Sure; in fact, it's widely done, mostly because mail-order dealers sell
animals much more cheaply than pet stores (there are fewer middlemen).
There
are some caveats about mail-order, though, as you might expect.  You
can't
see the animal before you buy it (though you may be able to get
snapshots,
especially of unusual or expensive animals); you have to trust the
business
to be honest; and you face the risks of shipping (though a reputable
dealer
should at least guarantee live arrival).

For these reasons, it's a good idea to stick to mail-order dealers about
which you know something.  Glades Herp is probably the best-known
operation
of this nature, but they, like most of their compatriots, have been the
subject of some strongly worded complaints on the net.  Because no
business
seems to be able to satisfy everybody, this FAQ takes no position on the
recommendation of specific mail-order houses.

Note that, while many herps can be mailed, US law prohibits sending
snakes
by any means except air freight.  The cost of air freight is rather
high,
more than enough to offset the price savings on a small order;
therefore,
it's fairly common for several people to combine small orders.

As always, exercise caution when buying anything over the net.  On
occasion,
people have been ripped off purchasing herps from net folks; in
particular,
there was a recent fiasco in which someone offered animals for sale at a
very low price, then sent random unpleasant objects (rotting vegetables,
etc.) instead of the herps people ordered.  It was later reported on the
net
that the scam artist in question had been arrested on a variety of
mail-fraud-type charges, hopefully ending his herp-fraud career.
Because of
the occasional bad apples, it is a very good idea to check out the
reputation
of anyone you're considering buying from...*before* you trust them with
your
money.

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