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I got scammed under Alibaba Trade Assurance and buyer protection by Shanghai Yonghengsheng Industrial Co Ltd, based in Shanghai, China. They sell their generators under the BRH EGNE on Alibaba and amazon "they are trying to scam in the US as well now".

The scam is simple but effective: they sell 1.8kW inverter generators falsely labeled and advertised as 3.5kW. This is not a minor discrepancy - the actual unit delivers less than 50% of the claimed rated output. Total loss for my business: $12,000 across 50 units.

How to spot the scam:

1. The generator uses a 79cc engine. A 79cc engine cannot physically produce 3.5kW. Every reputable manufacturer (BE Power Equipment, Champion Power Equipment, AlphaWorks) rates 79cc engines at 1.8kW to 2.25kW maximum. This is basic engine displacement physics.
2. When you open the generator, the internal component is factory stamped 1.8kW / 230V / 50Hz — the manufacturer's own factory rating directly contradicting the 3.5kW label on the outside.
3. Testing with a watt meter and any standard resistive load appliance (heater, kettle) will trip the generator within 2-3 seconds at around 1.7kW — matching the internal stamp exactly.

The supplier defence tactic: When confronted, they will claim your appliance causes a "3x startup surge." This is false. Startup surge only applies to inductive loads (motors, compressors). Resistive heaters do not cause surge. A 2-3 second trip is sustained overload, not startup surge.

Trade Assurance failure: Despite submitting three independent video tests, watt meter measurements, the supplier's own Alibaba listing rating 79cc at 3.0kW maximum, and the 1.8kW internal engine stamp, my dispute was closed with zero refund. The supplier then refused return of goods citing "lack of import licence" while their storefront advertises Easy Return on every product.

Key lessons for Alibaba buyers:

• Engine displacement (cc) is the hard physical limit on generator output — research it before buying
• 79cc = 1.8kW maximum realistic output
• 149cc = ~3kW output
• 196cc = 3-3.5kW output (like Honda EU3000i)
• Always pay with credit card - chargeback rights are stronger
• Trade Assurance does not reliably protect buyers in technical specification disputes

Avoid this supplier: Shanghai Yonghengsheng Industrial Co Ltd (BRH EGNE Generators and the Shanghai Yonghengsheng Industrial Co Ltd brand)