I wouldn't buy an animal online in the first place. You don't actually see what you are getting, making it easier for the sellers to scam you. While I know that there are a lot of honorable sellers out there, there are a few that are not. I also like having a real connection with the people I buy from.

Rather than take the risk that an animal dies in shipping, I just go to expos and/or breeders to get my reptiles. Driving less than 100 miles really isn't a problem and it gives me more security in my purchases.