China parcel arrived after a refund: what now?
Notify the seller in writing that the refunded parcel has arrived. Keep it safe while you agree collection or a purchase in writing. Update any open card dispute with the delivery and refund records before arranging another payment. Ask Cambridge China Bridge to help organise the supplier correspondence.
Match the parcel to the refunded order
Check the order reference, tracking record, sender and contents. Photograph the label and condition, and record the actual arrival date. Check whether the credit came from the seller, marketplace or card issuer. Keep the refund message and payment record alongside the delivery evidence.
Set the goods aside while you clarify the outcome. Avoid using, selling or discarding them, and retain the packaging. Contact the contracting seller through the original order channel. If an agent arranged the shipment, use our guide to seller and agent roles to identify whom to contact.
Send a written arrival notice
State that the parcel has arrived after the non-delivery refund. Give the order reference, arrival date, tracking details and observed condition. Ask whether the seller wants to arrange collection or discuss an agreed purchase. Request a written reply by a date that allows a realistic response.
Suggested wording: “The parcel for this order arrived after the non-delivery refund. I have set the goods aside pending your instructions. Please confirm whether you will arrange collection, including transport costs, or propose terms for me to purchase them. I am also updating the card issuer about the delivery.” Omit the final sentence if no card dispute exists.
Agree collection before sending anything
Ask the seller to confirm the collection address, courier, booking arrangements, packaging instructions and responsibility for transport costs. For a requested return, obtain the agreed destination and a prepaid label or written cost arrangement before booking. Keep the handover receipt, tracking and photographs.
If the seller does not reply, follow up through the original order channel and retain proof of sending. Do not treat silence as permission to dispose of the parcel. If storage becomes difficult, explain the problem and propose a collection date. For an unresolved dispute with a UK seller, see complaint and escalation steps.
Record any agreement to buy the goods
If you want to keep the parcel, ask for written agreement identifying the goods, their condition, the purchase price, delivery charges and payment method. Ask the seller to state how the earlier refund and order will be treated. Do not send money merely because a new payment request appears in a message.
Check the payment recipient through a contact route you already trust. Obtain an invoice and confirm the applicable specification, acceptance and warranty terms, especially if the goods arrived damaged or incomplete. Our guide to UK seller supply terms covers those contract checks.
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Update any open card dispute
A chargeback involves asking the card issuer to reverse a transaction. If your non-delivery dispute remains open, tell the issuer promptly that the parcel has arrived. Send the delivery evidence, refund record and seller correspondence. Describe damage or shortages accurately rather than continuing to describe the whole order as undelivered.
Ask the issuer to confirm the credit’s status and how to handle collection, an agreed purchase or any overlapping seller refund. Coordinate repayment with the issuer before paying the seller again, and keep the final outcome in writing. If the credit is reversed, see what to do after a chargeback reversal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a China parcel that arrives after a refund?
Do not treat the refund as permission to use or sell it. Notify the seller and seek written agreement for collection or a purchase. Keep the goods and correspondence while the outcome is unresolved.
What should I write to the seller?
Give the order reference, arrival date, tracking and condition. Explain that the non-delivery refund preceded arrival, then ask for collection instructions or purchase terms in writing.
Should I pay return postage?
Ask the seller to arrange collection or provide a prepaid label. If you are asked to book transport, agree responsibility for the cost in writing before spending money.
Should I close my card dispute when the parcel arrives?
Report the arrival promptly and ask the issuer how to update or close the case. Provide any damage, shortage or collection evidence, and confirm how the credit will be handled before paying again.