If you do PayPal friends and family he could still reverse charges if he pays with a credit card. Not foolproof.

Find an escrow service you both like.

I only take cashiers check.
I cash it at the bank it was drawn on. Once its cashed the transaction is settled, no going back.
Most banks will print the check and have it waiting for you over the counter at the branch near you.
Do not deposit the check. Cash it. Deposit the cash, or not (savings deposit box maybe), at your personal bank.

This what works for me these days, there is just to much fraud.

I've done many long distance transactions for pins (at least 5). Each time, I've just sent bank transfers. Naturally, this was after I'd done my homework and made sure there was no chance of being scammed (i.e. I wouldn't do this with a Kijiji or Craigslist deal, but if it's a fellow pinsider who has been around a while and been able to verify the person is trustworthy/legit then I'd feel confident sending funds via bank transfer). I would stay away from the Paypal issue. What would happen if in the process of shipping the pin got destroyed (it's happened!), then the individual could possibly try to reverse the charge through a dispute with Paypal. Once the cash is in your account, it's in your account and no going back.

Wire transfer is quick and safe. Or cashier's check can be overnighted but usually cost alot (75 dollars from mass to Colorado)

I like to send a personal check and cut out all the money grubbing middle men.

Keep it simple....cash or wire...end of story...all other options are too risky...

I've been curious how well Zelle works for this sort of thing provided both banks support it. Anyone use it? I've only used it for transfers between my wife and i and it seems to work well.

If you are 110% sure you can trust a private seller: Wire transfer

Otherwise for long distance private sellers the ONLY way to go is a good Escrow service or cash in hand to pick it up.........

With dealers/distributors obviously credit card is an option as well....

If you want a quick way to get paid when the buyer trusts the seller but the seller doesn't trust the buyer:

Have a bank check sent to you from a bank that has a branch in both towns AND one the seller doesn't have an account in. Get the check sent overnight and the buyer will go to that bank to cash it. There is no waiting for the check to clear and the seller doesn't have to give up there account number.

Mike V

The only safe way to do it is Escrow.com

Follow Vid's advice. Escrow.com

Escrow. Don't be the next "I got scammed" thread

Wire transfer is very safe from sellers standpoint, it's irreversible once it hits your account. Buyer assumes all risk. No PayPal.

I'm the buyer of the pin in question. I ended up sending a wire transfer. I trusted Paul after having a few conversations with him on the phone. If I had had any inkling of suspicion I would have opted for an escrow service. Like that time some person was trying to sell a Monster Bash for $5000, but that's a story for another time.

I set up delivery with Michelle at Beltman and I received pictures of the pin - which was packed incredibly - on it's way.

I already left feedback for the sale, but I would buy another pin from Paul in a heartbeat. He went way above and beyond to make this an easy transaction and I can't wait to get my modded Metallica Pro!!!

Is there any reason as a buyer not to use PayPal? The gentleman I'm trying to buy from didn't seem into the escrow thing. Also, he's only been a member on here for a short while but the machine is nice and decent price. It will need to be shipped though. I personally liked the escrow thing.

Pay pal is like all things web based - the wild west.
I've used it - but I also know those who have lost thousands when Pay Pal was hacked... in 2012 I believe.

Major bank check (Wells Fargo, Bank of America ilk), Walmart money order, or USPostalServ money orders ($1,000 max - must use multiple orders for more $$$)...are the best way to go.

I'm not really worked about the hack. Unfortunately, that is the new norm. I'm just specifically interested in protection as a buyer from fraud.

Just in case anyone missed it. Vid posted the what if's and potential risks with each forms of payments. I don't do a lot of pinball sales but if I had any inkling of doubt in a buyer I would use Escrow.

In 2 sales where I bought, I sent a personal check. The one sale from Teekee, he amazingly cross shipped the pin to me. We had spoke a few times on phone and is a great guy to buy from.

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/how-to-not-get-ripped-off-in-pinball-vids-guide