How to buy from Audiogon?

I couldn't be happier with all of the transactions that I have conducted on Audiogon.. I sold and bought about $15K worth of equipments all from audiogon & did not encountered one dishonested person...(thanks to the good hearts of audiophiles), I have used all methods (palpay, cod, check up front), and happy everytime. Yes, trust is a good thing sometimes.

Nearly $20,000 sold thru Audiogon with nary a problem. I have sent items out, told the buyer & he or she then sends check. Have yet to find a dishonest audiophile. Phone contact mad4e at times, but generally all thru e-mail

I've only made one purchase but it was a $3K leap of faith so I can relate. All worked out great for me but one thing to add. I understand if you use money orders purchased from US post office and there does turn out to be some fraud the fed's are more than willing to chase down the offending party. Something to consider before bank issued money orders or certified checks.

Over the last year I have made several purchases here in the $3K - $8K range along with a lot in the 200 - $2k range. I have never had a problem and always paid up front. There always could be a bad apple but I haven't dealt with one yet.

I have bought and sold over one hundred items on Ebay, Audiogon, Audioweb and Audioreview. If the purchase price is low, I prefer to use Paypal as they insure the transaction against fraud for up to $200. If the item is a big ticket and it is a storefront seller, I rarely have any concerns as long as the emails and telephone calls go smoothly. I always look up the sellers feedback. I find that sellers here on Audiogon also tend to have Ebay feedback which is helpful. The key for me is always go with my gut! Every time I have had a bad feeling the item has been mis-represented as to condition. That has not been the case here on Audiogon, but, it has occurred several times at Ebay. I have refused to complete a few transactions based on the unwillingness of a seller to verify who he/she is and his home address and telephone number. We all are entitled to know with whom we do business so that if the item is defective or misrepresented, we have recourse. "BETTER I KEEP MY MONEY AND YOU KEEP YOUR ITEM THAN YOU KEEP MY MONEY AND YOU KEEP YOUR ITEM!"