Buying safely on Gumtree?

Voyager2002

As per the title, I have found something I need on Gumtree but physically at the far end of the country. Total cost is likely to be around fifty pounds. What is the most sensible way to pay in order to protect myself and be fair to the seller?

(He is selling cartridges for a fairly old laser printer, so parcel post is likely to be feasible.)

GadgetGuru

Use PayPal to pay so that you are covered by the buyer protection policy - do not use PayPal Friends and Family, or PayPal Gift etc - normal standard PayPal. That way if the item is not as described, or doesn't arrive, you can easily raise a claim to get your money back. 

I also double myself up by using a credit card via PayPal - that way should any PayPal claim fail you can always fall back on your bank chargeback policy.....