Terms of service

These terms apply to sourcing, factory audit, inspection and follow-up services provided by NALTHINK ("we", "us"). By engaging us you accept these terms. Where a signed service agreement exists, that agreement prevails.

1. Our role

We act as your representative and service provider in China. Contract structures are agreed per order. In many deals you contract with, and pay, the supplier directly. In others, we purchase and ship the goods on your behalf as set out in the written order confirmation. Unless expressly agreed in writing, we do not act as importer of record, and our obligations are limited to the services stated in the applicable order confirmation.

2. Services and scope

Each engagement is defined in writing (quotation, email or service agreement) and describes the services, deliverables, fees and timeline. Work outside that scope requires a new written confirmation.

3. Service fee and payment

• Every engagement is quoted individually. The written quotation you approve before work starts defines the fee, what it covers and the payment schedule.
• Third-party costs (samples, courier, laboratory testing, travel outside the normal service area) are billed at cost against receipts.
• Invoices are payable within 7 days unless agreed otherwise. Bank charges are borne by the payer.

4. No supplier commissions

We accept no rebate, commission or benefit from suppliers in connection with your order. Our remuneration is limited to the invoices issued to you.

5. Supplier information and non-circumvention

We disclose the identity of suppliers we recommend. You agree not to circumvent us by placing orders directly with a supplier introduced by us during the engagement and for 24 months afterwards without our prior written consent, except where we have introduced you under a written waiver.

6. Buyer obligations

• Provide accurate specifications, drawings and market requirements.
• Respond to approvals within a reasonable time; delays may affect lead time.
• Comply with import regulations and certification requirements in your destination country.
• Pay as agreed for the chosen contract structure — the supplier directly, or us per the order confirmation.

7. Inspection and quality

Inspection is carried out against an agreed AQL level using sampling, not full inspection unless expressly agreed. Our responsibility covers the accuracy and good faith of our inspection and reporting. Manufacturing defects that fall within the agreed AQL limits, or that occur after shipment, remain the supplier's responsibility under your purchase contract with them. We will assist you in raising the issue with the supplier and documenting the findings.

8. Delays and force majeure

Lead times given by suppliers are estimates. We are not liable for delays caused by suppliers, shipping lines, customs, epidemics, natural events, strikes or government action.

9. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total liability arising from any engagement is limited to the fees actually paid to us for that engagement. We are not liable for indirect or consequential loss, including loss of profit, loss of market or loss of goodwill.

10. Confidentiality

Each party keeps the other's confidential information private and uses it only for the purpose of the engagement. We sign a separate NDA on request.

11. Intellectual property

Reports, photographs and video produced by us are licensed to you for your internal and commercial use. You may not resell them as standalone content.

12. Termination and cancellation

Either party may terminate an engagement with 14 days' written notice. Fees for work already performed and costs already incurred remain payable; fees for work not yet started are refunded in full once cancellation is confirmed in writing.

13. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China. The parties will first attempt to resolve any dispute amicably; failing that, the dispute is submitted to the competent court at our place of registration.

14. Contact

NALTHINK · hello@nalthink.com