I think it's OK for a "reputable" company to charge the card before the item is shipped, if their computer checks that the items are in stock first.
I would not disagree too much with this. However, as mentioned above, I am OK with a "reputable" company charging the card before the item is shipped, if their computer checks that the items are in stock first.
This is why I never use Paypal for any transaction other than with a "reputable" dealer. By reputable, I mean Summit Racing, Classic Industries, etc. In fact, I really don't use them much anymore at all.