payment for gear

[twalls]

I have some camping and touring stuff I would like to sell.  What is your experience with payment methods? I have sold a few things in the past, trusted the honesty of the esteemed members of this group, and never been burned. I looked a bit at the suggested method by ACA, (an intermediate holder), but it seems pretty expensive.  So what do you recommend? Thanks, Tim

[DaveB]

For things I've sold on Craigslist ,that are generally to local buyers, I'll take a personal check if the buyers name and address are on it.   So far, I've never been cheated.   For out-of-town sales Paypal has been reliable and the fee is negotiable.

[mudfreek]

what u got for sale if u are close i may be interested

[BrianW]

PayPal for anything sold online. Sure, they take a cut, but it's worth it.

Occasionally I've taken a check if it's someone who has a long-established presence on an online forum and I feel like I "know" him or her. Search archives and/or Google to get a feel for a person and do "due diligence" on the buyer.

The same has happened in reverse: I just bought a BOB trailer from someone out of state and he shipped it concurrent with me sending a check.

[DaveB]

The same has happened in reverse: I just bought a BOB trailer from someone out of state and he shipped it concurrent with me sending a check.

I've done that too and never been cheated.  I expect people buying or selling special interest items of not huge value are not likely to be frauds.

[johnsondasw]

I sold a bike for $1500 on Craigslist in Seattle.  I set it up to meet in a public place. I would never meet at my home to do this.  The buyer brought cash with him.  I was thinking he would have to go to a bank after checking out the bike and get the money but he said anyone buying off Craigslist for something like a bike knows to bring cash.  He just looked at the bike, did not even touch it (really) and peeled off 15 hundred dollar bills and rolled the bike over to his car.  We have been in contact over the past couple of years and he's been very happy with the bike.  This was literally a five minute exchange, max.  It sure worked out well for me. 

[twalls]

Thank you for your replies. I feel a lot more confident now.
I am not sure yet about the exact items I will sell yet, but I will post a list soon
Tim