Why can't online vendors give honest answers?

[PrecisionFirearms]

Here is a word from a Grendel manufacturer. We quote lead times based on our best knowledge of supplies and forecast of supplies. We have continually ramped up orders for certain components in anticipation of orders but there are times just a simple parts like bolt will hold up delivery. We recently ordered 100+ barrels to help prevent shortage of barrels. They are from 3 different manufactures. One had them in 2 weeks - estimated 3 weeks, another estimated 12 weeks and shipped in 10 weeks, and another estimated 12 weeks and 18 weeks later - still no barrels! Another time we had 20 barrels in stock and expected them to last 2 weeks and they sold out in 3 days. Then we have 25 barrels in stock for going on 8 days and still have 20 barrels left. Wars have often been lost on plain, simple logistics. Supply and Demand is harder to calculate than one might expect. That is some of the reason for going with 3 different manufacturers. Now we have a receiver crunch. The $$$ in inventory get to be staggering - I know as I just completed inventory for tax purposes! And the state taxes us on inventory that is needed to maintain business - go figure!

I don't believe AA is trying to mislead anyone, they are a good company. I think we all (me guilty here, too) have a tendency to be too optimistic on lead times especially when the lead time depend on another supplier. I hear the complaints all the time and am extremely sensitive to the issue. There have been plenty of times I have run a package special to the UPS depot at 8:30 PM to make sure it left that day yet (my wife isn't too happy when I do this as it takes a hour out of my family time to do it).