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How to make sure you are buying records safely on the net

Unfortunately buying records safely in the net can be a bit of a lottery. How often have you heard of friends being fooled by unscrupulous individuals saying they are recommended dealers? Here are 10 simple and straightforward ideas to ensure it doesn’t happen to you.

1. Before buying from someone who represents themselves as a record dealer, ask for references - and check them! Anyone who says they are a dealer would not have a problem with supplying references - so don't hesitate in asking for them!

2. Check the dealer's return policy and make sure that you may return damaged or mis-graded product within a reasonable amount of time. Don't expect a dealer to accept returns weeks after the fact or accept returns simply because you don't like the record you ordered.

3. Pay by credit card. All credit cards companies offer recourse these days.

4. If not paying by card - use PayPal. I find it invaluable in these days as it provides a wonderful audit trail.

5. Dealers who have their own websites are a safer bet than those who don't. Setting up shop on the net indicates a degree of permanence and commitment.

6. If you still have some doubts, ask that your package be shipped COD. Don't expect the dealer, however, to pay the COD charges.

7. Always buy postal insurance. This small investment is prudent. Don't assume the dealer will automatically mail with insurance, always specify it.

8. Always request recorded delivery. You will have to sign for the package on delivery so ensuring the dealer cannot simply say "but …I did post it". This will protect both you and the dealer, as, again, it provides a wonderful audit trail.

9. Don't forget to ensure the dealer packages your prized records correctly! Any decent dealer wouldn't think twice - but I once bought a record from Ebay before I knew better, and it came in a normal envelope - it was not surprising that by the time it reached me it was no good!

10. Only buy from dealers who are recommended by organisations such as 'Vinyl Records Still Live'!!

From my experience I find if I follow these simple guide lines buying records safely on the net is not a problem

At ‘Vinyl Records Still Live’ I have received a number of recommendations of on-line dealers from readers and I take pleasure in listing them below......

..... There are not hundreds of links here - this is because, they are all recommended by me or readers and not just to build links to and from this site!

If you have a recommended supplier you would like added to this list, please Contact me with the details and I will be pleased to add them to our list.