Should I destroy faulty China goods for a refund?

Get written refund authorisation before disposal

Ask the seller to identify the order, affected goods and quantities, refund amount and currency, payment method and payment deadline. Obtain explicit confirmation that return is waived and that the agreed disposal evidence will satisfy the destruction condition. Clarify whether delivery charges and disposal costs are included.

Ask what “destroyed” means for this claim: collection for disposal, completed treatment or a particular contractor record. Request acceptance of a safe contractor method before booking it. A vague promise to “refund after video” leaves the evidence test unsettled. For the wider claim, see our faulty goods guide.

Preserve evidence before changing the goods

Create a claim folder with the order specification, invoice, payment record, seller correspondence and original fault photographs or videos. Record product labels, serial or batch identifiers and affected quantities. Keep original files alongside submitted copies. Photograph only where safe; do not recreate a dangerous fault for the camera.

Ask whether inspection or retained samples are needed before disposal, and agree any exceptions to the seller’s destruction request. Do not retain unsafe samples merely for evidence. If transit damage or insurance is involved, request the insurer’s instructions first; our cargo insurance guide covers that claim process.

Check the marketplace case separately

Open the current dispute instructions for your actual order. Ask marketplace support, within the case, whether destruction is authorised, whether return or inspection is still expected and which evidence it will accept. Request confirmation that contractor documents can replace a self-recorded destruction video. Save the reply and note the case deadlines.

Keep the seller’s authorisation and the marketplace’s response together. If their instructions conflict, ask support to resolve the conflict before disposal. Avoid closing the dispute or confirming receipt of a refund before checking the payment. Ask for a deadline extension if safe collection cannot meet the requested schedule.

Arrange safe disposal at the UK location

Do not burn, crush, puncture, cut open or dismantle potentially hazardous goods to produce evidence. Tell a specialist contractor about batteries, chemicals, pressurised containers, electrical parts and any leaks, swelling or heat. Ask for safe storage and collection instructions, and supply product information or an SDS where available.

For disposal in England, business waste must be classified before collection, disposal or recovery. Check that the business receiving it is authorised to take it. Hazardous waste produced or handled by your business in England must cause no harm or damage. Ask the contractor to confirm classification, destination and the paperwork needed for your goods.

For a site elsewhere in the UK, ask the contractor to identify the local requirements before collection. Agree the treatment route and evidence package with the seller and marketplace beforehand. Our England waste contractor guide covers the disposal arrangements in more detail.

Submit matching records and check the refund

Ask the contractor to connect its collection and treatment records to your order or claim reference, product description and affected quantities. Request dated photographs or a destruction certificate only where the contractor can provide them safely and accurately. Confirm whether the record proves collection or completed treatment; do not describe collection alone as destruction.

Submit the agreed evidence through the claim channel and keep submission receipts. Compare the payment received with the authorised refund, then query any shortfall or delay in writing. Preserve the claim and disposal records together. If the seller adds a new evidence condition, refer back to the written agreement before taking further action.