[paranoidrobot]

Dried herbs/spices can be thought of and treated much like coffee beans.

Keep them in cool airtight containers in the dark. Only buy enough for a few months, many lose their potency by about 12 months or so. (It varies)

Avoid buying them from supermarkets and other big-box type stores. If you have a local asian supermarket, they probably sell a lot fresher and better quality stuff. If you don't have one, you might be able to order them online instead.

Grinding/roasting your own is better, but if that's too difficult a good asian supermarket will have pre-ground stuff that's also pretty good.

Like coffee beans, they lose their potency faster once ground.

[philodelta]

I'd also add that going to your local specialty grocery, you'll probably find that the spices there are actually cheaper as well, sometimes significantly.