You could offer to put down a non-refundable deposit of R2k, and pay the balance in a month's time. That way the seller can tick off the item as sold, and the buyer secures the item. I've done many deals this way. You'll just have to note the deposit is non-refundable, and the buyer reserves the right to sell the item if - for any reason - the buyer doesn't come up with the balance on the agreed-upon date. Unfortunately there are many people who mess around, so this is my personal approach. Hope it helps