UK sole trader died: what happens to my China order?
Confirm that the deceased individual was your contracting seller, then contact the estate representative with your order and payment records. Ask separately about repayment, identified goods and possible completion, while contacting your payment provider promptly. Factory records can be checked by Cambridge China Bridge.
Confirm who actually sold you the order
Compare the accepted quotation, contract, invoice and payment recipient. Identify the individual's full name and any trading name. Sole traders are personally responsible for their business debts. Use our guide to seller versus agent to establish whether the deceased sold you the goods or arranged a purchase from another seller.
If the paperwork instead names a limited company, ask who is now handling that company's orders. Do not redirect your claim to an individual's estate solely because that person was your usual contact. Record whether your purchase was for personal use or business stock when explaining it to your adviser and payment provider.
Find and verify the estate contact
Ask the business contact or solicitor for the executor's or administrator's contact details. Send a factual notice of your outstanding order and ask who is authorised to respond for the estate. Government guidance requires the person dealing with an estate to settle the deceased's debts and taxes.
For an estate in England and Wales, check the government probate search service as part of verifying the contact. Probate gives someone the legal right to deal with the estate. Ask for evidence of the representative's role and verify the solicitor independently. If you cannot find a record or representative, seek advice rather than treating an unanswered message as rejection of your claim.
Record money and goods separately
Send the representative your contract, payment confirmations, agreed delivery arrangements and correspondence. State what you paid, what arrived and what remains outstanding. Ask them to acknowledge your repayment claim and explain what further evidence they need. Keep a dated copy of everything sent and record any refund already received.
If you claim particular goods belong to you, identify them separately with allocation records, batch references, photographs and their current custodian. Ask your solicitor to assess the contract using our ownership and transit risk guide. Ask the representative and custodian to preserve the goods and records pending clarification; obtain written confirmation before arranging collection.
Contact payment providers while the estate is being sorted
Chargeback scheme rules set strict submission deadlines for card issuers. Contact your issuer promptly about undelivered goods and read our delayed-order chargeback guide. Ask which claim route applies, what event starts its deadline and what evidence to submit now. Explain the seller's death accurately and distinguish it from any confirmed failure to deliver.
For a payment platform, ask about its dispute and escalation process too. Record submission, evidence and escalation deadlines separately, obtain a case reference and set reminders. Do not assume an enquiry has opened a claim or that waiting for estate correspondence preserves a deadline. Tell the provider and representative about any refund or goods subsequently received.
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Check any proposal to complete the order
Before agreeing a balance payment or replacement arrangement, request a written plan identifying the goods, outstanding factory or freight charges, the person authorising release and how your existing payment will be credited. Independently verify any new receiving account. Ask your adviser to check the proposed terms before accepting them.
Cambridge China Bridge's staff in China can help check production progress, goods locations and factory records for that discussion. If the representative reports insufficient funds, seek advice on the estate's position; our seller insolvency guide explains the separate evidence needed for money and goods claims.
Frequently asked questions
Who do I contact if my sole trader supplier dies?
Ask for the executor or administrator handling the estate, or their solicitor. Verify their role and send your contract, payment records and a clear account of the outstanding order.
Will the estate refund my China order deposit?
Ask the representative to acknowledge your repayment claim and explain how it will be handled. Do not budget for a refund until its amount and payment are confirmed.
Can I collect goods already made for my order?
Gather the contract and records identifying the goods. Ask your solicitor to assess ownership, then obtain written confirmation of release arrangements from the representative and custodian.
Should I wait for probate before contacting my bank?
Contact your bank promptly. Ask what claim route applies, what evidence it needs and the relevant deadlines. Keep the payment-provider process moving alongside correspondence with the estate.