High priced item to sell on eBay/gumtree

[hifi]

I know you can't pay cash with eBay, have read that receiving payment by PayPal is open to fraud and scams. Is there any other safe way of accepting payment without being ripped off?

yes you can ask for cash. Paypal is ok if sent tracked, but cash only for items which are collected, or bank transfer - never, ever paypal for item which is collected by a buyer or for when a buyer arranges their own courier either.

Thanks

As a buyer then what's the payment option when sending own courier if seller doesn't want PayPal? Obviously may not be practical to take cash in person because of distance and make yourself vulnerable if you drop off cash before courier collects anyway.

bank transfer is the only way to be safe if you are the seller. But really any sensible seller won't let a buyer arrange their own courier.