Chinese supplier refuses to refund: what to do next
A refund promise is not the same as a completed refund. Preserve the payment trail, the agreed cancellation or defect basis, and every deadline before deciding what to do next.
Updated 24 July 2026
Quick answer
Keep the claim narrow: what was paid, why the refund is due, what the seller promised, what has actually been returned, and which deadline is still open.
Confirm the refund basis
Identify the exact reason: non-shipment, cancellation accepted in writing, defective goods, wrong specification, shortage, or another documented breach.
Save the order terms and the message in which the supplier accepted cancellation, acknowledged the problem, or promised a refund.
Trace the money
Keep the payment confirmation, beneficiary details, platform transaction record, refund status and bank statement showing that no credit arrived.
For a partial refund, state the original payment, the amount already received and the exact balance still outstanding.
Use one written deadline
Send a concise demand with the order number, amount, reason, evidence list, requested payment method and a reasonable response date.
Do not replace a platform claim with endless private promises. Preserve any open dispute, card, bank or insurance deadline.
Prepare the next route
Depending on the payment method and contract, possible routes may include the platform process, payment-provider dispute, bank inquiry, insurer, formal demand, mediation, arbitration or court.
Do not state fraud as a fact unless the evidence supports it; describe the verifiable conduct instead.
Common mistakes
- Closing a dispute before the refund reaches the account
- Sending extra money to unlock a promised refund
- Using different refund amounts in different messages
- Waiting until payment-provider or platform deadlines expire
Frequently asked questions
Is a screenshot of the seller promising a refund enough?
It helps, but combine it with the order, payment record, reason for cancellation or refund, and a bank or platform record showing that the money did not arrive.
Should I keep negotiating privately?
Only while it does not endanger a platform, bank, card or contractual deadline. Keep private negotiations short and in writing.
Can ChinaTradeResolve guarantee recovery?
No. The service can help organize the facts and evidence, but it cannot promise a refund or replace a lawyer or authority.
Describe the situation and identify the documents you already have. Do not put confidential documents in the public chat.
Open the application formThis guide explains evidence organization and practical next steps. It does not predict an outcome or replace legal advice.
Educational information, not legal advice. Check current platform rules and deadlines.