JosephMCorbett, this message pertains to this thread and your locked thread.
We use BigAl's regularly and never had a problem with returns, damages, or missing items, one case of each in aprox two years and over a dozen orders of dealing with BigAl's, we've always been notified of out-of-stock items and never had a billing problem.
In each case customer service handled'em as quickly as the phone, E-Mail, UPS and the USPS could provide service. Note, we contact by phone and E-Mail and fully document time, persons name and situation whenever we have a problem with anyone for anything, this helps when the person on the other end knows your on top of things, taking names and asking questions, whether it be the Creditcard company or PizzaHut.
BigAl's is a very big on-line retailer and has been the target of scams due to some of their unquestioning customer service in the past, some practices have changed and seldom do they just immediately ship another <<insert>> out as in the past. For instance, we had a filter arrive damaged, they sent a package service out to pick it up, got it back, inspected it and shipped a new one to us ASAP, a extra week +- a day, we needed it but we made do.....
Customer service/order processing (mistakes happen) and warehouse/shipping (always some jerk willing to throw whatever in the box

) are never going to be perfect.
I'm sorry to hear you've had problems, they've always been good to us.
I suggest you call and email, if not staisfied with operator aske for manager, go up the line till you are satisfied their working to fix your problem.
Or simply tell'em that its insufficient, that you'll challenge the creditcard if its not fixed or refunded and that you'll take your business elsewhere, do this without ever raising your voice or getting flustered and I find you get your way 90% of time
We will continue to use Bigal's when their price beats another on-line competitor, and we do use other on-line retailers.
Last friday I placed orders with BigAl's for a 50' Python and Carbon and with ForYourFish.com for two Won Brothers Pro Heat IC Titanium heaters, got the ForYourFish.com order wednesday and BigAl's today, both as ordered and in great condition.
We use other on-line retailers, its generally whoever has the best combination in price & shipping fees, but we also look closely beforehand at customer reviews, terms of sale, available contact info (never buy from a retailer who doesn't have contact info other than website and E-Mail, verifiable address and PH# is a must!) and whether or not their local Better Business Bureau has any hits on'em.
Buyer Beware!