Start small, start domestic and as the post above states use the forums like your bible. Vendor ratings can and are manipulated through shill buyer accounts so do not take them as gospel. Buying books etc doesn't really help your states as even though you may have clocked up a few transactions the total amount spent is very low. My advise would be to enter into a dialogue with the vendor first, build some rapport and go from there. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding vendors who will allow you to stay in escrow.