But do this before the equipment even leaves the auction house yard. Get some kind of confirmation that the equipment transportation acknowledges the condition of equipment before they head out. Documentation is the key, especially if you have a complaint later.
So, in the event that the cargo arrives and is damaged or otherwise not in good condition you will have the photos. These can then be compared with the images taken before they attempted to make delivery of your stuff. If you were able to get the equipment transportation driver or other authorized person to acknowledge the condition before shipment you should have less problems.
Of course nothing is open and shut, but in this case you will have all the supporting evidence on your side. It will then be up to them to disprove the images that are physically being shown. Not impossible but very hard to do indeed.
