I am probably caught in the same loop as your friend. This fasttech places sounds good. I am checking them out now. Unfortunately even if I file a complaint with PayPal, it will take several weeks before I would see my money again. I am on a tight budget so I will have to wait until then before I place a new order.
My friend that had the hassle with the Vendor was stalled in every way possible and they played every trick in the book to get past the 45 day limit. I saw the emails and screenshots of the chat- tomorrow, immediately and they were ever so nice and polite.
fasttech shipping is quicker because the mail is routed thru the less busy Hong Kong terminal.