Buyer Protection.... ?

Where is it? Maybe someone in the group would take a look at it for you. Do you have sellers, name, address, phone #, where he bought it to verify that purchase by him? Have you talked to this person on the phone and got a "feel" for him/her? Will he ship with half payment and a "hold" check cashable for the other half on your acceptance.
Overall though, audio people tend to be a very honest lot, your concern is justified, but a couple of precautions as above and what others are going to suggest and you will do fine.

A large measure of trust and honesty is essential for good transactions via such sites as Audiogon, eBay or any other buy/sell i-net site. I agree with Jvia that you should call and talk to the seller and "get to know each other", and work out details of the transaction that are agreeable to you both. If Fed-Ex won't ship it, you may have to go with a freight company, and they can be expensive but with better handling. Cheers. and good luck. Craig

I personally wouldn't enter into a $5k mail transaction with someone who doesn't have a long clean record as a seller. I've had transactions where things were a little less than advertised, or details you don't think of asking until you get the item were overlooked.

As they say, "Even the Devil can quote scripture." If it's a common item up for sale, have some patience.

If you must buy, however, try an escrow service like escrow.com and work out the terms of why you'd return the item first. These services essentially hold the money pending your approval of the item, for a modest fee.

On the other hand, as a seller I wouldn't do escrow with a novice buyer. Opens up the possiblilty of monkey-business.

Use Team Air Express. They do GREAT work and don't damage items!

COD is also an option, a great freight company! (877) 601-8070

Good luck,
Dan

It has to be the deal of the century for me to buy under such circumstances. There may be another come along with a seller whom is close / or has sufficient feedback. Talking for hrs. on the phone hasn't always done it for me.-- Got stuck;in spite-of.