Is there such thing as a test lab/escrow service for selling/buying audio gear?

There are escrow services like escrow.com, but I do not believe they certify the gear. Bench fees seem to be ranging from $100 to $250. Add that into the cost of the escrow service, PayPal fees and shipping, both to the escrow service and then on to the buyer, and most folks will find this cost prohibitive. And realize, just because the item is certified as working when it leaves the test bench in no way does that guarantee that it is working condition when it reaches the buyer. And Audiogon takes the position that the gear must arrive to the buyer in the condition stated in the ad.

Of course, you could have a local tech verify operating condition and then send it on to escrow, but I don’t think that changes anything. And I have had folks into my house for decades to buy gear, one must be circumspect, but I and many of my friends, have had no issues. So saying that it is not safe to have folks come into your home is a preference, not an absolute.

For the risk averse, selling to a local dealer, TMR, or ECHO makes lots of sense. Internet and face-to-face selling is not for everyone.

Just realize that getting top dollar carries with it an element of risk, and the more risk you eliminate the less money you will get in the end. There is no formula that eliminates risk and maximizes monetary yield. 

At TMR you get 65% of what they sell it for and you have to do nothing but box it and ship it to them, and they provide the shipping labels. I did that with a tube amp and pre amp, it went well for me. They test everything before they sell it and they provide the new buyer with a trial period. If you don’t want the hassle then you are not going to get top dollar too. 

+1 for TMR. Recently sold a phono stage through TMR. It sold within 3 weeks for listed price and had my money within a couple of days. They made sure it was in good shape and ready to sell. They made shipping easy. The best part-I never had to deal with a buyer and don't have to worry about an unscrupulous buyer causing trouble after the sale. The commission is a bit stiff, but worth it to me-I'm a consumer not a dealer. I'll use TMR again. 

Try only excepting a gold bar as payment! 

Matt 

Another 'Yes!' vote for TMR; my experience with them has been good folks who really want to work with you and try to make it as easy and convenient as possible. They earn their cut.