How to buy:

Everyone seems to think, it's an easy process, and most do prefer it that way. However, the one time it goes wrong, you always wish there was something more you could have done about it.

Here are just some thoughts I have on the subject:

1. Buy using a Visa card, when you can. Then, if the guy turns out to be a crook, or never delivers, or anything else where you are CLEARLY in the right, it's a relatively easy job to get the bank to reverse the charge.

2. Be as clear about what you want, how you want it delivered, etc... as you possibly can. (leading to #3)

3. Issue a Purchase Order.
This may sound silly, but it works for the business world, so it can work for you too. On it, you clearly list:
-yourself and your address
-the vendor and theirs
-contact info
-terms of payment
-amount of payment
-exactly what you're buying, with any descriptive info, part numbers, etc, that you can come up with. (be as detailed as you like)
-a reference number
-terms and conditions for warranty AND RETURNS.
(if you don't know any of this, ask them what their policies are, and either quote them, or dispute them up front)

Have them quote your reference number, ON THEIR INVOICE. (it's proof that they got your PO, and read it, and agree to it's terms)

Item #3, is your way of protecting yourself, if they ship the wrong item to you. You now have legal proof of what you ordered, and can demonstrate that it's not the same as what you received.
Visa will talk to you now about a rebate, if the vendor will not...

It may sound a little far-fetched to do, but on a large item (like a block or a tranny), it could save your ass.