How do I know that I won't be scammed though?
Escrow is a possibility. My reputation can also be taken into consideration. I've got over 2,400 posts in this community for over a year now. I've engaged in trades with individuals here as well as LocalBitcoins.com where I have nothing but good reviews. I'm also listed in the bitcoin-otc IRC channel's Web Of Trust. You can decide if you think my reputation in this community is more valuable to me than the little bit I'd get from stealing your cash.
Also, with the fluctuating price of BTC by the time my money gets to you 1BTC could be worth more or less and that would make paying for the BTC and the fee you speak of much cumbersome.
True. This is one of the issues with transactions that are not instant. If you have other options, you should definitely consider them. Have you looked at LocalBitcoins.com?
I'd be much more comfortable you send me the BTC to my address and I'll mail you the cash at the current Mt.Gox price.
I'm sure you would, but after a quick review of your less than 40 posts here I don't see anything that indicates to me that you value the reputation you've built up under this ID enough to keep you from simply starting over with a new ID. There is a reputation disparity issue here.
As soon as I receive the BTC I'll mail the amount equal to the current Mt.Gox price, but of course that raises the issue of you having to trust me. Ugh, I wish this were easier!
That would be why I was hoping you were close to Chicago.
but of course that raises the issue of you having to trust me. Ugh, I wish this were easier!
This is why you use a trusted 3rd party, or Escrow.
You send the cash to the escrow, he sends the BTC to the escrow. You get the picture.
Trust is based on history, so we need trustworthy people to run escrow services and gather good reviews and who are happy to receive funds and exchange BTC. All for a fee of course.
Yes that is true, but where am I going to get a service like that around here? Plus how much more would it cost me?
Try taking a look at the following list:
https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/escrow-list-108716(You might even see some names you recognize in there).