That may work if the seller is willing to do it. There are escrow services available to hold payment until item is recieved . I try to use Paypal exclusively there are some redresses available with their service and the seller must provide his correct address and funding source if he is a "Verified member" so he cannot hide behind a user name. If the seller does not take Paypal in my case I don't buy unless it is from an actual bussiness then I use a credit card that has some fruad protection.