Would this be a great deal?
 

I have the opportunity to get a MIA Standard 2012 Jazz bass for 850 shipped, but to do so I have to pay the seller outside of eBay with PayPal. Just wondering if you guys think this a great idea.

PayPal protects you as well, you can get your money back in a certain time frame. Not Western Union or cashiers check- then you should be worried.

Its not a bad one. Thats not a bad price for the bass and you're still protected by PayPal.

The phrase too good to be true comes to mind. Buying outside of Ebay may be a big risk.

Its probably obvious, but dont pay as a gift either....

I'm not sure on the specifics of it, but I read in a different thread that there are few protections by PayPal. What I gained is that, the seller has to ship you an item and that's about it.

If it's damaged, a completely different item, etc. then you may not have recourse.

I'd definitely check the PayPal terms first.

I personally don't like to pay outside of paypal. I would rather cover a seller's fee than not have that piece of mind. That is just me though.

The deal is good but not enough to make me risk losing $850 over it.

Just make sure he sends a paypal invoice first with a description of the bass. I would make him include "MIA Standard 2012 Jazz bass" in the invoice and not just "bass guitar". This should help you if things get messed up. Don't do gift or send cash with paypal either.

also have the serial number on the invoice.