No Sellers willing to do COD anymore???


I first got into this hobby about 4 years ago (at least in terms of owning "high end" equipment).......one of the main ways I was able to do that was by buying almost everything used. My speakers (B&W M802's) I found used at a local audio dealer, & after that, bought most of the rest of my system from private sellers thru Audiogon, always doing COD, which seemed almost SOP at that time.

Now, most sellers INSIST on Cashier's Check upfront, end of discussion. And I admit, when I'm selling items long distance, it would be nice to be able to impose that, but the last time I tried that when listing something FS, no one was willing to do that. Am I missing something? Would anyone ship their expensive audio stuff to someone just relying on their word that they'd then send them the $$$?? It seems too one-sided now......even with all the potential pitfalls of COD; at least it's sort of equal for both parties. Thanks for any input!
steveaudio
I have had some bad luck with cod myself. All with ups. They forgot to get the check once and lost the check another time. I try to stay away from it but I would do it for smaller items. Its just not worth the hassle with amps and speakers especially the way ups handle things.
I think one of the reason is Audiogon is not what it used to be.  I have been buying and selling quality gear here for 10 plus years.  Majority of folks here are true hobbyist and audiophiles.  And then you come across folks who are only interested in buying gear with a intent to make money. They will low ball your precious gear, often have less than perfect or no feedback and continue to come up with new schemes to stiff you. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of feedback and implore everyone here to insist on exchanging feedback after the sale. That's one of the ways to continue safe trading and maintain integrity among the audiophile community. 
EBU, with appropriate feedback; I am hoping to weed out resellers that are trying to ruin Audiogon experience and possibly turning into a eBay like 'bazaar'.