What to do if an import customs broker doesn’t pay the payment, and what are the solutions?
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I hired an import customs broker company to assist with customs clearance for my goods. However, they have been delaying the payment for a long time, constantly making excuses. I have the contract signed with them and have retained all relevant communication records. How should I handle this situation? How can I get back the money they owe me as soon as possible and minimize my losses?
Trade Expert Insights Answers
Anthony LuoYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance ExpertStart a Chat
If you encounter a situation where an import customs broker fails to pay the payment for goods, firstly, based on the contract and communication records, you can try friendly negotiation with them again. Clearly point out their breach of contract and inform them to make the payment promptly as agreed in the contract. Ensure that records of the negotiation process are kept. If negotiation fails, you can send a lawyer's letter, formally notifying them of the payment demand and the legal consequences of non-payment. This may prompt them to take it seriously. If the lawyer's letter is still ineffective, you will have to resort to legal channels by filing a lawsuit in court. Use your contract and communication records as strong evidence to demand payment of the goods and claim damages for breach of contract. During the litigation, you can apply for asset preservation to prevent them from transferring assets and ensure that you can successfully recover the funds after winning the case.
Concurrently, you can also file a complaint with the relevant industry association to exert public pressure on them. In summary, take active measures to protect your rights and interests.
David ChenYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Compliance AdvisorStart a Chat
You can expose this customs broker company's behavior within the industry, letting other peers know and damaging their reputation, which may prompt them to pay.
Robert TanYears of service：5Customer Rating：5.0
International Market Development AdvisorStart a Chat
Check if they have other business dealings and if you can exert indirect pressure by contacting their partners to urge them to pay promptly.
Kevin HuangYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
E-Commerce Export AdvisorStart a Chat
Check if the contract includes an arbitration clause. If so, you can apply for arbitration, as the arbitration process might be faster than litigation.
Richard WuYears of service：8Customer Rating：5.0
Global Trade Operations ExpertStart a Chat
Try to find a mediator, such as someone mutually known and respected, to mediate. This might resolve the issue.
Linda GuoYears of service：3Customer Rating：5.0
Trade Dispute MediatorStart a Chat
Carefully review the contract to see if there are any provisions for overdue payment penalties, and claim them along with the recovery of the debt.
Daniel KimYears of service：4Customer Rating：5.0
Commodity Inspection and Quarantine ConsultantStart a Chat
You can send a formal demand letter, clearly stating the payment deadline and the consequences of overdue payment, which is more intimidating than ordinary communication.
Sophia WangYears of service：6Customer Rating：5.0
International Logistics CoordinatorStart a Chat
If the amount is substantial and the other party refuses to pay, consider hiring a professional debt collection agency, but make sure to choose a legitimate and reliable one.
Michael ZhangYears of service：10Customer Rating：5.0
Customs Clearance SpecialistStart a Chat
Monitor the company's financial situation. If you discover any assets that can be executed, provide the information to the court in a timely manner.