If you ask him to send the item, and get a tracking ID, you can then send him the money via paypal or w/e.
Just get the tracking ID, so you know he's actually sent something.
Or you could make an agreement, send him 1/2 the money when you get the ID, then the other 1/2 after you recieve the item in its proper packaging, fully working/as described in the auction's description.