Paranoid about Parts?

For example, I recently placed a wanted ad for a swinging drawbar for a C/Super C. A guy responded that he had one. To make sure I was getting what I wanted I even sent him a description, the weight, and the part number, 351 228 R11, along with money to cover the agreed price and shipping it. When it arrived it was the swinging drawbar for a Super C with Fast Hitch, 359 580 R11, and weighed about twice what the right one would have so he says I owe him additional for shipping. Now he won’t even confirm how much I will be reimbursed if I send it back, but did offer to reimburse me half the cost of shipping it back once he received it. I hate to pour good money after bad. (Anybody want to buy a NOS but rusty swinging drawbar for a Super C with Fast HItch?) Then on eBay, if I give a guy a negative red mark feedback, he simply retaliates with a red mark for my record. There's no winning there! Sort of like a pissin' contest with a skunk.

What’s your experience here? Am I getting old, grouchy and paranoid? I’m beginning to think I won’t buy anything sight unseen again. Sure wish there were more swap meets!

Some guys say heck this is a simple part you don"t need a picture of it because they all look the same. Then I say forget the deal then and never communicate with them again. There are plenty of parts tractors out there to find a reputable source to buy from.