Peach Sale Dispute – Court Orders Payment of CNY 136.4

A farmer in Central China City took a peach buyer to court after the buyer failed to pay for fruit delivered two years earlier. The dispute involved a small sum of CNY 136.4, but the case turned on the legal effect of handwritten receipts and a village broadcast. The court found that a valid sales contract existed and ordered the buyer to pay the overdue amount plus costs.

The plaintiff, Mr. Feng, was a peach grower living in a village within Central China City. During the 2011 peach harvest, the defendant, Mr. Zhang, used the village public-address system to invite residents to sell their peaches to him. Mr. Feng responded and delivered his peaches on two separate occasions. Each delivery was documented with a receipt signed by Mr. Zhang. The total amount due was CNY 136.4. Mr. Feng made multiple requests for payment, but Mr. Zhang never paid the debt.

The court held a hearing under a simplified procedure. Mr. Feng appeared through his authorized agents, Mr. Gao and Mr. Wen. Mr. Zhang was properly served with notice but failed to attend the hearing without any justification. Mr. Feng submitted two key pieces of evidence: the original receipts signed by Mr. Zhang, and a certificate from the local village committee. The certificate confirmed that Mr. Zhang had broadcast calls for peach deliveries during the harvest season. The court admitted both documents after finding them consistent and credible.

Based on the evidence, the court found that a contractual sales relationship had been formed between the parties. By issuing the receipts, Mr. Zhang acknowledged receipt of the peaches and undertook an obligation to pay. His failure to pay after repeated demands amounted to a breach of contract. The court cited Articles 6, 8, 60, and 159 of the Contract Law, which require parties to act in good faith, honor agreements, and pay the price for goods delivered.

The court reasoned that the village broadcast and the receipts together established that Mr. Zhang had held himself out as a willing purchaser and had accepted the peaches. The absence of any defense or counter-evidence from Mr. Zhang left the plaintiff’s account uncontested. The court concluded that the law clearly supported Mr. Feng’s claim. It ordered Mr. Zhang to pay the CNY 136.4 within three days of the judgment taking effect, and also warned that any delay would incur interest at double the statutory rate.

This case serves as a practical reminder that small-scale agricultural transactions are legally binding when documented properly. Even informal practices such as village broadcasts and handwritten receipts can create enforceable contracts. The judgment underscores the importance of prompt payment in produce sales. It also shows that courts will protect sellers who have clear written proof of their claims. The total costs of the action, CNY 25, were also assigned to the defendant.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.