Hi everyone. My business partner is in China right now trying to get a few antminer S9's from a reseller. I have 2 questions that I'm hoping anybody can help out with:

1) The seller is refusing to let my partner test the devices before making the payment. Is there a way to make sure the device is genuine and authentic without operating it first? Can the serial number be checked somewhere online?

2) Does anybody have experience with getting the devices through customs in China?

Thanks in advance.

-MS