No protection for buyers on Audiogon

I browse these Audiogon pages daily. Sometimes, I see a piece of equipment at a ridiculously low price. Invariably, when I look at the feedback, there is none. I think to myself, "I’d have to be crazy to jump on that one." However, some do. Look, that’s why so many legitimate sellers use Paypal. Sure it costs a few percent, but it’s worth it! Audiogon is here to facilitate trades. It's not their function to police each transaction. That's for Paypal.

I've been buying and selling on here since 2000 and have not had a single bad experience. Be smart and careful, really examine and put feedback in context, and most of all use some common sense,

Well 20,000.00 speakers really need a visit first. That is a lot of cash. I'd be leary of shipping unless, I knew the company and the transporter personally.. Otherwise it's on the seller to get them to me, ready for inspection.. Split the difference in shipping if they are damaged and send them back.. NEW it's all on the manufacture.. Used... well, make a wise deal...

Protect yourself, don't rely on others..

Better to stay out of trouble than get out of trouble, ay?

Regards

Learn what "due diligence" means.  IOW.  You can ask the seller for invoice/receipt confirming purchase.  You can ask for photos.  You can e-mail or call the person and get a sense of the person and how they conduct business.  As others have said you can check feedback.   What I have not seen mentioned here or elsewhere, is that you can also see if the seller participates in the forum.  How long they have been a member.
Based upon your post.  It sounds like you just decided to jump in with both feet and hope for the best.  Is that correct?  If so, I admire your chutzpah.

I just had an experience with a new seller here that went badly.  I paid by Paypal per his accepted payment methods.  Paypal took the money from my account and put a hold on the payment to the seller.  He refused to ship the item even though Paypal had notified him that I had paid and that he would receive payment once the item was delivered.  At this point I have no control over the money, Paypal has it.

He asked me to call Paypal and tell them I have received the item so that he could get the money.  I instead called them and informed them of what was going on and they told me to open a case, which I have done.

I also disputed it here on Audiogon.  The Audiogon people were nice, but no help whatsoever.  So the money is gone from my account, and I'll never get the item. 

I am confident the case will be decided in my favor by Paypal and I'll have my money back shortly, but what a pain!  Definitely use a form of payment that protects you and don't fall for any trickery by the seller.