Payment escrow service
 

Paypal is useless, that's where I'm starting.

I want to send someone $1000 safely, that is until I can go and pick up my purchase (long distance Craig's List purchase), I need the money held safely, yet want the buyer to know the sale is closed and they will get their money.

Does a bank wire transfer help at all? any ideas?

Wire transfer, you just gave him the money. I'd call a local escrow company in his area and ask them. How about a deposit of earnest money like 5 or 10%?

i used escrow.com when I sold my porcha. would seem to fit the bill.

Thanks guys.

I second escrow.com. I used them for selling a URL and it went flawlessly.

turns out cash and a trip to SC is the final solution.