Buying on the internet

I was on here a few months ago asking for advice about a bike for my husband. I found one on roadbikereview.com. How can I ensure someone isn't going to scam me? I've never bought anything this expensive over the internet from an individual. Is there any recourse if I pay through Paypal and I don't get it? Just a little nervous about actually paying for the thing.

Thanks,
Kathy

I wouldn't buy a bike over the Net. There are just too many things that can go wrong. Better to visit your local bike shop(s). They have new & used machines, you can look up close & test ride before buying & the risk is far less. You also get some kind of warranty.

I Worked In A Bike Shop For 4 Years And Felt The Same As The Last Guy Who Posted. However I Knew That You Could Always Find A Much Better Deal On The Net. If You Know What You're Looking For ,and Know The Product You Should Be Able To Ask The Seller The Right Questions To Feel Safe About The Transaction. Ebay Has The Seller Ratings/feedback, And Using Paypal, Or A Credit Card Protects Your Money. Also Be Fully Aware Of The Product Condition Before You Make Your Purchase. Many Sellers Have A Return Policy As Well.
Now I Won't Buy Anything Unless The Shop Will Match The Price Of The Net. As For Buying Used Stuff It's Much Better If You Are Very Familiar With The Product, And Have A Very Good Undersatanding Of It's Condition.
Hope That Helps,
Rockrock513

Kathy -- Beware of scams when buying over the 'net. Such things as pseudo-"second chance" sales by persons other than the person who listed the item. I found my current bike on eBay, but did not buy it thru them. Instead, I searched for and located three bikes listed by folks living within 25-30 miles of my home, contacted the sellers, went to their homes/offices and test rode the bikes (thus making sure that the bikes actually existed and were as described), and then paid cash for the one I bought and took it home with me. (The seller cancelled the auction and accepted my offer.) No muss, no fuss, no bother. And no fraud. Plus I got a for-real bill of sale drafted by me using boiler-plate text downloaded from the web and signed by the seller.

Thanks for the advice everyone. Here's what I did....

My husband knew the size and model bike he wanted--51cm Cervelo Soloist. When I found one online at roadbikereview.com I wanted to get it. That's when I made that post.

Paypal wasn't a good option because they don't offer any protection over $1000 and thats offered only if it's bought on ebay. So, I did a little research and found escrow.com. For a fee of about 3.5% they manage the transaction. You and the seller agree to the price and inspection period. You send the money to escrow.com, they alert the seller the funds have cleared and to ship the merchandise via a trackable shipper. Once they receive notice (from the buyer or shipping company) that the merchandise has been received, the inspection period kicks in. Once the buyer accepts the merchandise or the inspection period ends, the money is sent to the seller. If the merchandise is not accepted, the buyer ships it back to the seller via a trackable shipper, once the merchandise is received by the seller, they refund the money to the buyer.

So, I got this bike for my husband for Christmas:
51cm Cervelo Soloist Frame 2005
Alpha Q Sub 3 full carbon fork
Alpha Q Carbon Handlebars
Alpha Q alloy stem 110mm
Alpha Q Cork Bartape
Cervelo Carbon Seatpost
FSA integrateted headset
FSA Carbon Mego EXO 170 mm cranks
FSA 53 x 39 chainrings
Full Shimano Dura Ace 10spd. components
Dura Ace 10spd 12-25 cassette
Serfas Titanium Saddle (not pictured)
Neuvation SL Wheelset 700c (lighter than ksyriums)
Schwalbe Evolution Tires
Cateye Cadence Computer

His brother, who is also a cyclist, verified everything was there. All of this for $1800. The guy who sold it replaced all shifter and brake cables before sending it.

I highly recommend escrow.com if you have a specific bike you're looking for, detailed description of the item for sale and a seller who can ship it.