how to buy with confidence...? PayPal?

Some good advice so far. I'll add in addition to a gut feeling and history on this site from a seller. You have to always access the risk. I never would loan more money (even to family) than I could afford to lose. I use the same principal for buying long distance, never spend and send more than you could possibly afford to lose. I personally have had good luck both buying and selling on this site.