I've read Vid's excellent post on how to NOT get scammed, which primarily is focused on private seller.

However, I am looking at buying a NIB stern machine and I'm finding some distributors will discount slightly for non-credit card transactions. PayPal Friends/Family is appealing due to speed, but there's certainly some risk here.

I'm not going to mention names here, but they are authorized stern distributors.

Anyone does this type of transaction with a 'quality' distributor? Or any thoughts in general?

This is where my head was at: I would think there's some risk on their end as well.

Ericpinballfan - Varies: $200-300 - Not a game changer once you consider total cost (and the potential risk).

Billy16 - fair point.

I suppose "Wiring" funds has similar con, of not having much of recourse in case of issues.

Thanks for everyone's input on this.

I trust paying cash on the glass, but I see your point.