Do you have any family or friends within driving distance who could check out the machine for you and make sure all parts are there and that everything works? Alternately, there is way to send the money to a third party (a bank?) to hold in escrow until you get the machine and confirm that all's ok with it. Then the money is released to the seller. I know this can be done, because there's an explanation on craigslist. I've just never had to do it. I have bought sewing machines on eBay, but it's not necessary there because of the feedback system. Good luck to you!