XIAOMI(HK:01810) Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-08-12 03:21Core Viewpoint - Xiaomi's request for customers to pay the remaining balance for their vehicles before delivery has raised concerns and legal questions regarding consumer rights and standard practices in the automotive industry [1][8][11]. Group 1: Customer Reactions and Concerns - Some customers reported being asked to pay the remaining balance within seven days, despite their vehicles still being in production, leading to frustration and legal consultations [1][3]. - Customers expressed that they prefer to pay the remaining balance only after inspecting the vehicle, which is a common practice in the industry [8][9]. - Legal experts argue that consumers have the right to refuse payment during the production phase, as it deviates from standard purchasing practices [8][11]. Group 2: Xiaomi's Justification and Practices - Xiaomi claims that the early payment request is aimed at preventing customers from backing out after production, which could disrupt delivery schedules for other customers [6][7]. - The company has indicated that the early payment requirement applies mainly to customers who have previously requested delivery delays or shown reluctance to complete the purchase [4][6]. - Xiaomi's customer service acknowledged that the early payment requests are not standard and depend on specific customer situations [4][6]. Group 3: Legal and Industry Implications - Legal experts have pointed out that Xiaomi's purchasing agreement may contain "unfair clauses," as it allows the company to unilaterally demand payment before delivery, which could disadvantage consumers [11][12]. - The purchasing agreement stipulates that failure to pay the remaining balance within the specified time could result in order cancellation and forfeiture of the deposit, raising concerns about consumer rights [10][11]. - Experts suggest that consumers should negotiate for clear delivery timelines and quality assurances before making any payments to mitigate risks [12].