Be mail-order savvy with these tips that will keep your special deliveries in good condition from website to doorstep.

Most fresh food are packed with gel ice packs, but frozen foods often come with dry ice. Dry ice is harmless if touched for a second, but longer exposure can cause a reaction similar to burn (its temperature can be as low as -109.3 degrees Fahrenheit). Always use a towel or gloves when handling dry ice, and never throw it into a sink to melt. Let it sublime (disappear) in the box.

For fresh food that needs 2-day shipping, order on a Tuesday, says T.J. Robinson of The Rosengarten Report, a newsletter for the "art of mail-ordering food." If it's a day late, you will still get it before the weekend and won't risk having your food sit in a truck until Monday.

Overnight or 2-day shipping is best for perishable items, but it can get costly. If you are ordering for yourself, consider sharing a shipment with family members or neighbors. Many companies charge a flat fee, whether your package is 2 or 10 pounds, and some will waive the shipping if the order reaches a certain price.

Consider casually mentioning that a gift is on its way. Slightly spoiling a surprise is better than letting chocolate melt in the sum while your friend is away for the weekend. Or send the gift to the office rather than the home. The recipient will probably be more readily available to sign for the package.

Many small food retailers don't offer online ordering but do sell their goods over the phone. Call your favorite shop and ask if it fills phone orders.

For more information on finding food online, check out message boards on popular foodie sites, like www.eGullet.org, or post your own query and see if other people have suggestions.