As to JD I've seen him ask about a LOT of kit, never heard anything bad about him though. Do a search and PM anyone he's bought off or sold to if you're that worried.
i can give ou good feedback on phil, everyone trusts him.
i you're sending the guy a cheque, just make it so that it can only be cashed a coupla weeks after you sent it, that way if what hesend you is either duff or doesn't arrive, just cancel it!!!
Toole you are a little mistrusting...if anyone sent me a cheque post dated no goods would be sent until the cheque cleared, all the cheques I have recieved lately have all been dated before they were sent (in a couple of cases I even sent the goods before I recieved payment ) Think about it, if you walk in a shop you give the money (cheque or otherwise) and then you get the goods...if you send away (mail order) you send the payment then recieve the goods...if you bounce a cheque then that is fraud.