geraldrc,
I had a similar experience about 5 years ago. Ordered a limited-stock kit plus doo-dads for around $500 total. They were told to ship UPS, but they shipped FEDEX Ground. Same "one of those left at the door deals." I was told that they had an agreement with FEDEX giving FEDEX 30 days to locate the shipment. In other words "the customer doesn't count." In 30 days the kit would have been sold-out. Sorry about that Mr Customer![>:] After several weeks and hours of hassling, they finally agreed to replace the order. NitroPlanes? Heck no! It was none other than TOWER HOBBIES!!!!!
It looks like the "fortune cookie" can crumble any which way, regardless who you order from. But you're correct when you say that ordering from the bigger outfits is much less risky.
BTW, my order from NITRO was supposed to go UPS and when the confirmation showed FEDEX GROUND I started praying.
But it came thru OK.
R.C.