To be honest you shouldn't do things via PM. Transparency is key and doing everything in the open acts like a public ledger or record of the goings on.
I agree, but I can respect that certain individuals might want discretion when it comes to their business.
I have all the documentation I need, all chat histories recorded.
If there were ever any disputes, I am prepared to handle it on my own.
The public forum would not be of much help to me.