What to do When Your China Shipment Disappears - Freght Forwarder & Broker Go Rogue

TL;DR

A seller shares their experience of a shipment gone wrong and asks for advice on whether to work with the same freight forwarder or find a new one.

Transcript

what do you do when you've got a problem with a shipment internationally and you're trying to get it to the states but things don't go quite as you planned my name is stephen pope and i'm the founder of my amazon guy so today i'm going to read an email that i received this morning from somebody looking for some advice and i think it's a great scena... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ It is advisable to keep inspection and freight forwarding roles separate to maintain transparency and accountability.
• 🤨 Trusting a freight forwarder who was also responsible for inspection raises doubts about the quality of the entire batch of products.
• 😚 When facing shipment problems, it is important to consider potential lost revenue and delays and decide whether it's worth pursuing a refund or starting fresh.
• ✋ International shipping, especially from China, can involve cultural differences and a higher risk of unethical practices.
• ❓ Payoneer can be a useful platform for resolving payment disputes and pursuing refunds.
• 🤘 Signing agreements with partners and clearly defining roles can help prevent future shipping problems.
• 🙊 Delays and issues in international shipments are common, particularly during peak periods like the Chinese New Year.

Questions & Answers

Q: Should the seller continue working with the same freight forwarder or find a new one?

It is recommended to find a new freight forwarder due to the lack of trust in the current one. The fact that the same company was responsible for inspection and forwarding raises concerns about the entire batch of products.

Q: What steps should the seller take to prevent future shipment problems?

The seller should sign an agreement with their next partner and keep separate roles for each partner involved. They should also avoid taking shortcuts and blurring lines in order to reduce the potential for issues with international shipping.

Q: Is it common to face problems with international shipments from China?

Yes, dealing with China often involves a different culture and set of values. Bribery and cutting corners are more prevalent, making it crucial to be cautious and not fully trust unfamiliar partners.

Q: How can the seller pursue a refund through Payoneer?

The seller should gather all relevant documents, such as proof of payment and communication with the freight forwarder, and submit a dispute through Payoneer's resolution center. They should provide all necessary details to support their claim.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The seller paid for a final inspection and door-to-door delivery of their shipment from China to their 3PL in California.

• The freight forwarder turned out to be a broker, and the shipment is still in China as the partner wasn't paid.

• The seller seeks advice on whether to stick with the same company or find a new freight forwarder for delivery.