How to buy from Audiogon?

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!"

Words of wisdom Lakefront. Didn't know that paypal had a limit on fraud protection. That's scary. Would point out to all that buyer is making a hugh leap of faith, so seller should be willing to put up with reasonable requests for authentication. If not, beware. Iescrow protects both, so any seller should have no problem. cost can be split, so neither party takes a beating.