Sales contracts & unpaid goods
For buyers and sellers, connect orders, delivery, acceptance, reconciliation and payment. For mainland, Hong Kong/Macao-linked or export transactions, start by identifying the actual parties and performance.
Identify the contracting parties and balance
Separate the person placing the order, contracting company, recipient and payer. Record the price, paid amount and disputed returns or deductions. A chat nickname is not necessarily the contracting entity.
Connect performance even without a signed paper contract
Match quotations, chat orders, payments, delivery notes, tracking, receipts and invoices by transaction. Keep the context, account and dates of electronic records. Assess an unstamped reconciliation against how it was created.
Distinguish quality objections from delayed payment
Record specifications, acceptance arrangements, when objections arose, returns and subsequent use. Discuss payment requests, reconciliation, negotiation, demand letters and proceedings assessment without assuming that an objection removes payment obligations.
Build an account and evidence gap list
Agree a transaction-by-transaction account, performance timeline, identity questions and evidence gaps. Report closure or asset-transfer indications promptly so counsel can check status and assess available steps.
Hong Kong, Macao or other cross-border factors
For an unpaid Hong Kong or Macao buyer, add dispute clauses, registration, delivery location, payment accounts and asset information. A Zhuhai supplier’s location alone does not determine forum or enforcement.
Two questions to clarify
Can I seek an assessment with chat orders but no signed contract?
Start by organising orders, payments, delivery and communications. Counsel can assess whether the complete material establishes terms, parties and performance.
Where should an overseas buyer start with missing or defective goods?
Use the China supplier disputes and defective-goods pages for specifications, actual delivery, inspections and loss records. This page provides the general sales-contract framework.
Scope and limitations
The balance, quality responsibility, proper defendant and procedure depend on the records. A demand letter does not guarantee payment or a recovery percentage.