What does a man have to do to get thermals that work out of the box? - Armasight Contractor 320 3-12x25mm Thermal Rifle Scope

First off, Optics Planet is great. They've always been my go to for anything optics! It's the manufacturers of these thermal optics that seem to have a real issue with quality control. I started with Burris BT-50s, and after 3 or 4 thermals later I just threw in the towel. I'd had enough. Convinced I needed to spend more to get ones that work I purchased these. My first sign should have been the manufactures box being caved in on the bottom. Then opening the box, a thin bubble wrap that doesn't even begin to stop the optic from rolling around. There's about 2 1/2" inches on each side for the optic to bounce around. You would think Armasight shipping would put more bubble wrap or use those big air wrap ones...nope!
So I began by reading the instructions, and placing the batteries in the unit. Turned it on... NOTHING. Then doubled checked the orientation of the batteries. Yep they're in correctly. Then I thought, I'll check the battery life since they came across the US and these winter storms. Cold weather can reduce the life of a battery. Battery check was good. So the instructions say to plug the USB cable in and you can power the unit that way also. So I did just to check. Again.... Nothing!
I've waited 2 weeks for this thermal to get here and, it's defective. Glad it's not a Christmas present for someone else! Armasight may have a suspect quality control. I hope they aren't using Burris' QC. This one is going back. I've opted for a replacement. God let this one work perfectly or I'm giving up on thermals. I've selected YES on would you recommend this item hoping, the next one will work like nobodies business!