Inky,
If you are nervous about trying out a new vendor, try calling their local better business bureau, state attorney general's office, and/or local chamber of commerce. Ask the local BBB if they have any complaints registered against them. Do the same thing with their state's attorney general - they often deal with trade complaints as well.
As for the chamber, see to see if they are members and if so, for how long. (I don't put too much stock in the Chambers, though. Lots of them are bunches of stuffed shirts looking to impress everyone with how important they think they are - in fact I dropped my own membership for that reason. On the other hand, it may tell you that they've been active in their community for many years.)
If you do it, please let us know what you find out.
