Until you have the funds irrevocably in hand, never release your goods. But if you have a "bad feeling" about a transaction, back away form it.
That said, I've sold to buyers who use freight forwarders with no issue. Their use generally implies the goods are headed overseas. The forwarder completes all the export docs, occasionally the import docs as well, and arranges shipping. Freight forwarders get paid to provide this service. Having exported equipment, I'd rather pay someone to take care of all this.
Worth repeating: until you have the funds irrevocably in hand, never release your goods.