That's a risky risk. Most people will tell you to only deal that way with people you already know, or buy a machine you can see in person and take with you in exchange for cash....

The riskiest of risks.

If it's a reputable retailer, like TNT Amusements for example, you can rest easy that you'll receive a machine that's been gone through and warrantied, and you'll certainly receive the machine you paid for.

Private parties can be tricky. Unless you're going in person to inspect a game, with cash in hand, and the ability to haul it out after the cash exchange, it's usually not a good idea to make purchases sight unseen.

Its a leap of faith!!!!!!

Just don't. (If it's a private sale)

I'm not sure I even trusted the first girl I was with, or even knew her for that matter.

So I say go with your gut, which is what I did in this instance.

There's online escrow companies. I'd never deal with a buyer who wanted to involve something like that.

Pittsburgh Mike should really find a seller near Pittsburgh (lord knows there's ton of them) or deal with a reputable retailer as he is a first-time buyer.

Was it someone on here?

It is risky, but you can try to mitigate that by looking at past sales and associated feedback on pinside or asking about the seller. This does not guarantee smooth sailing, but can at least reduce the risk. I'd never buy from anyone I can't find enough reassurances on, but I have bought a couple of pins from the other side of the country sight unseen and have been fine so far. You're on your own though, if it goes bad there's nothing much you can do - safest way is money on the glass as stated above

Problem with escrow is yes you will receive your pin but will the condition be as advertised?

Ask here if they are known or go look at it in person. Since your new, if you go look, take someone that knows pins.

Ask here if someone is local to the seller and see if they will look at it for you.