Replacement ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503QR from uShopMall thoughts

Hello all!

I'm new here but wanted to get the collective take on something. I researched extensively and then ordered a Custom Built ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 GA503QR from HIDevolution. I got the 40GB version with 1 and 2TB ssd and some of their other features (pixel warranty, top thermal options etc). Unfortunately the laptop arrived so damaged (it looked as though the box was smashed lengthwise from a forklift) that it wouldnt sit flat as it was buckled in the middle. I didnt even feel safe powering it up. I immediately opened a ticket and got a RMA and returned it first thing the next morning (I finally had to call because they didnt respond to my support ticket).

The laptop hit thier office Tuesday of last week. I reported the damage immediately on receiving and unboxing the laptop (well within the 3 days required by them) and it made it to their office in about 3 days (well under the 10 days required by them). I asked for either a refund or a new replacement of the same order using Fedex instead of UPS if they could do such in under 10 days. They haven't responded to me other than to close the initial ticket as solved. I was expecting some update i.e. we can ship a replacement in X days or a refund is pending but its been radio silence.

I'm writing because I've found a similar laptop from a company called uShopMall that is ready to ship and would be here this week. Granted it doesn't have the same features (no gelid, no dead pixel warranty etc) but its the same model with 24GB instead of 40GB and a single 2TB. I'm in a tough spot as I'm pretty sure HIDevolution doesnt have any replacements in stock (and everywhere is running low on stock of anything) and given that it took them 3 weeks to get my first laptop out to me I'm tempted to just grab this new one (from Amazon/uShopMall) while i wait for a refund. I searched the forum here (i'm new) and don't see uShopMall mentioned at all but afiact they are just reselling (not customizing) for Asus.

My gut is telling me to grab the same model from uShopMall as I don't want to wait until May for HIDevolution to send a replacement. Any thoughts would be appreciated. (*edit: grammar, added details)

 

DIgging a bit i see this:

https://www.amazon.com/sp?_encoding...tocol=current&seller=A1Z8HN9APE8NTZ&sshmPath=

94% isnt bad considering 6,899 sales but then i see this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/SuggestALa...s_ushopmallcom_a_legit_site_and_anotherother/

I could use Chase which has buyer protection but in short I'm a fan of the Zephyrus G15 3070 and need a place that I can trust to buy it from. HIDevolution let me down

If anyone has any other suggestions as to where to buy this model (or rebates) or even to say they've had a positive experience buying hardware fom uShopMall's Amazon storefront please chime in!

 

After digging deeper I don't think I'll be sending any money to uShopMall and I'm still on the look out for this laptop...