Just about everything i purchase online is done through PayPal, then you know you have a certain amount of protection if the trader does not produce the goods you have purchased.
I know its easier said than done, but before i buy anything from anyone, even the larger so called respectable companies, i do a little background research, or have a look at their review section, just to see if other customers have written too many negative reviews about the company.
Just about everyone on the internet accept Pay Pal, as it offers both dealer and customer a certain amount of protection, and the transfer of money from bank account to account is almost instant.
I am fast approaching my 1000th purchase on ebay, with that coveted new star your given, and every transaction has been through PayPal, and on those rare occasions the dealer turned out to be untrustworthy, PayPal stepped in, and sorted out the situation. and ive never been out of pocket when items never arrived.
Its happened so few times, that i cannot remember when i last had a bad experience, but researching the dealer or company beforehand, and using PayPal or similar service gives you far more protection if things go wrong.