Whats the best way to buy something and pay for it off line?

[TylerStewart]

I'd say your safest bet is to buy through someone reputable, regardless of the payment method, you should be looking to avoid scammers first, payment method second. It's not the payment method that's going to steal your money, it's the seller.

PS. PayPal is not the best way to pay and stay safe; I've been hosed by them both buying and selling. I've never been screwed by someone reputable.

 

[J. Ellis]

If you can't pay face-to-face, then I suggest a Postal Money Order. If you don't receive the item (and you have everything documented: who you sent it to, their address, their phone number, e-mails outlining the deal, etc.) it is considered wire and/or mail fraud and is a Federal felony.

 

[moswen]

paypal is free to get, and it's only a 3% tranaction fee. if someone doesn't have and doesn't want to get paypal tell them thank you very much for their time, sorry you wasted it.