Windows Phone Thoughts: Getting Burned When Online Shopping: Tips & Warnings

Recently I went hunting for a bargain. I wanted to score a new case for my K-JAM at the most ultra-low price I could, and found a seller online offering the case I wanted for a price 4 - 5 dollars lower than elsewhere, so after making sure the site looked legit (the site was found through Froogle if I remember correctly), I plunked down my cash. After a week and an email inquiry, I got a USPS delivery confirmation number, and since April 12 that delivery confirm. number has reported that USPS has been "electronically notified" of my package, but nothing more. I'm now starting to think this company packaged my case up but never got it to the post office (I know USPS doesn't offer real-time tracking, but usually they provide a notification when the item is scanned at the origin). So my goal of saving a little $$$ is now coming back to haunt me.

But it got me wondering: Most of us buy online, and fairly often the "off-name" vendors provide as excellent of service as the "big boys" with a discounted price. However, in a small percentage of orders, something goes wrong. What tips, warnings, and suggestions do you have to share with others when buying online that can prevent these unfortunate mishaps? I know a lot of people who let stories like mine scare them away from buying online all-together, and while something like this happens the minority of the time, a good collection of tips and suggestions may help those leary of online shopping to take the plunge!