I have found that there are a few online stores out there that still seem to be operating and may take orders, but yet are actually out of business -- two for sure (one we all know about) and another where someone recently said they ordered and heard nothing for a month.
I don't want to mention what the stores are here -- just make sure a store is open by either calling or getting a *prompt* email from them. Many sites will have copyright dates at the bottom of the screen -- they should be the current year -- okay, it's soon 2010 and sometimes it takes web designers a while to remember to change it. But if the date says 2006, I would be suspect. Another thing to check are sale pages -- some of them give a month of the sale -- if it says "April specials" you know something is up!
If a store accepts PayPal, you can always check with them to see if they are still legitimate as well.
I don't want to mention what the stores are here -- just make sure a store is open by either calling or getting a *prompt* email from them. Many sites will have copyright dates at the bottom of the screen -- they should be the current year -- okay, it's soon 2010 and sometimes it takes web designers a while to remember to change it. But if the date says 2006, I would be suspect. Another thing to check are sale pages -- some of them give a month of the sale -- if it says "April specials" you know something is up!
If a store accepts PayPal, you can always check with them to see if they are still legitimate as well.