how to pay when collecting an item in person

[gingernutlover]

i have won a crosstrainer which is pick up only.

What is the best way to pay? Paypal or cash on collection? Just asking because I have seen other threads saying one way is safer than the other (for reasons i cannot remember on a thread I cant find LOL)

I would rather pay cash on pick up once i have actaully seen the item working, is there a reason why i shouldnt do this?

I collected a pram from a local ebay seller, and paid with cash, after I'd quickly checked it out and saw it was good.
Paypal gives you a degree of buyer protection, so if it defo isn't as described you can try and claim. DH did this as he was mis-sold something, but it was a long drag involving valuations and such, and the max amount covered iirc is about £250.
Make your mind up partly on the amount that you are paying, and whether you anticipate being able to check the item out before taking it away. Any decent ebayer with nothing to hide should be quite happy to "show you how it works" so you are not quite so obviously checking it out?!