The Shipment Is on Its Way. The Balance Is Still Missing. I'm Not Worried.

The container is heading to Germany, but the customer still hasn't paid the balance. His replies are slower, and the excuses keep coming. As it gets closer, I wonder what he's planning.

The strange part? I see this coming.

Two young German men, both around 20, visit our factory to discuss a 200L craft brewery system. We tour the factory and enjoy dinner. I like them.

About a month later, they place an order and pay the deposit.

When production is finished, the customer says he needs the equipment urgently. He asks us to load it first and promises to pay the balance soon.

I wonder: Is he testing whether he can ship the goods before paying in full?

I'm not worried. We're using our own freight forwarder and still control the shipment and key documents. So we load the equipment as requested.

After it leaves, his replies slow down. The payment date keeps moving, and new excuses appear. I suspect he thinks we can do nothing once the goods are on the way. That's only my guess.

But shipping the goods doesn't mean the customer can automatically collect them.

As the arrival date gets closer, he asks how to receive the goods. I explain that we'll provide the customs documents, including the bill of lading, after the balance is paid.

Then he disappears for several days. Maybe he's asking others for advice or looking for another solution.

A few days later, he sends the payment receipt. Finally, the balance is paid.

No arguments. No threats. We simply keep control of the key parts of the transaction.

International trade needs trust, but it also needs clear rules and risk control. A friendly factory visit and dinner don't guarantee smooth payment.

Trust your customers, but don't give away all your control. Don't take unnecessary risks just because a customer says the goods are urgent or promises to pay soon.

Have you ever had a customer delay payment after shipment? Would you ship before receiving the balance? Share your experience in the comments. Your story may help another exporter avoid a costly mistake.

Shandong LD Machinery CO., LTD.

www.micbrew.com