Use pay pal or COD. If you use pay pal then have a set date for when you will receive a tracking number. Pay the daybefore and if you do not get the tracking number the next day file a complaint with pay pal to hold the funds. No more lost money. You can always release the money and it does not cost anymore to do that.
Kids it's high time we take back the control over these low life bottom feeders who are stealing our hard earned cash. Don't just hand it over, make a deal and if they can not meet it then you did not miss out. It's only a great or good deal if you get the parts you pay for.
If I buy something and the person says I will mail it out the next day and I do not get a tracking number then it's hold the cash please. Some people do not like dealing with me and I say well that's how I buy and sell.