1. Why "defective goods / image mismatch" happens
Troubles with Chinese online shopping fall into 3 main causes.
| Cause | Examples | Common cases |
|---|---|---|
| Damage in transit | Cracks, dents, water damage | Fragile items, precision devices |
| Initial defect | Doesn't work, missing parts | Home appliances, electrical goods |
| Image mismatch | Wrong colour, size or material | Clothing, bags, accessories |
Especially "image mismatch" is easy to cause because of the photo shoot environment and screen colour, so in reality it's hard to prevent completely.
2. What to do first when it arrives
When it arrives, photograph the outer box before opening it. It becomes your evidence if a problem arises.
- Before opening: photograph the outer box and shipping label
- Right after opening: photograph the whole item, any damage, and accessories
- Operation check: test electrical goods immediately
- Contact the store: report early with photos attached
POINT: On Chinese EC, some stores won't accept returns unless you contact them "within 7 days of receipt". Check the item as soon as it arrives.
3. The returns & refunds process
When a return is possible, the basic flow is as follows.
| STEP | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Contact the store with photos (within 7 days of receipt) |
| 2 | Check the store's return conditions (unused, tags attached, etc.) |
| 3 | Get the return address and return shipping method from the store |
| 4 | Ship the item back (round-trip shipping is often at your own cost) |
| 5 | After the store confirms, a refund or reshipment follows |
POINT: Returns can be costly once you add "round-trip shipping + handling". The more expensive the item, the more important pre-purchase inspection and confirmation become.
4. Risk avoidance before you buy
- Check actual size and material: always read the size chart and material listing
- Read the reviews: reviews with photos are especially useful
- Choose a reliable store: check ratings and sales track record
- Specify packing for fragile/precision items: you can ask for extra cushioning
- Use a proxy with inspection & photo reports: check the condition before it reaches you
5. How to use the inspection service
The inspection service is where staff open the item at the China warehouse, check damage, defects, quantity and size, and report back with photos.
- You find out "it was defective" before it arrives
- You don't miss the timing to contact the store or arrange an exchange
- Repacking also reduces the risk of damage in transit
POINT: At allallbuy, inspection and photo reports are provided as a standard service at no extra charge.
6. allallbuy support
allallbuy provides in one stop the receipt, inspection, photo reports, repacking and shipping to Japan of your items in China. Its biggest strength is preventing failure "before it reaches you".
- Inspection and photo reports are a standard service (no extra fee)
- If a defect is found, we support contacting the store and arranging an exchange
- Purchasing and forwarding from a single item
- Japanese-language support by LINE and email
7. FAQ
As soon as it arrives, record it with photos and video, then contact the store you bought from or the proxy company. At allallbuy, if a problem is found during inspection, we report it to you before the item ships to Japan.
Many Chinese EC stores have returns and refunds policies. Conditions are often "unused with tags attached", and round-trip shipping may be at your own cost. Always confirm before buying.
Differences in colour tone etc. often are not eligible for return. Checking the actual dimensions, material and colour in advance, or using a proxy with inspection and photo reports, keeps you safe.
It is a service where staff open the item at a China warehouse, check for damage, defects and quantity, and report back with photos. allallbuy provides this as standard.
At allallbuy, defects found during pre-purchase inspection are reported to the store, and we support exchanges or refunds. Applicable conditions are explained at the time of purchase.
8. Summary
- The 3 big causes of trouble are damage in transit, initial defects, and image mismatch
- When it arrives, first take photos and check it works; contacting within 7 days is the rule
- Because returns cost round-trip shipping, checking before buying is the best countermeasure
- With a proxy that offers inspection and photo reports, you can prevent failure before it arrives
"Error-free Chinese online shopping" starts with inspection
Inspection, photo reports and repacking are all standard. Start with a free, no-obligation consultation.