Another major issue is the fraud issue. Make sure that with whomever you are conducting business with, or would like to do business with, is reputable. Check them out through every source you can think of, Before buying anything from them. The Internet can be a very good source for this kind of thing. Look for business complaints filed with the local BBB, Chamber of Commerce or City Hall, Ask your friends if they know anything about this company or the person you want to do business with.
Some companies offer a reference list for that specific customer or vendor.
A good example of this is on the Ebay auction website. One can look up references from previous buyers and find out what kind of an experience they have had dealing with this person or company. You might even want to find out if there are any warrants regarding the individual or company before you conduct business with them. As always protect yourself. That icon is usually located within the taskbar of your browser.