Yep I like the contact myself. I also exchange phone numbers etc, and if it if for a fair amount of money I will ALWAYS speak to the person.

On another forum I go to (hunting) they have started a "Good Guy" list. It is just a list of people that others have had favorable dealings with. I bought a rifle scope off a guy for $150.00. We were both on the "Good Guy" list. He mailed the scope the same day I mailed the check. Worked great.

I have bought a fly rod on here, and a bunch of stuff on that hunting forum. So far not a hitch.

Good luck, and trust your judgement.