using paypal to buy something on craigslist in another city

[Apaimanee]

I want to buy something on sale on Craigslist in another city...too far away for me to do a face-to-face transaction. The seller is a private party. Is there a way (assuming he's willing) to keep transaction protections in place....such as seller not shipping the product

I have never used paypal in any sort of similar way - just with known stores, ebay and the like. 

thanks in advance for any help you can lend

[kernowlass]

@Apaimanee

You need to read up on paypals buyer protection policy so you can risk assess your transactions.