If you aren't sure of this person, use our business forum to ask. We have a lot of members from every type of snakekeeping so somebody's likely to know about the person's reputation.

Don't fall so in love with the snake you lose your good sense. In the end it's a purchase, a business transaction and should be handled in a businesslike manner.

If possible get the purchase agreement in writing even just an email confirming how much, which exact snake (with identifying pictures), expected arrival date, type of shipping, etc. If anyting does go wrong you have at least some proof of the agreement made.

If you get a funny gut feeling about someone, trust that. You may well be wrong but I still think if your gut is raising red flags for you, you should be listening. Better you should pass on a deal then end up sorry you didn't listen to your own good instincts.

Research the type or morph of the snake you are interested in. Be an informed purchaser so you know you are getting the best bang for your buck. It's really sad to see someone think they got a great deal and then later they realize the snake was a great deal because it was about the worst example of that species or morph out there.

Learn what the current market value is for the snake you want. Check out many sources for that type of snake. Many good breeders don't use any particular source to market their snakes so it's always best to also look directly at breeder's websites to see both the quality of their snakes and the prices they expect to get for them.

Learn what you should expect to get from a breeder as far as information about the snake, genetics paperwork, feeding history, etc.

Learn what a healthy snake of that species looks so when you do see pictures of one you can quickly recognize whether it fits the normal criteria of good health.