If someone wants to sell things on local selling sites like FB or Craig's list, should they be willing to ship or deliver?

I've heard or read about rip-offs going both directions. (The item shipped is not as described, is damaged, etc. Or the buyer stops payment on a check after the item is on its way. Not to mention the person you definitely don't want to be alone with, whether you're the seller or the buyer.)

That's why I strongly prefer local selling site to make the deal in person, in a public space or when I will have other people around or with me. Depending on what you're selling, the public place part may be impossible.

Sadly, many people have had bad things happen to them by replying to a craigslist ad.  However, if you look on the craigslist home page, they have an entire section devoted to avoiding scams. The best way to go about picking up an item is to pick it up at a safe place, like a parking lot, where there are lots of cameras.  Many police stations allow people to do the transactions in their parking lots as well.