Alibaba Trade Assurance – pre-shipment dispute over product specifications

Hi everyone,

I'd appreciate advice from anyone with experience with Alibaba Trade Assurance disputes.

I've placed a relatively large order with a Chinese manufacturer for several tent products. I've paid approximately 60% upfront, with the remaining balance due before/around shipment. The goods have not shipped yet.

I arranged an independent third-party pre-shipment inspection. It identified several issues, including:

• A material specification that was agreed at 280GSM, but the manufacturer has confirmed the goods were produced using 240GSM.
• One of the products is materially different from the catalogue/reference product I ordered. The supplier says the catalogue shows an older version and that the product supplied is now their updated design, however the updated design is of no interest to me.
• Some physical defects/marks (classified as Major and minor by the third party inspector) were identified on finished products.
• There is also a question over whether a specified branded component has actually been used on all units.

The branded components and GSM rating including prictures of the exact products were in the approved invoice and noted in the Trade Assurance contract.

The manufacturer has acknowledged some of the issues and has said production is complete and the current products cannot be changed.

I have not approved shipment and have not paid the remaining balance.

The initial deposit was paid by credit card. I am at day 68 since the initial deposit was paid.

I'm considering asking the supplier to mutually cancel the order and refund my deposit. If they refuse, I would consider opening a Trade Assurance dispute.

For those who have actually dealt with Alibaba Trade Assurance:

1. How strong is a pre-shipment claim where the independent inspection documents the discrepancies and the supplier has acknowledged them?
2. Has anyone successfully obtained a refund where the goods were manufactured but had not yet shipped?
3. Would accepting one unit potentially weaken the argument that the other products were non-conforming?

I'm particularly interested in experiences with pre-shipment disputes, rather than disputes where the goods had already been delivered.