Buying typewriters on the internet can be hazardous for the unwary.  A small amount of knowledge will help you avoid problems.

There are a number of ways that typewriters can be bought without having been tested by the owner, and two of them include use of the internet.  I've deliberately phrased that previous sentence -- always remember that you have not tested internet-bought machines.  You're at risk from the word "go."

This doesn't mean that this is to be avoided.  Dedicated sellers who do this kind of thing for a living over the net (in other words, who have a business concerned with rebuilding typewriters and who do business not only on the net, but by phone, by mail and in person) are safe bets.  Just watch the prices. 

E-Bay is the real fear for most typewriter enthusiasts who seek to use the machines.  You must be careful.  Here are some tips, in no general order.

WATCH FOR SHIPPING COST PADDING.  There is often a very low opening bid, but extremely high shipping cost.  There can be unreasonable "handling and packaging" as well, and you will also often find "flat rate shipping" that is the same amount whether the machine is going from New York to Boston or to San Francisco.  These must be checked for; look first before you bid.  If the seller won't give a shipping quote, then it's up to your best judgement.

WATCH FOR THOSE WHO SAY "DIDN'T TEST IT, DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, NOT SURE IF IT WORKS."  This means that there is a defect somewhere, most of the time.  Or else it means that the seller will never be able to tell you whether there is or there isn't.  This is not a good bet.

PORTABLES WITHOUT CASES ARE UNSAFE.  You should have a proper case, with the machine properly installed to be safe.  It must be secured in the case as designed, with the carriage locked as designed, and must be in the box right side up.  If there's no carriage lock (and on some machines, there isn't) then inform the seller to lock the carriage in place with wads of paper on either end of the carriage, or else use the margin set tabs. 

INSTRUCT THE SELLER TO PACK PROPERLY OR ELSE YOU RISK DAMAGE.  You should have at least three inches thickness of either wadded-up newspaper, or else bubble wrap, "sealed air" or packing peanuts on all SIX SIDES of the case, between the case and the shipping box.  That's all four sides, plus top and bottom.  Then, ensure that the box is properly labeled "this side up" and "Fragile."

IN BIDDING ON AUCTIONS, KNOW WHEN TO QUIT.  It's pretty easy to find out what is rare and what isn't, or else what's great to type on and what's not.  Don't think that another Olympia or Smith-Corona won't come along; these are common, and you don't have to wait too long to find any model of either line again. 

If you use these tips, you'll have a much better time and be much safer using online buying of typewriters.  I've bought plenty online, and these tips are things that have helped me along the way.

What to tell e-Bay sellers about packing.  Here is the statement that I usually send to the e-Bay seller:  "Hi there!  Please ensure that the machine is properly secured in its case with the carriage locked and cushioned.  Also, please ensure that the case is inserted in the shipping box with the typewriter right-side up, and that the entire case is surrounded on all six sides (top, bottom and all four sides) by at least three or more inches worth of wadded-up newspaper, packing peanuts or other such material.  Please label the box "FRAGILE" and "THIS SIDE UP."  I've received very many typewriters by mail and none packaged this way has ever arrived damaged.  Thanks very much!"

Members of the Portable Typewriter Forum should know that if a machine is won on e-Bay and the buyer does not know whether the machine has a carriage lock or not, or if it does where it is and how it works, ASK.  Let the shipper know how to lock it along with the message above and you'll avoid some problems.