Pulling the trigger on pricey equipment


I have the opportunity to purchase a somewhat expensive pair of speakers from a private seller on Audiogon. His feedback is around 30 and mine is around 160. I have never purchased anything this expensive online privately. The speakers will have to be palletized and shipped freight insured. My angst is in I'm sending a lot of money upfront with the hope of receiving the speakers. Are there any suggestions regarding payment (maybe 1/2 upfront and 1/2 upon delivery) or best way to safeguard my money and alleviate some of the emotional stress in this transaction. Is Paypal my best option?
jig

Showing 1 response by jameswei

If you do it, just make sure you are safe.

I paid over $1000 cash for a pair of speakers once. We met in a Barnes and Noble store in a mall, but the speakers were in his car trunk outside. And it was dark. But he was a real gentleman and it worked out.

I paid $8000 cash for a pair of amps once. It was out of my state in his town. We met at his home (so I would know where he lived). The amps were in his car trunk in boxes. He showed me the boxes and we drove to his bank and he deposited the cash. Then we moved the boxes into my car. At least it was broad daylight. Still using those amps now.

Don't know if I'd do this again.