In my transactions I usually suggest a USPS money to protect myself and the seller for a few reasons.
1. Seem to be the most reasonable price
2. A USPS MO can be verified at the PO counter and cashed (if funds
available onsite)
3. If fake you know before you ship
4. The protection that using the US Mail falls under the Felony
offense of Mail Fraud and for those that been defrauded local
PD's don't seem to have the resources for follow-up where as
the Postmaster works through their internal channels to get the
appropriate officials involved.
Not all PO's use official USPS MO's due to rural or satellite locations so in those cases I call to verify.
Any personal check or form of payment I'm not sure I hold until it clears my bank.
All of these things may not be listed in my ad but fully discussed through the final sale process and mutually agreed upon.
I usually ask for a USPS money order. As mentioned however, alternate means of payment can be an option. I would certainly accept a personal check if the buyer didn't mind waiting for it to clear. Nearly anything can be worked out. Good communication is the key to any transaction.
A MO is no big deal to me. I go right by the local PO at least 3 times a week and wait is never more than 5 minuets, often much less. I can understand however if a MO is a hassle. All we would need to do is discuss it and find another way.
