It all depends on who you're dealing with. I was selling a TSPP which had to be shipped to the next state over. The price was agreed upon, but it took a while to setup payment to where we both were comfortable. During that time I had a local person contact me to buy the TSPP, but I could not in good conscience take the local deal while the other deal was still in progress. Don't get me wrong I wanted too as it was much easier, but a deal is a deal to me. I want to believe a handshake means something, it certainly does to me.

Escrow.com is a bit difficult. I would definitely try to stay local for both your buying and selling of a machine. I don't know if I would go through shipping one again after doing it once. Very stressful.

On another note, welcome to Pinside. There is a lot of knowledge here, so don't hesitate to ask any of your questions. Half the fun of this hobby is in the hunt of a good machine for a fair price.

The problem I see with a deposit is how long should the seller hold the game if a deposit is placed? I don't except deposits because I don't want to hold onto a game for a month + while someone is trying to come up with the rest of the money or any other type of scenario that could have a seller holding a game for a long time.

By not excepting a deposit that allows me to back out of a deal if I start seeing red flags or the terms start to change and I become uncomfortable with the buyer.

I know this is not wrong, but it just makes me feel uncomfortable. I wouldn't feel right about taking someones money and giving them nothing in return. I understand that they made the deal and it was on them to stick to the arrangement, I just don't like being in that situation. All of what has been discussed is why I don't think I will be doing a shipping deal again.