I find myself on the horns of a dilemma and seek advice. On 06/07/2009 I placed an order with Scotweb. An Argyll jacket and waistcoat. I ordered one of the optional colors vs. the usual black, so while this was not a bespoke item, it wasn't the usual line either. The estimate was, and is, "4 to 6 weeks to dispatch."

I was initially given an estimated dispatch date of 07/22/2009. Fine. When 07/22 rolled around, I checked the website. My order was "awaiting stock" with a new estimated delivery date of 08/14/2009. Fine.

On 08/08/2009 I wrote to ask about the reliability of that estimate, as I have an event at the end of the month that I was hoping to have the outfit for. I realize now that I should have informed Scotweb of the deadline when I ordered, but I reasoned that if they expected to deliver in 4 to 6 weeks, I had more than sufficient time. When Scotweb replied, I was given a new estimated dispatch date of 09/07/2009.

Following the advice found on Nick's sticky, I then wrote to complaints@scotwebstore.com on 08/09/2009. The reply, dated 08/09/2009 (and kudos for replying on Sunday!)was "We will check with the makers tomorrow morning, and do all we can to get this order moving."

On 08/10/2009 I received another message stating that "Our records suggest that this order is expected to ship on the 14 August 2009."

On 08/17/2009 the order was still listed as "awaiting stock." I again wrote to complaints@scotwebstore.com. This time, I received no reply. I did notice that the estimated dispatch date was changed to 08/20/2009.

Well.....that's today. The website still says "awaiting stock." and since it's mid-evening in Scotland, I doubt anyone is still in the office working the problem.

I realize that Scotweb is dependent upon their suppliers. I realize we've all been spoiled stupid by near instant availability of consumer products. But but is it reasonable to advertise that an item is expect to ship in 4 to 6 week when the item can, by all appearances, not be obtained by any means in less than 10 weeks?

So. Advice please! Am I being unreasonable? What would you do in my situation?

Thanks!