Originally Posted by
rachel120
While I know nothing about ordering bikes, I do know that refusal to write a contract detailing the exchange of a great deal of money for valuable goods is a screaming red flag. I personally would not deal with anyone who refused to write a contract if I wanted to conduct $8000 worth of business with that person.
There is no need for a contract for such a transaction. You pay, you get a receipt, if said bike is not delivered that is your contract when you go to court. This is not a complex transaction or anything necessitating a detailed statement of work and stipulations.
Judging by how the OP snapped at someone pointing out his own stated history, I'm not really certain that caution on the shops part is unwarranted.