Interestingly, I've never had a researcher ask for money in advance. And, they have limited themselves to $50 increments in research, not moving on until paid. I think it's a good method for the provider and the user of the information. OmahaMom@aol.com wrote: > For what it's worth, there are two sides to the story. I have a friend who > does census & other lookups for people for a modest fee. He got stiffed close > to $80 by a person that requested the lookups, then refused to pay him. Now, > especially if it is a sizeable order, he insists on payment in advance. So, > use one's own discretion. I've got copies myself waiting to go to people, > soon as I get their check in the mail. (Even then, who knows, the check might > bounce.) > > Karen