China Debt Collector

Situation: I recently purchased some goods from a China manufacturer. The goods arrived in pieces (i.e. 100 one day, 200 the next). As such, the goods were quite late (a full month). This cost me greatly, of course. All along in this process I told the manufacturer that I'd be expecting a very large discount. They agreed and told me we'd discuss that once everything was delivered - as the priority was to simply set things right first.


Foolishly, I didn't push for a final cost number early on. Now, all items are delivered and they are refusing to give me a discount. Consequently, I am refusing to pay them anything.


I am not one to not pay and my goal is not to avoid this bill. I'd simply like to get the amount reduced to a reasonable level. However, they have now left my case with a debt collector.


This collector is very hostile over the phone and continues to threaten me (not specific threats nor threats about court, simply "I'm going to take action against you"). The debt collector speaks very little English, but seems to have the F word down perfectly and likes to yell it rather loudly at me.


Debt is roughly HK$20,000


My concern is not court, as I feel I have a great case there. My concern is with physical violence, continued threats against myself and family, as well as other scenarios that could interfere in my business activities.


I suspect there are laws in Hong Kong about the collection process, and I suspect these are widely followed by local firms. However, given this is a China company who may have farmed this out to a random/criminal person, I'd like to know if anyone has dealt with such a situation and if so what "action" has been taken by these parties?

Firstly, you should ask him for his name and where is he from. If he is not from a registered debt collector in Hong Kong, you should tell him that you will file a police report.

Thanks Douglas,


This was actually my very first question. He wouldn't answer other than to say "Mr. X" from the company in question. According to the company in question, he is an outsourced service provider.

Then, tell him that there is no Mr. X from the company and you will report to the police. If he calls again, his telephone number will be traced.

Why don't you pay them just the amount you think the delivery is worth and see what happens?

gdbill, just ignoring can end badly. I heard about some of them are waiting for you somewhere one day. Agree with 68165 because "some" money is outstanding and should be dealed with.

Don't believe everything you see in the soap operas. Unless you are involved in some type of mafia, nobody is going to hire someone to break your legs for a measley $20k and run the risks of ending up in prison for a decade.


The decent thing would be to pay them what the real value of the goods are taking into account the problems the merchant caused you, but you'd be melodramatic to think that not paying them leads to a life of looking over your shoulders.

UH20,


Hate to disagree with you, however, my ex-maid, was guarantor for a HK$5000 loan. When the borrower didn't pay and my maid didn't pay, we recieved a visit from some triads....