If it is a funded transaction, the sender will be localbitcoins. I prefer a funded transaction as opposed to one where the seller sends you coins directly from his wallet. That way if there are any issues regarding non-confirmation you can take it up directly with localbitcoins support instead of having to hunt down the seller.
For example, once the seller releases the transaction from localbitcoins escrow and the buyer sees the tx broadcast to his wallet, the buyer can give the cash and both parties can walk away immediately.
hi, i'm paying in cash though, is it possible for seller to FIRST put his bitcoins into escrow at our meeting, i hand him money, then he releases into my localbitcoins account which is instant?
it will open up a chance for him to scam you (if he is a scammer) !
since you are dealing with cash, you won't have any proof. so he can tell the escrow you didn't even show up for the payment and takes back the deposit.
i think it is best everything is done between you two at the place.
i agree with this..
just show him the cash, have him send the coins.. make him use a huge fee like .0005 (this is important, if he sends it with no fee it could fail) and wait till it gets confirmed.. then hand the cash and leave.
if he adds a decent fee it will go quick..