This is a complex issue - mainly because forum sales between private individuals usually involve the buyer paying in advance. In the business-to-business world, the INCOTERMS of a sale that includes insured delivery are referred to as CIF (Cost Insurance Freight). This works because the risk remains with the seller up to the moment when the goods are successfully delivered - and seller knows that his customer won't pay until the goods are received as described and undamaged. With forum 'CIF' sales, although the risk theoretically does not pass to the buyer until the item is delivered in good condition, in practice the seller has no incentive (except his/her good conscience) to help the buyer if something goes wrong in transit - and, having already paid, the buyer has no leverage other than a) appealing to the seller's better nature (!?) or b) resorting to some kind of legal action. Obviously, as most of us know from experience, Basschat buyers and sellers are mostly decent folk - but not always, as I found out once to my cost. My preferred model, whether buying or selling, is for the buyer to arrange and pay for delivery. If I'm selling, the risk passes to the buyer when the item is collected from me; if I'm buying, I retain maximum control by choosing my preferred delivery company and being the customer they must answer to. I say 'maximum' as opposed to 'total' control because, of course, it all falls down if the seller hasn't packed the item properly.