Sorry, I think we might have gotten a little scary there
but the bottom line is both Taotao and RPS (Hawk distributor) are headquarted in/near Dallas, and both have a warehouse there, too. I am guessing that both of your bikes are drop-shipped directly from their respective warehouse, unless TX picks them up and bundles them up for combined shipping rates (might make sense). In other words, you are probably getting the real deal, so I wouldn't worry if I was you. Heck, Adam Renkleff, the RPS rep, is a member here and he has solved issues (i.e. MCO/MSO paperwork issues) as well as warranty issues for members, so the Hawk is covered. As far as Taotao, I have not heard much of anything negative from people as far as shipping damages, etc. But, like you said--check the boxes at delivery which should alleviate any and all issues!