I agree. Bitmain does make some good and reliable hardware. I started buying their hardware with the S1 Bitcoin Miner. I also got in on the first batch of L3s and made a hefty profit as well - ROId within a couple of weeks and still mine with them. I have several S9s as well - They are beasts and are very efficient.

The D3 did not go so well. by the time I got that miner, it was hardly profitable and I still haven't ROId. I'm hoping that Dash will skyrocket someday and it will all have been worth it. The A3 that was recently released just ROId and I'm debating whether to keep it or not.

To be successful in mining you really have to get in early like you mentioned. You also have to be willing to risk it all and operate at a loss for potential future gains.

What carrier did you use for shipping? I found that typically UPS is best and if you go and pick it up at the UPS Center, you can avoid the customs fees. I have never had to pay them except on one shipment which was delivered to my doorstep. Every other time I have just gone to UPS, picked them up, and walked out of the door at no additional cost to me.