Of course I use the usual safety precautions of feedback above 99.8%, a NM rating minimum, and I read a few feedback comments, especially the negatives. If I am real desperate, I may bid on a VG+ record, but I ask if there are any hairline scratches and any scratches that would catch your fingernail. I usually get very good responses that more closely describe the condition.
Of course, it would be nice to hear the seller's description of the sound after playing, but most sellers do not have the time. That's why I ask the questions about hairline scratches that could cause a static like sound, and questions about deeper scratches that would cause the periodic ticks and pops.
Another feedback comment I look for is packaging, especially with 78s. I once had a year long stretch of 11 broken 78s due to poor packaging, but it can be artistic like the picture below,
The other reason for reading the feedback is to establish that the seller has dealt with records before and is posting ratings that he or she is familiar with. Occasionally when buying 78s, the seller may just be an antique dealer or a thrift store flipper who is not really familiar with record condition terms.
But, an occasional bad experience will happen because it will happen.
Another feedback comment I look for is packaging. I once had a one year stretch of 11 broken 78s due to poor packaging, but that can be artistic like the picture below.
