Why do you need escrow? 
- If you are buying/selling something online, it's no different than any other purchase.  Instead of spending an outrageous fee for little value, use that money instead to research the other party online. 
- If either one of you need to be anonymous, remember the escrow can scam you as easily as the other party.  You can't pursue legal action and if the goods are illegal, the escrow's reputation might improve by stealing from you.