Question on BST method of payment

[kailes2872]

I recently had a BST deal go bad with a since banned member. I had put a WTB and he responded. He was primarily a lurker and hadn't posted regularly for several years.

I am doing somewhat of an after action review trying to figure out what I could have done to prevent this happening to me in the future. Where I think I could have protected myself better is that I paid first. Long story, but 3 HOFers were missing, I attempted to contact him. It has been two months, he has gone radio silent after telling me to purchase them and he would reimburse for the amount. So, I am out about $125 on a $1500 deal. I did searches and bought on auction for similarly graded cards. I even told him when I sent the note that if he felt that I over bought or was not comfortable with the amount then let me know - or heck, just pay what he thought was fair - still silent.

I have always paid first as that is what I do on Ebay. I have had nothing but good luck on this board other than this deal, so I have never even thought twice about it. I usually send F&F. In this case, he insisted on a cashier's check and I had no problem sending it. I was even travelling last month and near where he lived and volunteered to drive by (as he originally said that he had the three cards and would find them and send them) I offered to drive by to collect them save postage and hassle... radio silence.

This is yet another $125 lesson. I try to assume the best in people and it ends up costing me money on occasion. I don't see myself walking away from the BST because I have had so many good experiences and picked up some great cards without paying AH juice. I guess I just need to know what the standard is. If I ask for cards to be sent before payment is that going to be a show stopper? I am a bit jaded at this point so I just want to protect myself in the future as I feel like a big sucker after this.

Thanks for any feedback...