Yeah, I've never waited on a check to clear. If you got a brain, this stuff isn't complicated.
I've deleted PM's sent about purchasing an item, simply because they didn't start or end it with their REAL name.
Communication is king. Phone numbers, email etc etc. Letting people know when you'll mail payment, when payment has mailed, when payment was received, when you plan to ship item, when item is shipped etc etc.
I sold one item, zero communication, but money etc was sent promptly. Also no communication that the item was received. Sure, no problems, but I'd never sell/buy to that individual again. Just how I operate and again, communication is king.
I've done $3k purchases here and no problem, but I trust me most of all. Besides, I'm the type that would bury myself alive just to show you that I can use a shovel.
