how do people buy art distantly?

[fiametta]

I have a question, may be not so related to this thread, not sure then where to put it.

I am more interested in the way it works, I mean there must be some feeling of a purchase when one buys stuff, but with distant purchase you never know what there is on the other end, and a photo never gives you the feeling of the item you are going to buy.

not sure if i expressed my question correctly. anyway, since the whole e-commerce market including e-art keeps growing my understanding is just wrong. so, if anyone finds anything usefull on the web, please drop me a line.

ciao
fiametta