Whenever you are dealing with an online merchant, it is always good practice to know who you are dealing with. This may be as simple as knowing the name, or the Company's reputation.

Some sources of information to help you with this include news services, rating services, or directories.

You should also be aware of what information the merchant collects from you when logging into their site. How private do they keep this information? This information will be found in a 'privacy statement' which should be posted somewhere on the merchants web site. If this information cannot be found, be very wary of the web site. Some merchants will sell your information to mailing lists, some will keep your information completely confidential. It is up to you to read the privacy policy of the merchant you visit.

Look for any reassuring seals on the web site. These may include Thawte, TrustE, or the BBB. Make sure you click on the seal to assure the information is accurate! Some vendors may simply post a seal, but may not be registered, or may have an expired registration with the affiliate.

Be very wary of any site that asks you for extra private or confidential information including a social security number, or personal bank account information. Unless in some extreme related services, no regular online merchant should have a reason to request such personal information.

Ask friends and family about the Company to see if they have heard of them. If someone has recommended the site to you, and has had a positive experience with the site, then chances are, they are a decent retailer.

Check for copyright information, to see how long the site has been in existence. Was the web site just put up last month? Or have they been in business for an extended period of time? Chances are if the web site has been around for an extended (5+ years) period of time, they will be reputable.

Does the site look like a credible site? Would you walk into a store that looked like it had not had any updates since 1977? Then why would you purchase off of a web site that does not have a professional comfortable design. Chances are if the web site owner is not able to maintain a decent looking web site, they will have problems with your order. This is not the case all of the time, as some smaller merchants that cannot afford expensive graphics design and programming, may actually provide much better, more personal customer service than a large Corporation. Once again, be wary.