RE: I need Tips on being Safe while making a deal...
I always wondered why someone hasn't insisted on, "You send me the product first and then I'll send you the money".
FYI- You will never know, so you just have to take all of the precautions mentioned above. I have had good and bad online. I just bought a used engine from a fellow club member/ friend who was moving and it turned out to be a total piece of trash.
Just goes to show that you can't ever really tell.