@maplegrovemusic I understand your concern completely; and @musicpod the reason to go "through all this brain damage" is so you don't end up taking the time and expense of shipping something and then NOT getting paid.
For the most part, I've had decent experiences selling on Audiogon. But this new Express Checkout method is more trouble than it's worth. It is supposed to offer "seller protection" but to me, it's more like buyer protection ... since I, as the seller, don't get access to the funds submitted by the buyer (via credit card) unless and until all of the following happens:
1) I ship on my dime and provide tracking information, 2) buyer receives shipment as indicated on tracking "delivered" status. If you require a wet signature and no one is available to accept shipment, guess what? That's another day or 2 added since the item was sold, plus the time in transit (easily a week from coast-to-coast using ground shipping). The final thing is that the buyer has to sign-off that he/she is satisfied with the item. Then funds are released to one's bank account. I'm still waiting for funds to show up in my account that were released yesterday.
Recently I had a similar situation where buyer's address came up as "not valid" on UPS address validation. Further checking indicated destination as a freight forwarding/storage facility. Suite #X was really a locker. Buyer was having equipment forwarded overseas. That, along with a couple of other red flags made me feel uneasy. The other party could end up with my stuff, yet I haven't been paid.
From now on, I will not ship without money in my account ... PayPal or bank account. For some reason, PayPal has started placing "holds" on certain transactions. Why, I don't know, as there seems to be a lack of consistency. My approach now is to pay the A-gon listing fee upfront and therefore gain some control over the transaction. I can offer credit card processing through my business account. Bottom line - if it looks funny, or if there is any hold up on getting paid PRIOR to shipping, insist on bank wire transfer.
Just my 2 cents.
