I have got a lot of kit from the internet marketplace. I have not been burned yet !!

I generally shy away form buying guitars as I think that is a very personal thing (though this is not to say that I haven't done it !!). However non guitar kit like computers, software, pre-amps, Fx units, speakers, amps, etc etc yep, often and no problem.

www.music123.com are worth a look for international sales. They are not a bad firm either.