It's terrible to say, but the most honest dealer I've dealt with has been a Chinese dealer. I'm amazed at the dishonesty and criminality of so many dealers.
If there is a thread... please point me to it. If not anyone have recommendations.
There is no need to link dishonesty and scam to any nationality/race/religion.
Below is a list of "trusted" sellers, I will start with the U.S based sellers in no particular order
kaboomracks >
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5042442.0offordscott >
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5138318.0China Based:
Miner Expert >
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5260230.0You are going to trade with these people at your own risk, I have traded bitmain coupons with kaboomracks and offordscott, and I have bought a truckload of mining gears from Miner Expert aka Grace, These 3 guys have been pretty active for years in the mining group on Telegram, so far they have not scammed anyone so I would label them "safe" but again DYOR.
I think it would be easier to deal with the guys based in the U.S even if their prices were a bit higher, as I think you will be able to pick up the gears personally or at worst case scenario you will have the guy's phone number and some information to use should things go south, not saying it will happen but you know.
Thanks for the tips. I hadn't heard of any of those so I will check them out. I'd rather deal with someone here in the U.S. if at all possible. And, yes... if something "goes wrong" with a dealer here in the U.S., depending on the amount of $$$ involved, 3,000 miles is a flight away and may be in driving distance if closer. I may be making a trip to one CA based dealer that has $ 7K that has yet to deliver. I'm going to call the DA/PA first and see if they can be of any help. If not, I may get an attorney that will go after them.
I'm just not used to dealing wth irreputable dealers.
Thanks for the recommendations.