Quick Answer
When a payment fails, do not retry immediately.
First check the transaction status, then switch method once, and stop.
Most serious problems come from repeated retries, not from the first failure.
The Core Rule (Memorize This)
No confirmation = no retry.
No receipt = check bills.
One retry max, then switch or pay cash.
Breaking this rule causes double charges.
Step-by-Step: What to Do at the Counter
Step 1: Read the screen, not the cashier
Look for one of three states:
- Payment Successful
- Processing
- Failed
If the screen is unclear or frozen, treat it as unknown.
Step 2: Check the transaction record
Before doing anything else:
- Open Bills / Transactions
- Look for the latest entry
Outcomes:
- Success shown → stop, show receipt.
- No record / Failed → proceed to Step 3.
- Processing → wait, do not retry.
Step 3: Decide your one allowed switch
Choose one:
- Switch wallet (Alipay ↔ WeChat Pay), or
- Switch flow (Scan ↔ Pay)
Do not retry the same combination.
Step 4: If the switch fails, stop
If the second attempt fails:
- Pay cash
- Or move to another counter
- Fix wallet issues later
Do not continue experimenting.
Common Failure Patterns (Recognize Them)
- “Processing” stuck → network delay
- Cashier says “failed” instantly → routing rejection
- Nothing happens at all → wrong QR flow
- Asks for verification mid-line → risk control triggered
Each has a predictable response: switch or stop.
Exact Actions to Avoid Double Charges
- Never retry while “Processing”
- Never scan the same QR repeatedly
- Never let the cashier “try again” without checking bills
- Never change cards mid-transaction
- Never leave the counter without clarity
Uncertainty is where duplicates happen.
Failure Scenarios & Fixes
- App shows success, cashier says failed: show receipt and stop.
- Cashier insists to retry: ask to wait while you check bills.
- Two attempts both fail: pay cash.
- Later you see a charge: keep receipt and show transaction if questioned.
- Duplicate charge appears: contact wallet support after leaving.
Speed is less important than correctness.
Reality Check
- Locals stop fast when something feels wrong.
- Most duplicates come from “just try again.”
- Staff care about speed, not your account.
- You control the retry decision.
Calm stops problems.
What Locals Do Instead
- They glance at bills immediately.
- They switch once, then stop.
- They pay cash without drama.
- They fix issues later.
Imitate this behavior.
Checklist
- Screen status checked.
- Bills checked before retry.
- One switch attempted.
- No repeated retries.
- Cash used if needed.