They MUST provide you with a completed W-9 BEFORE you pay them one thin dime so you have the info needed to issue the required 1099-NEC next January. If they will not conform with this requirement you don't need them.
Also see if they will take a ZELLE payment ... that would give you a paper trail. Or take a cashier's check or money order if they fear the check bouncing.
Even if you pay in cash you have the right to get a receipt from them if they are running a legitimate company. If they don't think hard on using their services.
