Dispute Over CNY 95 Peach Payment Reaches Court
In a small claims dispute that highlights the importance of written receipts in agricultural transactions, a court in Eastern China City ordered a local peach buyer to pay CNY 95 to a villager for unpaid fruit. The plaintiff, Ms. Wang, sold peaches to the defendant, Mr. Li, during the 2011 harvest season. Despite receiving two signed receipts for the delivery, Mr. Li never paid the agreed amount. The court ruled in favor of Ms. Wang, finding that a valid sales contract existed and that Mr. Li had breached it by failing to make payment.
The case arose from events in 2011, when Mr. Li used the village broadcast system to invite residents of a village in Eastern China City to bring their ripe peaches to him. Ms. Wang responded to the call and delivered peaches on several occasions. Each time, Mr. Li issued a handwritten receipt acknowledging the quantity and confirming the amount due. In total, two receipts were issued, reflecting a combined sum of CNY 95. Ms. Wang repeatedly asked Mr. Li to pay, but he refused or ignored her requests. She eventually filed a lawsuit to recover the debt.
At the court hearing, Ms. Wang appeared with two legal representatives. Mr. Li did not attend the hearing and provided no written defense, despite being properly notified by the court. The evidence presented by Ms. Wang included the two original receipts signed by Mr. Li, as well as a certificate from the village committee confirming that Mr. Li had indeed broadcast calls for residents to deliver peaches during the 2011 season. The court reviewed this evidence and found it to be consistent and credible. Because Mr. Li offered no contrary evidence, the court accepted Ms. Wang’s documents as proof of the transaction.
The court held that the receipts created a legally binding sales contract between the parties. Under Chinese contract law, once a seller delivers goods and the buyer accepts them, the buyer must pay the agreed price. The evidence showed that Ms. Wang delivered peaches to Mr. Li, who accepted them and recorded the obligation in writing. The court found that Mr. Li’s failure to pay the CNY 95 after multiple demands constituted a clear breach of contract. Accordingly, the court ordered Mr. Li to pay the full amount within three days of the judgment becoming effective.
According to relevant law, the court applied provisions of the Contract Law regarding the formation and performance of contracts. Specifically, the court cited articles requiring parties to act in good faith, to honor their agreements, and to perform obligations as agreed. The court also noted that a seller is entitled to receive payment for goods delivered. Additionally, the judgment warned that if Mr. Li delayed payment beyond the deadline, he would be liable for double the interest on the debt under the Civil Procedure Law. The reasoning emphasized that even small debts are enforceable when supported by clear documentary evidence.
This case serves as a practical reminder that written receipts can be powerful legal tools in everyday transactions, especially in rural agricultural sales. The court’s decision underscores that a buyer’s failure to pay for goods received, even for a modest sum like CNY 95, can result in a binding judgment. The defendant’s absence from the hearing did not prevent the court from ruling based on the plaintiff’s credible evidence. For individuals engaged in similar informal sales, keeping signed receipts and seeking timely payment can help avoid disputes and protect legal rights.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.