Quoting from [germex]:

As a general rule, what you wrote might be right. But remember that there are always exceptions to the rule. That's why "Due Diligence" will never be "outdated".

For example, I don't use a fax anymore. Unless you have a model for high volume, it is noisy, awkward to use, has a low resolution, is slow... I detest faxes! I produce all my documents on the computer, send them out via internet and ask my clients to do the same (or to scan in the document and send it as an attachment to an e-mail - much higher quality!).

Also I have seen companies that are about to move and therefore are a little reluctant to give out their present address. The simple reason is that they want to avoid confusions. No "monkey business" involved! So the lack of an address doesn't necessarily tell you anything. Ask!

Last of all, not in every country will you find that all businesses - not even all manufacturers - are in an industrial area. Here in Mexico you'll find them about everywhere, even in pretty high level residential areas. In fact, I'm living in a residential area and have my office at home (a "bedroom office"). Why would I lose hours every day in the commute? Does this kind of reasoning make me a scammer?

Bottom line, don't prejudge - one way or the other. There is no substitute for positive knowledge. If something looks odd, by all means go ahead and find out what's going on, but don't pretend you know the answer.

Addendum: I also don't like company e-mail addresses. Free servers are much easier to use, especially when I'm on a trip. And that's another subject where people like to prejudge.

Common sense still rules!

Very intelligent and well-stated reply by Germex. It's good to see some really upfront

and experienced folks out here ! Never generalize on anything - one man's fun is

another's *, as they say.