I understand your concern, and don't blame your hesitance either.
I will register the business in South Africa so that you have a piece of mind but I feel that will only be possible when I am physically there.
If you want to find out my credibility, you can find out on two very highly respected forums in the UK. These are
www.sxoc.com and
www.driftworks.com and my username is the same as here.
I have sold many parts and about 3 cars on those forums.
I run a freelance business here in the UK and have done for over 1 and a half years. My website can be seen at
www.cothill.me and my online feedback/portfolio where I get most of my business can be seen at:
http://www.peopleperhour.com/freelancer ... gner/71959
I have a brother and family in South Africa who's address I can supply to anyone serious about ordering wheels from me so that you have something else to re-assure yourself.
I will also have a registered site up soon for the catalogue with all of my contact details that can be verified however you like. (I never hide my Whois details on my sites)
I intend on using PayPal for all payments which protects you as the buyer from any fraud and/or theft. You can find out more information at:
www.paypal.com
Let me know if there is anything else you need as I understand the online hesitance in SA, we in the UK are far beyond that based mostly on systems like PayPal that protect the buyer.
And one note about the 50%, it is as high as it is to iron out time wasters and if you are going to be paying what you are for the wheels, then 50% should be no problem.