Bellevue-based WorldWide Electronics LLC is racking up complaints from customers who paid thousands of dollars for televisions that were never delivered. Some complainants say they paid more than $4,000, alleging that the company accepts only checks or wire transfers.

“For the past two weeks plus I have been waiting in vain for a tracking number for the much delayed arrival of my new TV,” one complainant wrote to BBB. “Repeated attempts to reach a company representative by phone and email have been unsuccessful.”

Better Business Bureau serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington issued the company with an “F” rating after it failed to respond to 26 complaints. Since late 2012, BBB has recorded 41 complaints and the Washington State Attorney General has received 24 complaints since November.

Before buying electronics online, use bbb.org to research businesses and locate advice.

Price shop. Take the time to shop around. Compare prices with other online retailers and be on the lookout for seasonal sales.

Avoid wire transfers. Always use credit cards to pay for electronics online; if merchandise does not show, dispute charges.

Verify site security. Only use secure websites when placing orders. Before entering information, review privacy policies and look for: padlock symbols in Web browsers; “https” in URLs; and trusted security verification seals.

Read fine print. Understand charges before making purchases. Find out how much deliveries cost, what the customer support options are and how long warranties last.