I contacted this place in order to have a custom part made. I received an estimate and paid for the material up front.
The order in question was $20 or so for the sheet stock, and an additional $80 for the actual metalwork.
As soon as I received the quote for the work needing to be done, I payed the individual in question thru paypal,

At this point, he stops answering my emails/ calls etc. Several weeks have passed and I have heard nothing.
I really believe this was, as some point, a legitimate business. If anyone has experienced something similar, I am seeking advice on how to resolve this.