How to pay a Chinese supplier
Get the invoice, confirm the recipient’s account and agree when payment is due. Use those details to prepare and review the payment.
Prepare the invoice and recipient together
The company, currency and amount on the invoice should match the payment you are preparing. Resolve a different account holder or changed bank details with the supplier before sending funds.
Before you pay
Use this checklist for the amount currently due, whether it is a deposit or the balance.
Invoice
- What to check
- Company name, goods or services, amount and currency.
Recipient
- What to check
- Account owner, bank details and the currency the account receives.
Payment terms
- What to check
- Agreed deposit, balance and due dates.
Review
- What to check
- Amount to send, fees, recipient amount and estimated delivery.
Confirm the invoice and recipient
Check the company name, goods or services, amount, currency and payment schedule. Confirm the bank details directly with the supplier using a contact you already know.
If the account name differs from the invoicing company, ask for an explanation and supporting documents before paying. Check that the payment service accepts the proposed recipient.
Deposits, balances and payment records
Use the payment schedule agreed with the supplier. A deposit or balance payment should correspond to the order and the relevant invoice.
Save the payment record with the invoice. Arrange supplier checks, inspections, shipping and insurance separately. Unigox handles the payment.
Paying your supplier in USD?
If your supplier asks for USD, their bank account may be in mainland China, Hong Kong or Singapore. Choose the location shown in their bank details.