A Better Way to Buy Gear - Help Needed


** this is a Sale-Process question... not a Gear question**

Hi All:

I intend to upgrade my stereo this year and have located an item that I want to purchase. Unfortunately, there is a ‘snag’ -- the seller insists on receiving the money before I get to see the item.

With this introduction, I would greatly appreciate knowing your individual/collective experience and advice.  Perhaps there is a solution!

 

About the Sale-Process:

The seller accepts only cash or PayPal Family & Friends:  He gets the money before I get the item. 

Because I would be without PP Buyer Protection, I would be stuck with any/all repair(s).

 

About the item:

The item is sealed in a box (NOS), so I cannot

    1. determine if it was damaged during shipping (to his house),
    2. power-up the unit and demo/confirm the functions. 
    3. verify the cosmetic appearance of the item
    4. verify that the correct item is in the box!
    5. Condition is advertised = 11/10

The item is big, heavy and expensive.  I have seen a photo of the box, but there is no meaningful information visible in that photo (e.g. company, make, model).

 

Additional information:

The seller lives in another State, a long way from my location.  A visit would involve a flight (or a long drive) and day or two in a hotel.  

The seller has a 95% rating. 

To me, a good rating means that I am willing to engage with a seller, but it does NOT justify sending the money without verifying the item’s existence/condition.

 

My question:

Because I am not inclined to send cash up-front, is there a better way forward for this ‘money-before-gear’ type of sale?

 

Thanks in advance for your replies, and happy listening!

inagroove

WHY? There are so many really reputable dealers online!!! TMR is beyond reproach! Top knotch brands, a used inventory that is tested more that the factory, no interest financing, no Q returns, trade in's????
That's just one dealer...

There are even apps which ask helpful local people to pick up a product and then ship them to you. 

Personally if I wanted it bad enough I’d drive or fly to look at it. Since his terms are so ridiculous, I’d insist he pay for your cost to SEE it. 
Otherwise, walk away. 

The only way to buy is in person.I have bought alot of stereo equipment new,and used and at times there could a problem.Damage on being  shipping ,especially if it's not the orginal carton.I loaded trucks and unloaded them for the old PO.Then worked in Shipping for electronics company. Then was a claims adjuster at UPS...I know a little about shipping. There's times you can buy a unit and it works find and 90 days later it dies, now your stuck unless its guaranteed. BUYER Beware...Good Luck my man....

It’s not about the fee. It’s about PayPal being complicit with our thieving government. I avoid them whenever possible.