apalsson:

There are escrow services available.

Running an escrow service approaches legal robbery. Think about it.

Let's take Ketil's case, just for example. And to make the numbers easier, let's just say it was $500 even.

Up front I'll charge Ketil 3% for the service. That's $15 in my pocket immediately. Ketil has paid me $515 for my service. Now I can invest the $500 for the six months, let's say I get 3% APR. Doesn't sound like much, but it's daily compounding. That's $7.45 for six months, I now have (after six months) $522.45 in hand.

And Ed says "I can ship now" and I send him $485. Right. I charge him 3% also.

So my profit, for sitting back and doing nothing but pressing a few keys, is $37.45.

Not too much by itself, but Ketil's pocket was lighter for the period, Ed didn't have the money in his pocket either. I was the winner. Just took a few seconds.

When I get my escrow service running well, and I'm staying busy, I'll have a gross income of a few million a year. And do it free and clear by using other people's money. The IRS will also be a big winner. As if they weren't already.

Bill.