1. Window-shop first. Check out several sites, because more than one seller usually has the item you want.

2. Compare prices. This is useful for imported items and electronic items; you can get an idea of how much they originally cost versus the selling price.

3. Check comments or feedback on the seller. Sites that are flooded with ?Thank you? and ?Great service? should give you a clue on how the seller does his or her business transactions.

4. Check if the payment methods are convenient for you. Not all banks have a branch at every corner, and not everybody uses G-Cash.

5. In buying personalized items, give the seller clear pictures of what you want. You don?t want to be paying for a substandard item.

6. Cash on delivery is a good idea for expensive gadgets and electronic items. That way you can check whether the items are legitimate before forking over the dough.

7. Ask around if the shipping company the seller uses is reliable. Horror stories of squished items and undelivered stuff are everywhere.

8. Ask the seller anything you?d like to know about the item you?re buying. Information is power.

9. Keep your word. Don?t ask the seller to reserve you the items if you?re not sure you can pay for them. Be considerate.