Hey y'all,
I'm selling a suspension fork on Pinkbike and at the moment it looks like I'll be able to sell to a gentleman in California, but I'm a little nervous about how he will pay me. I've heard paypal is good, but it seems there should be a better way that insures my buyer will get the fork and I will get my money. 
To some of y'all that have experience with this, what do you recommend? 

Thanks in advance, 
Caleb

I bought a bike frame from a guy in California a few years back and I paid through     PayPal with no problems.

I've bought a bike from Canada before (on Pinkbike). I have also sold parts and bikes online and locally. I use Paypal often. Definitely the best way to transfer money. If you run the transaction as a payment for goods then Paypal takes a small percentage, but along with that Paypal offers buyer protection. So if the goods never arrive (or do not arrive as described), the buyer can file a claim and get reimbursed through Paypal. It takes a lot of risk out of the transaction for the buyer. There is no real risk as a seller. 

If the transaction happens in person and the buyer gets the chance to closely inspect the goods and feels comfortable that they know what they are getting, its no problem to "gift" the money so paypal wont take a cut.

make sure you use the goods and services and not friends or family option if you want coverage. Goods and services options does cost recipient though.

Do not let it leave your possession until the funds have transferred.

Paypal sends a "Notice to distribute/transfer product" type of email based off your email account, once they have the money in their possesion. I've utilized Paypal often myself lately, another note, ensure your shipping cost don't eat up monies expected. I learned that the hard way in a few frame sells!

Good luck....