I have bought all of mine off of eBay. Usually without any issues. If you but one that is not containerized, be careful with positioning until it is acclimated. Do not ground plant it immediately--containerize and protection from...wind...sun...heat...etc. Then, after a few weeks, you can plant it in the ground. Those that are not containerized are more problematic if you just pop then into the ground. I bet a lot of the negative feedback is coming from people who buy ones that are bare-rooted then stick them in a hole in the ground and expect a miracle. You can buy bare-rooted Trachys and grow them successfully, but acclimate them first before going into the ground.

I second NJoasis, I have two windmills in ground that were bare root planted and they still grow very slowly 3 years after planting and they look like crap. Pot planted windmills grow way faster and look great.

From your location description, check out Triple Oaks in Franklin, NJ, halfway between Philly and AC. Joe has been selling hardy palms for years and I guarantee he'll have windmills. He's had them there both times I went there, and both times were in April. Great nursery and a great family. You'll walk out with much more than a windmill, he has several palms in the ground in his display gardens.

Triple Oaks is a good source.

Thank you all for your help. My past ones were from Ebay but Triple Oaks in Franklin, NJ looks to be worth a look. I'll let you know how it goes. It's a shame about the one that died we had planted it about 4-5 years ago and was doing well until this past winter. Thanks for the bare root advice. The past ones were all potted for us.

Well received my chinese windmill palm today, from Ebay. Looks pretty good with lots of roots. I potted it for now to let it acclimate for a few weeks before I ground plant it.
Does anyone have any do's or don'ts on ground planting?
All advice is more then welcome.
Thanks again.
John