The same could be said if the escrow was a friend of the buyer.

Or perhaps you're suggesting the buyer send the money to some random yahoo on the internet who decides they are a escrow (OMG), then I mail to the buyer, and hope for the best ?

Chances are the escrow will run. With a currency like bitcoin for sure. So it doubles risk for me as a seller. At least this way, two people are involved in verifying the goods are mailed.

Look, most people are trustworthy. Like 95% of people get that a few dollars isnt worth the hassle of stealing. Sure there are scammers, but if you want to trade, you need to trust. There is risk in every activity. But here is a opportunity for someone who generated a file on their computer a few years ago to get a fancy laptop in return. Take it before the bubble pops.

Yes if you have US dollars, I will sell it for less. But in magic beans... ahm.. I mean bitcoins, the price is 4. And that doesn't have a new battery and almost no use. Its not new like mine