My Amazon Guy What to do When Your China Shipment Disappears - Freght Forwarder & Broker Go Rogue
❌ Problem: Hi Steven! I’m hoping to get your opinion on something. Back in February we paid our freight forwarder (Company 1) for a final inspection and door-to-door delivery from the factory to our 3PL in California. This was our first ever shipment as an FBA business. The shipment was small, only about 400 units, but we were trying to get them out during Chinese New Year. The order was picked up as agreed and we were told that the shipment tracking number would be provided soon after. There were a few delays, but ultimately we had no reason to believe that anything had gone wrong. Fast forward to this week, and we finally find out that our FF was a broker and that our shipment is still in China and that the freight partner that our FF worked with had not been paid … so the shipment is still sitting in their warehouse (Company 2). Needless to say, (Company 1) has been non-responsive and we are going to pursue a refund through Payoneer (for what that’s worth anyway). We don’t know anything about Matic Express, but they have been easy to communicate with so far. (Companhy 1) indicated that they had worked with (Company 2) for over a year without issue, and that recently they had experienced this issue and no longer does business with them.
So the question I have is, would you suggest working directly with (Company 1) in this case to get the shipment delivered to our 3PL or would you engage a new FF to pickup from them and deliver as planned? It doesn’t feel like (Company 1) is on in some sort of scam or anything, but it’s tough to say for certain yet. This was our first attempt and the first big snag we’ve hit as a seller. A bit discouraging, but we’re trying to move forward anyway. Thanks for your thoughts!
✅ Answer: I would create a new order and let this one go. You have no reason to trust anybody involved.
The shipment could be full of bad products that the "inspectors" let through.
Sorry, you had this experience. Be sure to sign an agreement with the next partner so you have recourse.
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