Yup, if you're relatively new to bass, 'try before you buy' is very good advice!!
I also remembered the last few guitars I bought in the States over the past year and a half - Olympic White USA Jazz Bass, another Olympic White Jazz with matching headstock, fretless Musicman Stingray honeyburst, and a Gibson Custom Shop ES-335. All bought unplayed and delivered to my Manhattan address. I guess quality control of most manufacturers is pretty good these days as all of the instruments were great. Saying that, I always 'tweak' my instruments to my own preference whenever I get one!