Using scrapbooking suppliers you find online is a wise investment for any serious scrapper.  Usually you can find all sorts of supplies, papers, embellishments, storage solutions, and everything else you need for your hobby right on the internet, without ever leaving your home.  Typically these supplies are priced competitively or even cheaper than those you find in a retail store since online scrapbooking suppliers typically don't have a brick and mortar store for which they pay rent, utilities, and wages for clerks.  This means their costs are lower which in turn often means your costs are lower as well.  And since they don't need to be worried about actual space for their inventory, they may also offer a wider variety of materials and equipment as well.

This doesn't mean that there are no concerns to be had when dealing with online scrapbooking suppliers.  While the internet is typically very safe for merchants and purchases, there is still need for caution.  If you can, use online scrapbooking suppliers that accept PayPal since there is usually very little risk with this site.  If they have a PayPal account this might also mean that they're a legitimate, trustworthy site since they went to the trouble of opening a PayPal account.  If you deal with a site that doesn't accept PayPal or if you pay with your credit card, keep your eye on your bank account so you can be sure no one got your information and used your card.

You also need to be careful about reading descriptions when purchasing from online scrapbooking suppliers.  Too often a customer has been disappointed with the material they received only to realize that it was described accurately on the site; they just didn't read the description as it was set out!  Make sure you understand the measurements of paper and all the embellishments you purchase from online scrapbooking suppliers so you're not disappointed as well.  You might even want to consider shopping for kits as this means that everything is coordinated; it's easy to mistake the colors of objects when they're on your computer screen versus when you see them in real life!  Most online scrapbooking suppliers offer full kits of scrapbook papers and embellishments so you can easily coordinate one item with another.  Keep these thoughts in mind and your shopping experience is sure to be a positive one!