Practical tips about mail order

Even though most mail order vendors are as honest as anybody else, it is always a good idea to use caution when making purchases. If you cant see the item you are buying and you have nothing in writing, differences of opinion can occur. Here are a few basic rules:

Never blindly trust the person on the phone. Ask for a printed, faxed or E-mailed confirmation of what has been agreed to.

If you need to return a defective unit, make sure you return it in its original package, i.e., never return a PC Card in a floppy mailer.

Always insure the package you are sending back.

Ask for an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) before returning the unit.

Ernst W. Abresch

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