If and when I sell my bike what is ....

[makbike]

the best way to secure payment other than cash? If I find a buyer outside the 200 mile radius that I'll drive to deliver the bike, how should I ask for payment? Cashier check? Money order? etc. I don't have paypal account and really don't have any idea how they work. Can a cashier check or money order bounce? I simply want to make sure I get my money. What should I avoid as well. This is all new to me so I'm lost and trying to find my way.

[sundial]

As long as the cashier's check or money order is real, it shouldn't bounce. If the buyer presents the check, contact that bank first before completing the transaction to make sure it will clear.

A PayPal account it easy to set up.

[Tuckervill]

Can't Paypal send a check, too? They say the can send money to anyone with an email address...so I guess the buyer would give PP the money and then contact you. Then you'll tell them how you want to be paid.

That's what I'd do. I've always used PP and never had a problem.

Karen

[TsPoet]

Remember it goes both ways! If the buyer sends a check before you send the bike, they are trusting you to send the bike.
One option is to use your LBS as an intermediary, it's easier to trust a business with a check than an individual you don't know. Also, the LBS can then pack and ship. I've heard of this being done a lot, don't know how much the LBS charges for it.