I want to give some recognition to Matt, I think he’s a very honorable and straightforward guy. But when dealing with China, They have a totally different mentality then we do here in the west. If you expect them to get it done yesterday; 100% perfect, then you will be somewhat disappointed.
I have a friend of mine I’ve known since high school who is always an entrepreneur. He moved to China shortly after graduating from college and actually set up an importation Business. In fact, he even learn to speak Mandarin Chinese. He had them make a number of rather unusual items, one of which I recall is one of those so-called electronic flyswatter’s. He also impored sky lanterns by the millions. He told me That when having business deals with them,you have to be rather sensitive to the Chinese culture.
Apparently, they have dozens of holidays, cultural events, and other festivals that you must recognize and acknowledge, and not really expect to get things done during these times. Also, whatever you want to build, if you tell them how much you want to pay, they will figure some way to get it done no matter how they have to cut corners. If you want something done with a higher quality, they will do that, but of course you may have to wait a little longer and of course pay more.
This is why you see machines that look very similar in appearance, from companies like Harbor freight, grizzly and PM but vary greatly in fit finish and overall quality.
From what I understand, in the factories, they have what we in America would call the A, B and C team. From my understanding, the C team may include some convict or forced type labor, they will get it done at rock bottom type prices with concurrent quality consistent with this . .I guess all of this basically comes down to the fact that every once in a while, you are going to have a lemon or two sneak out.
Please understand, I’m not saying that either one of you two are wrong. You have every right to expect a functioning machine, and I’m sure Matt will do everything in his power to let that happen, but also understand you are not buying an American or European type machine nor paying American or European prices, so you have to work with the Asian type quality, mentality and time frame.
Good luck, and I hope your dog recovers very quickly from his procedure.