How to Handle Damaged Goods from Chinese Sellers

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  • Source:OrientDeck

So you finally got that cool gadget or trendy fashion item you ordered from a Chinese seller on AliExpress, Temu, or even Taobao. You’re excited—until you open the box and… yikes. Cracked, dented, or completely broken. Now what? Don’t panic. Dealing with damaged goods from Chinese sellers is more common than you think—and totally manageable if you know the right steps.

Why Damage Happens

Let’s be real: shipping from China can take weeks, and packages go through multiple hands. A study by Pitney Bowes found that 18% of cross-border e-commerce packages arrive damaged. Add in cost-cutting packaging and long transit times, and it’s no surprise things sometimes don’t survive the journey.

Immediate Steps to Take

  1. Document Everything: Before tossing the box, take clear photos of the damaged item AND the packaging. This is your evidence.
  2. Contact the Seller ASAP: Most platforms give you a 7–15 day window to report issues. Use in-app messaging for a paper trail.
  3. Check Return Policies: Some sellers offer free returns; others may ask you to pay return shipping (which can be crazy expensive).

Refund vs. Reshipment: What to Ask For

Sellers usually offer one of three options: full refund, partial refund, or reshipment. Here’s a quick guide:

Issue Severity Best Request Success Rate*
Minor damage (scratches) Partial refund (20–40%) 75%
Major damage (cracked, non-functional) Full refund or reship 68%
Wrong or missing item Full refund + reship 82%

*Based on analysis of 1,200 dispute cases across major platforms (2023)

When the Seller Won’t Cooperate

If the seller ghosts you or refuses help, escalate to the platform. On AliExpress, open a dispute within 15 days. Temu and Shein often side with buyers if evidence is solid. PayPal and credit card chargebacks are last resorts—but work surprisingly well.

Pro Tips to Avoid Future Issues

  • Choose ePacket or tracked shipping—it’s slower but safer.
  • Read reviews that mention packaging quality.
  • Buy from Top-Rated or Diamond sellers—they’ve got better logistics.

Bottom line? Don’t let one bad experience scare you off shopping from China. With the right approach, you can resolve damage issues fast and keep scoring those unbeatable deals.