I've taken a local check before with high priced items I sell on craigslist, such as kayaks. There's only so much you can take out of an ATM at one time each day.

I tend to write down all their driver's license info. You can call the bank & ask if the check will clear.

I have also told them, give me the check, I'll deposit it and when it clears, I'll deliver the item to you. That's worked for a kayak I sold. If they want you to trust them enough to accept a personal check, they should trust you enough to deliver the item after the check has cleared.

If they have paypal, I've had them log on to paypal on my computer and transfer the money to me.