PI is not enough: sign the contract before deposit
The proforma invoice confirms price, vehicle, destination port and payment reference, but it does not replace the purchase contract. Before paying a deposit, confirm the contract covers vehicle identity, inspection report, risk disclosure, refund rules, export documents, shipping responsibility and dispute handling.
Pay only to the platform official account
A safe platform escrow process means deposits and balances go to the platform official account, not a supplier's personal bank account, QR code or off-platform chat link. The buyer should match the account snapshot, order ID, payment reference and total payable amount before sending funds.
When to pay deposit and balance
The deposit normally reserves the vehicle and starts inspection/export document preparation. The balance is normally paid after inspection and documents are confirmed and before booking, loading or B/L release. If the inspection exposes major undisclosed risks, the order should pause for risk review before the balance is requested.