Purchased my first one thru G-electronics or whatever on ebay. Packed like crazy no issues with box unwrap and the 10g ports have a massive dent in the corner got it to work dropped me $40 and said sorry. Got this guy looks typical used item but the poe board is bad and the wrong power supply sent them a message yesterday (saturday) will see what becomes of it. Would highly advise not to purchase through them unless you are willing to take risks.
The only issue i am having with this board now is that it hits 100% complete on the firmware poe update and then from then on out i can never write mem again lol. Makes literally no sense at all. Is there a way to see the poe firmware some where?
Man, you need to get friendly with the eBay return system the next time this happens. Any time you get something from an eBay seller that isn't *exactly* as described/shown in the auction pictures reach out and ask for a price adjustment or just start a return right then and there. You have *all* of the leverage in this negotiation thanks to eBay's policies. If the item doesn't arrive _exactly as described/pictured and undamaged in transit you can file for a refund through ebay and the seller is on the hook not just for your refund but for return shipping too.
I've had a couple of things arrived packed badly and damaged in shipping and in every case I've negotiated at least the cost of the repair parts from the seller, if not an extra $20-30 for my time spent replacing parts. I had one guy try to dick me over and run the 30 day return clock down on me (he kept telling me he needed to get authorization to refund the damage cost) but as soon as I filed for a return he pivoted and I got a partial refund the same day.
Shipping on a lot of the things we're buying is 25-50% the cost of the auction, being able to dangle a 25-50% loss on top of the refund over sellers who ship badly will get you what you want and fast. Remember, they have to re-sell the item again, this time damaged and at a lower price, as well.
Also, if something arrives damaged (like bent rack ears that need to be replaced) you can pocket the partial refund and then DIY a repair for your own use (I've fixed rack ears with a crowbar and a bolt before.) The goods lost resale value due to the damage, don't just eat it yourself.
Obviously none of this applies (except shipping damage!) if you're buying "As-Is, for parts" equipment.