Dear Friend, problems of this nature do occur at times regardless of ethnicity or countrywood on the people we deal with, when wavelengths of the parties concerned, take erratic movements all of a sudden. Moreso with Indians who are sensitive about their business and its relationship. I can quote an example here that I have come across very recently. One of the Chinese agents who was scouting for supply of Urea to a Vietnamese buyer was progressing well with an Indian agent half-way through when suddenly the shipping terms were insisted upon DDU terms (Delivered Duty Unpaid) as against the originally agreed CIF terms. This deal had ultimately collapsed paving way for considerable wastage of time on both the Indian and Chinese agents. As a result of which further queries/calls from the Chinese person were turned down by his Indian counterpart. I am just citing an example which in no way should be deemed as generalised about other prospective business people. Proper understanding, clear terms of trade and transparency about other trade costs like agency commission, levies if any are to be clearly spelt before embarking on finalisation of any deal. I can understand the agony and pain you would have undergone with some people. But all the fingers are not alike, you see. Wish you the best trade experiences henceforth and in the days to come. Regards, S.Baskaran, Chennai, India.