Most of early places I contacted were oldies type stores, in smaller towns/cities, that
had not been visited by UK collectors.A few even had very basic websites with lists up on the net.
As you say though many would also just post paper lists or I would send a paper wants list.
What the internet allowed me to do was find these places.
I actually used John Manships/Tim Browns weekly lists to compose,
the wants lists which is ironic.
This was in the days before Paypal so paying for them was always a bit tricky unless they
took credit cards, but many would not take UK cards.
I remember one time when Greg Tormo walked into a place and asked to look at
a pile of records behind the counter, only to be told they were reserved for me.
His next e-mail to me was a bit prickly !.
In particular I was getting lots of newly discovered stuff, especially 70's stuff that
was starting to be played out more.
Some of the stores/dealers were;
Ace Music & Video
Village Music (California)
Thursdays
Dennis Brennan
Bob Lord
Wegotrecords
Plus loads of others.
Kegsy