Since we started a selling thread I thought a thread of tips for buying online would be good also...

Look for feedback on the seller
Always get a good picture.
Read the fine print, many items are sold using a generic picture or only frags of shown coral are being sold
Watch for excessive shipping charges or box fees
Pay attention to the picture quality as photoshop can make anything pretty.
If shipping, find out their shipping methods (heat packs for winter, ice for summer)
Time live purchase with your weather.  Never ship in a blizzard and try to ship in temps from 60-80 degrees
Use paypal or credit card for all purchases
If a link from their site takes you to paypal, make sure the paypal web address starts with https:  (without the s it is not a secure website)
Above rule goes for any site that takes a credit card.  If it takes personal info it should have https:  not http:
Set a day you want to recieve the item and have it shipped accordingly.
Ask to have the item shipped with instructions to leave it on your doorstep if you are not home. (otherwise it will sit on a UPS truck for 3 days)
If possible arrange to pick up all live items at the UPS facility so it doesn't get stuck on the truck
Check out their live arrival or other guarrantees, read the fine print