"How long will it take?" is the question every importer asks before paying a supplier in China. The honest answer: it depends on a few things you can control. Here's a realistic breakdown of each stage so you can plan your order — and avoid the delays that catch most first-time buyers.
- Every SilkBridge payment moves through five tracked stages: received, under review, quote confirmed, processing and completed.
- First response usually lands within 1–2 business hours (Mon–Sat, 08:00–18:00 EAT).
- Review is the stage you control most — complete, matching documents turn it from hours into minutes.
- Settlement speed depends on method: Alipay/WeChat is fastest; Chinese bank transfer is same-day to next-day in CN hours.
- Common delays are incomplete documents, changed supplier details, Chinese holidays and your own funding step.
The stages of a payment
Every SilkBridge payment moves through the same tracked stages:
- 1Request received — you submit the RMB amount, country and your invoice.
- 2Under review — a reviewer in Nairobi checks the invoice and verifies the beneficiary.
- 3Quote confirmed — you get the exact local-currency amount and confirm it.
- 4Processing — settlement runs through a licensed partner.
- 5Completed — the supplier has been paid.
The single stage you control most is review — and complete, matching documents are what turn it from hours into minutes.
Realistic timing for each stage
First response: 1–2 business hours
SilkBridge reviews during business hours (Mon–Sat, 08:00–18:00 EAT). If you submit a complete request in the morning, you'll usually have a first response the same morning. Submitting late on Saturday or on a Sunday means review starts the next business day.
Review: minutes to a few hours
Review is fast when your documents are complete. It slows down when:
- The invoice is blurry or missing the supplier's receiving details.
- The beneficiary name doesn't match the invoice.
- We need to ask you for one more document.
This is the stage you control most — see "How to speed it up" below.
Settlement: depends on the method
Once you've confirmed the quote, the time to the supplier depends on the receiving method:
- Alipay / WeChat Pay — typically the fastest.
- Chinese bank transfer — usually same-day to next-day during Chinese business hours, occasionally longer for first-time beneficiaries or larger amounts.
Time zones matter: China is 5 hours ahead of East Africa, and Chinese banking holidays can add a day.
Settlement methods compared
| Receiving method | Typical speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay / WeChat Pay | Fastest — often same day | Smaller orders, suppliers who prefer wallets |
| Chinese bank transfer | Same-day to next-day in CN hours | Larger amounts, established beneficiaries |
How to speed it up
- 1Upload a clear invoice that shows the supplier's name and receiving details.
- 2Double-check the beneficiary — the account/Alipay/WeChat name should match the supplier.
- 3Respond quickly to any WhatsApp or email follow-up from our team.
- 4Submit during business hours for the fastest first response.
- 5Confirm your quote promptly — settlement only starts after you accept.
Why some payments take longer
- Incomplete or mismatched documents (the most common cause).
- Changed supplier details mid-order — we pause and confirm with you, because this is a fraud red flag.
- Chinese public holidays or weekends.
- Your funding step — the time it takes you to fund the request via your bank or mobile money.
What you'll always have
Whatever the timing, you get a customer-visible status timeline for your request, so you're never left guessing. And because SilkBridge reviews before paying — and never holds your funds — the small amount of time spent on review is what protects your money.
Frequently asked questions
Can I mark a request as urgent?
Yes — flag urgency when you submit and we prioritise the review.
Will I know the cost before it's sent?
Always. You confirm the exact local-currency amount before any settlement.
What if the payment can't be completed?
Funds are returned to you; SilkBridge never holds your money — a licensed partner executes settlement.
SilkBridge helps importers in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania pay Chinese suppliers in RMB — documented, reviewed in Nairobi, and tracked to payout.
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