I personally wouldn't enter into a $5k mail transaction with someone who doesn't have a long clean record as a seller. I've had transactions where things were a little less than advertised, or details you don't think of asking until you get the item were overlooked.
As they say, "Even the Devil can quote scripture." If it's a common item up for sale, have some patience.
If you must buy, however, try an escrow service like escrow.com and work out the terms of why you'd return the item first. These services essentially hold the money pending your approval of the item, for a modest fee.
On the other hand, as a seller I wouldn't do escrow with a novice buyer. Opens up the possiblilty of monkey-business.
As they say, "Even the Devil can quote scripture." If it's a common item up for sale, have some patience.
If you must buy, however, try an escrow service like escrow.com and work out the terms of why you'd return the item first. These services essentially hold the money pending your approval of the item, for a modest fee.
On the other hand, as a seller I wouldn't do escrow with a novice buyer. Opens up the possiblilty of monkey-business.