Beware: Use a Domain Transfer Agent

Just a warning for my friends on HN: If you are going to buy or sell a domain name, use a transfer agent (i.e., an escrow service).

Over the years I've bought and sold a few domains (under 5), and I've used transfer agents in the past. Sure they cost a few bucks.

But, just recently, I bought a domain without using a transfer agent ... and guess what? The seller accepted my payment and now has not transferred the domain to me, and he's not responding to my email and voicemail messages.

Yep, it looks like I've been taken for some good money; and it looks like I have no recourse other than to hope for the good will of the seller, which does not seem likely.

Any suggestions on what I can do? Has anyone had any luck with the ICANN Dispute Resolution Process?

(Note: I'm not affiliated with any domain transfer agents, escrow services, etc. I'm just passing on this warning to other would be domain buyers/sellers.)