Cash on Delivery?

I'm thinking of buying something I've seen in a classifieds thats a fair way away from me meaning collection would cost me a fortune in petrol. Does anyone know of any good couriers that do a 'Cash on Delivery' service so I can have some kind of security that the item will arrive. I'm assuming COD means paying for the item on delivery so how does that work?
Or have I just imagined that this service exists at all?!
Cheers,
Tom

 

Here in Germany, the regular post office does COD. They won't hand the parcel over to the recipient unless he/she hands them the right amount in cash. The post office then transfers the money into your account -- has worked well for me in the past. I should think Royal Mail can do it too. Only drawback for you would be that you don't really get a chance to inspect the goods (let alone test them) before you cough up the cash.