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How would I pay a stranger shipping money?

Someone online wants to send me something but I agreed to pay shipping for that item. I'm getting the item for free as long as I pay shipping. I can pay the shipping via paypal but if I pay the shipping how do I know that, that person is going to ship the item and not just take the money? This is probably just going to be a 50/50 shot. Not sure how much shipping will be but I probably won't pay more than $15. Is there a better way to complete this transaction? Thanks.

Public Comments

1. If you have a Paypal account they have a buyers protection plan. If the sender has an account too then they have agreed to abide by the rules just as you have. When you buy through them then you have a record of the transaction. They will help you recover your money if the sender doesn't send what you paid for, even if it is just for the shipping charge. Go to your paypal account and make sure you will be covered for this transaction then check on the company yourself. Google is good for that. Look up the BBB in their town or area.
2. Tell the guy to ship it by DHL or FedEx , they accept payment upon arrival. So when you get the item you have to pay them for the transportation. There are also other courrier companies that accept this term of payment.