Buyer Protection

Refund & Cancellation Policy

Last updated: Last updated: March 1, 2025

GlobalSourcing is committed to fair and transparent transactions. Our escrow-based payment system is designed to protect buyers at every stage of the procurement process. This policy outlines the conditions under which refunds are granted.

1. Overview & Philosophy

Our platform operates on an escrow model: funds are never released to a supplier until you have confirmed satisfactory delivery of your order. This means most disputes are resolved before a formal refund is needed. When issues do arise, our team acts as a neutral mediator to reach a fair resolution.

2. Refund Eligibility

You may be eligible for a full or partial refund under the following conditions:

  • The goods received do not match the confirmed product specifications or sample approved.
  • The shipment was significantly delayed beyond the agreed delivery date with no valid justification.
  • The factory failed to initiate production within the agreed timeline after deposit payment.
  • Goods were damaged in transit and a pre-shipment inspection report confirms non-compliance.
  • The supplier cancels the order after your payment has been escrowed.

3. Refund Timeframes

Once a refund has been approved by our team, processing times depend on the payment method:

Payment Method Refund Timeframe Notes
Bank Wire Transfer 5–10 business days International transfers may take longer depending on the receiving bank.
Credit / Debit Card 3–7 business days Timing depends on your card issuer's processing schedule.
Platform Wallet 1–2 business days Credited immediately to your GlobalSourcing wallet balance.

4. How to Request a Refund

Follow these steps to initiate a refund request through the platform:

1
Open a Dispute Navigate to your order dashboard and click "Open Dispute". Describe the issue clearly and select the relevant order.
2
Submit Evidence Upload supporting documents: photos of goods received, inspection reports, supplier communications, or delivery records.
3
Mediation Review Our team reviews all submitted evidence within 3–5 business days and contacts both parties if additional information is needed.
4
Resolution & Payment Upon decision, escrow funds are either released to the supplier or refunded to you according to the mediation outcome.

5. Non-Refundable Items

The following are not eligible for refund under our standard policy:

  • Platform service fees and transaction processing charges.
  • Factory audit and inspection service fees once the service has been performed.
  • Orders cancelled by the buyer after production has commenced beyond the agreed cancellation window.
  • Customs duties, import taxes, or freight costs paid to third-party logistics providers.
  • Goods that were approved by the buyer following a pre-shipment inspection report.

6. Escrow Protection

Your Funds Are Always Protected

GlobalSourcing's escrow system ensures your payment is never released to a supplier without your explicit approval. In the event of a dispute, funds remain frozen until mediation is complete. This gives you full financial protection throughout the entire procurement lifecycle.