China's digital electronic invoice has the same legal effect as a paper invoice. Before paying for ceramics or a workshop, confirm the issuer, buyer details, item description, amount and delivery method, then keep the invoice with the order and payment record.
Ask about invoicing before payment
The tax authority explains that a fully digital electronic invoice has the same legal effect as a paper invoice, with unified coding and digital delivery. Before paying, identify the legal seller, issue time and delivery channel; do not discover later that the stall, studio and receiving account are different entities.
For a personal invoice, verify the name. For company purchasing, prepare the exact corporate and tax details required by the employer. Never send unrelated sensitive data such as card verification codes to a personal account.
Make the invoice match the order
The item description should reflect the real transaction, such as ceramic goods or a pottery experience, with the true amount. Separately retain maker or brand, quantity, dimensions, defects, firing and shipping terms because an invoice does not replace a full acceptance list.
For staged payments on a commission, ask how deposits, balances and refunds will be invoiced. If the payee, contract party and invoice issuer differ, request a written explanation.
Check and back up immediately
Verify buyer, seller, item, amount and issue time. Save the original electronic file with the order, payment, written confirmations and tracking, and keep a second copy in an account you control. A screenshot is convenient but should not be the only record.
An ordinary invoice is not automatically a departure-tax-refund document and does not guarantee foreign reimbursement or customs acceptance. Confirm any refund, business-expense or import requirement separately with the seller, tax authority, carrier and destination authority.