If any of you can remember, Dustin Hoffman starred in a movie called "Marathon Man" (1976), the dentist kept repeating the same question - "Is it safe?"

The exact same question has been asked, over and over, about buying on the Internet. Over the past several years, I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Computer software and hardware, miniature figures, rules, books, airbrushes, etc. I have never seen any unusual charges appear on my credit cards. I have never received what I didn't order. The big reason is that I use common sense when buying through the Internet.

Follow some rules:

1. Know your vendor. Don't base your opinion on whether or not they have an 800 number -- I have an 800 and an 877 number. Usually, if they don't, it's to help keep costs down. If in doubt, check the local Better Business Bureau. Call information, see if he has a listing. Check well known web sites. The Wargamers Webring usually has a few sites dedicated to online shopping. See if the vendor is listed. Check usenet discussions; post questions about the vendor.

2. Use a credit card when possible (with a secured server).

3. If using money orders, buy them at the Post Office. They are cheaper than a bank and if stolen it is a federal offense.

Paying for it all:

The best way to pay for something is with a credit card. I have used money orders, but only when it meant that I was getting an even better price break. Mind you, the break should be significant enough, and the vendor trustworthy enough, to make it worth your time to send a money order. If there is a question of trust, ask him to send COD or use one of the many online third parties.

If you do use a credit card, make sure the vendor offers a "secured server." I did have an incident with Brookhurst Hobbies where the idiot that handled the order, sent email to let me know some of the order would be back ordered. He included a copy of my order complete with my credit card number.

Never send credit card info through the email. At some point in the transaction, that email will go through a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) system. Your mail is now in readable text -- open to everyone. What I have done in the past is sent the order through the email along with all the credit card info (helps with spelling) minus the credit card number. Tell the vendor that you will call with your credit card number and approximately what time you will call. If he doesn't/can't take credit cards, try the third party route. How it works:

The seller sends the package to the third party. You send your money order to the same third party. For a small fee, the third party verifies that what you ordered is in the box and that you sent sufficient funds to cover the order. The third party then forwards the package to you for your final OK. He then forwards the check, less his cut.

Shipping:

Some online stores are only Virtual Stores, they have no physical shop space. They collect orders for one or two weeks, or longer, then contact their distributors. Your order arrives three weeks later. Make sure you know how long to expect and what to do about back ordered items. Watch out! Some vendors offer products at extremely low prices. Then get you on the shipping/handling charges. The honest vendor will tell you up front how long and how much the shipping will be.

Know your product lines

If the price seems too good, call the vendor. Any vendor that doesn't/can't answer questions about his products, is not worthy of your business dollar.

Auction/Barter Services:

They are great for buying software. Sometimes, you can do very well when buying used figures, old rules, etc. Some sellers forget that you can purchase items newer & cheaper someplace else. Example: One seller wants to sell a Space Marine squad. Games-Workshop (Citadel Miniatures) sells it for $22.99. So he figures to sell it for $20 plus shipping. Just remind the seller that http://www.newwave.org/index.html will sell it for $12.99 - $14.94 still in the box and the same shipping. Also, beware. One person, in good faith, tried to sell some naval miniatures. Not knowing what she had, she offered a pretty fair description. It turned out the ships were 1/3000 scale and not 1/2400 as I had hoped. Not all sellers are this honest.

In the end:

If done properly, you should get what you want at the best price and in the minimum amount of time. An example of what you can get:

Product	Full Retail	w/Discount	Manufacturer
Warhammer 40K	74.99	48.74	Games Workshop
USS North Carolina	10.50	7.35	GHQ
SeeKrieg	24.95	17.47	XENO
Command At Sea	66.00	46.80	Clash of Arms

Do not go to the manufacturer for these prices! Generally speaking if you are not getting at least 20% off you're getting ripped. Do your homework and start surfing!