How to make sure that I don't get screwed

Ok, so I found this guy in Chicago that is selling a 2nd gen 32GB iPod Touch for $160, which is really cheap. I live over three hours from him. The reason that he is selling it is because he can't pay his iPhone bill. I told him that I'd trade him my 5th gen 8GB iPod Nano and $50 cash. He said that would work. The only problem is that neither one of us want to get screwed.

I told him that I could send him a $55 check ($5 to cover shipping of the Touch), then he could send the Touch, then I could send the Nano. He wasn't comfortable with that. He doesn't want to do PayPal because that would take too long. So what are your guys' recommendations? How do we do this without getting screwed?

aaronw1986 said:

Meet halfway

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He doesn't have any money. That's why he's selling the iPod.

THX1139 said:

If you go through the US postal system and document everything and require a signature for signing, you might be okay. The reason is because if either one steal from each other, it's mail fraud and that is a federal offense. Not a guarantee, but fear of committing a felony over something that is less than $200 is just not worth it.

The other option is to have a third party hold the product until the money exchanges hands. Other than that, you have to be willing to take a risk. That's one of the chances you have to take to get something cheaply. If you aren't willing to take the risk, then pass on the deal.

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Ok, I might consider that. Thanks.

NathanCH said:

He is selling his iPod to pay for his iPhone bill... so how is getting another iPod going to pay his iPhone bill? $50 will only be one month.

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Well, don't ask me. It's been shut off for five days, and he just wants it back. lol.

MovieCutter said:

Walk away, not worth the hassle.

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Xenophon said:

I agree, walk away. Something's wrong. If a deal looks too good to be true... springs to mind.

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No, I've talked with him about it all quite a bit. Seems pretty legit.

Matthew9559 said:

I don't think there is any easy way to handle this. May be a great deal but more trouble then it is worth. Also, how the hell is another iPod going to help this man? Strange.

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Don't ask me. See my Touch in my sig broke in a car wreck, and I'd really like another, but don't have hardly any cash.

jpyc7 said:

Also strange is that a guy in Chicago, a city of millions, cannot find a buyer at this great price.

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Actually he posted it in the region of around St. Louis for some reason.

Ok, well this guy says that he has no money to meet half way. I told him that I'll just wait til September when the iPods are updated.

Apple-Man23 said:

You are wise beyond your years!

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Thanks, but why is that?