What would you do?

Do you have a link to the auction? Acceptable payment methods are usually noted at the top of the item description page.

I think the seller may just be acting cautious about who you are. You also offered him two methods of payment which are disadvantageous to the seller's side.

Pay the $9 and at least the unit might be in the box when it arrives. I sent a money order to kcmac4u on a piece even with positive feedback and a phone number and never received a unit. I involved his local police. It was the first time on a major item that I did not follow my COD only rule other than a credit card and I get the fraud business. I did this in resonse to the people on this site saying pay first and on my first major in their advice I get a big problem that I am still working on. Was there a picture of the unit? Insist on a telephone conversation before the COD. No COD -- No deal! Thre is a lot of fraud out there - especially on Ebay. Check the recent forum just posted last week.

I would just pay the $9, if this is the upcharge for COD as this is your expense if shipping was to be paid by the buyer. Many people do not have accounts with Paypal. We have one, but I only use it to purchase and never receive payments through it. What preamp did you get?

If this is a UPS transaction, the COD charge is normally $5.00! Did you check the sellers feedback? If the seller has all positive and also has numerous feedback, you can assume that paying with a money order is safe, because most people will not risk ruining their credibilty(you can leave them negative feedback). Good luck!

also: if he has any feedback history you might be able to email other people who have traded with him for some customer verificaion