There are escrows, but do some background checking if you go that route.
You can put it on ebay and do a private auction thus being the only one 
to have access to buy it (or "buy it now" right after he lists it) but 
the ebay fees are generally large.
You can try to get some relatively indelible proof that the device works.
--
Martin K


PicDude wrote:
> I'm purchasing a piece of equipment (over $3k) from someone in another corner 
> of the U.S. and wondering if anyone has suggestions as how to protect myself, 
> as I don't know the seller.
>
> Are there any types of escrow services for this thing?  Or should I just send 
> a deposit and do the rest COD, or ...?
>
> Cheers,
> -Neil.
>
>   
-- 
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