Nanjing North Group or 'Nanjing Astronomy Equipment Factory' (contact person Gilman) is not the manufacturer. They just pretend they are the manufacturer, common practice in China especially towards foreigners to make you think that you're getting a bargain by dealing directly with the manufacturer. They source many of the telescopes from JOC
http://www.joctech.com/www/index.html
Damage during shipping is also more common with small purchases since they will be sent in smaller packages instead of one big pallet or container. So make sure you repeatedly ask him to pack it extra well. Sometimes they define 'good packaging' as carton boxes and a few thin coarsely cut foam bits, and that's about it.
Synta and JOC are the largest telescope manufacturers in China.