Some good rules of thumb...

Just chiming in here, to touch on a couple points made;
My 2 cents worth, if you will...
Over time, I've learned to be more accepting of the web based emails. I see it as more of a convenience for most people rather than tool for ripoffs - haven't had any trouble yet...
spam_ spam_ Also, on taking checks - generally, I'd rather not, just too much of a PIA for me. Granted if it's from someone known in the trade and in good standing - that's fine, but my mainstay is high maitenance animals, - if I have to wait a few weeks to ship, the customer offering Paypal is my preference.
spam_ spam_ On references, just an offering, isn't just about everyone on ebay yet? Noones asked me for any yet, but I have great references on ebay, one would think those would count for something.

Finally - in my opinion, good Communication is the bottom line.

If people would spell everything out before anything is exchanged (properly and with decent grammar, one would hope ALL the details, current pics - and double check ship dates - there wouldn't be half as many problems out there as there are now, IMHO

<img src="http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>
Liz

All great points.

With the number of small hobbyists selling animals you may have never heard of their name. &nbsp;That is where other means of recognition comes in. &nbsp;References, phone numbers, addresses, written guarantees. &nbsp;Also, their payment options are a good indicator. &nbsp;Credit card, Paypal verified, business premier accounts.

On the other side of the coin. &nbsp;I ask for a 10% deposit by PayPal to hold an animal. &nbsp;Most &quot;I will take it&quot; emails never pay a dime from my experience. &nbsp;No deposit, no hold. &nbsp;Weeds out the rain clouds without rain.

Sincerely,

James and Vickie Bryan