Defective goods happen — even with careful sourcing. How you handle them decides whether you recover your money or eat the loss.
Prevention Starts Before Shipping
A pre-shipment inspection catches most defects while the factory can still fix them. Insurance on the shipment covers transit damage. Both are cheap compared to a defective container.
Document Everything Immediately
When defects are found, photograph and video the goods, keep the original packing, and note the quantity affected. Detailed evidence strengthens your claim with the supplier.
Your Options with the Supplier
- Return and replacement of defective units
- Partial refund for the defective portion
- Repair or rework at the factory
- Discount for keeping damaged goods
Use the Right Payment Leverage
If you used Trade Assurance, escrow, or held back a final payment percentage, you have leverage. Never pay the full balance before confirming quality on large orders.
When to Escalate
If the supplier won’t cooperate, file a dispute on the platform, involve an inspection report as evidence, or consult a sourcing agent to mediate. Our team helps buyers recover from supplier disputes.