipment inspection to approve the product before it was shipped there is probably no way of proving that the damage was done in shipping. It would be your word against the shipping company.

If you shipped the product LCL in a container and you paid extra for insurance then you may be able to make a claim. Best speak with your forwarder who helped you clear customs and see what you need to do.

If you shipped a small quantity by courier or post then there is nothing you can do if the supplier is unwilling to send replacements.

This is why preshipment inspections are so important as once the goods leave China it is highly unlikely that you can get a refund or replacement goods.

Quoting from [No_Name]:


My supplier from China makes product that does not match the prototype and when they ship more than 60% are broken in shipping. They tell me this is not their problem that everything was good when it left their factory.  Is this normal?? How can I fight this since I am in the US and they are in Shenzhen City?

I figured as much but still am very disappointed with Chinese quality and refusal to stand behind their work. 


DHL wont pay for these units because the packaging was so poor.  Thank you for your response.

Your comment about being disappointed with Chinese quality is an interesting point.

Many of the worlds best brand name produce their products in China so clearly Chinese factories can make product at the best quality. So any broad statement that Chinese quality is poor is really not very accurate.

The secret to success is to make it clear to a supplier what your quality expectation is so that they can then produce at that level.

Most foreign buyers make the mistake of hunting out the cheapest prices and then pushing prices some more. The situation with this as far as Chinese suppliers goes is as follows:

a. Buyer - thinks that they are getting a cheaper price on the same product and that they will then be making more money from a cheaper price;

b. Seller - does their best to maintain the same margin but with a lower price and assumes that as the customer wants lower price that they can also accept lower quality so the factory makes the product at a quality level that they believe matches the price.

I do not agree with the way the Chinese sellers think, but as you are buying from China you need to understand the way that Chinese sellers think and then let them know what you expect.

Egernia ‘comment is so great.

 

I agree with so much.