The Glass forum is not the fly fishing Better Business Bureau. Questions about
is this store/brand/rod blank/eBay seller sketchy or
I ordered xyz and it hasn't arrived will get locked. Why? In nearly every case they turn into a $$$$ show. The question can stir up a lot of issues that won't do anyone any good. If someone has a grievance, there is absolutely nothing the forum (or I) can do to make it right. On the other hand, the topic often becomes a headache for me.
That said, if you are leery about a transaction, then don't do it! In the case of McFarland rod blanks, you have an excellent option,
Ameriglass rod blanks from Angler's Workshop. When you order a blank, Angler's Workshop takes care of getting the blank in stock and sent to you. Angler's Workshop is a big, well known and reliable vendor. If there is an issue, they will make it good.
As always, read
the Buying Guide and treat fly fishing deals as business, because they are business.
Tom