Remember, Paypal solely protects the buyer and not the seller and Audiogon is now in bed with Paypal and only allows paypal transactions, unless one can arrange payment some other way. I have sold many items over the years to people that lived close enough to drive by, listen to the unit and pay in cash.
So, in this type of case, paypal is simply useless. Also, since I really hate using paypal, I always tell potential buyers that if they insist on me using paypal, then they have to pay the paypal fee. My listing price never includes the paypal fee. ever!
There is risk on both ends. I accept personal checks and bank cashiers checks. But, I won't ship until my bank tells me that it has cleared. Is there a risk for the buyer? yes? I sold a classic car to a gentleman in Germany a few years back. After much back and forth on the phone, we agreed on a price. Pictures, documents, etc. were sent. He wire transferred the funds to me and a shipping company came to my home to pick up the car after my bank told me the funds were good. Did the buyer take a risk? yes. But, communication and documents helped.
I don't like paypal and don't like being told by audiogon what form of payment I have to take, (because I don't). But I will use it if the buyer insist and then they have to pay the paypal fee. That's on them. not me, because I don't want to use it in the first place.
Nothing wrong with a cashier's check. Take the time to have conversations with the seller. Try to confirm that he/she actually own the item and it isn't a scam. Pictures of the actual unit and serial number and if they have a receipt that helps also. Where did they buy it, etc.
enjoy
