Very useful link Andrew - thanks for that!
Yes, I see you're right. The impression they gave me was definitely one of a failing company. When people start giving me the run-around, are evasive and keep giving empty promises, it generally makes me think (from long, hard experience)
they're stalling to hide financial issues. I had the impression they were in trouble and about to fold, so were trying to hold onto my money without supplying the goods. Which is why I acted fast to demand repayment. If they're making such a huge loss it would explain why they have no stock - they'd have no funds to purchase it. Quite likely they're on stop with suppliers over unpaid bills too, and therefore having trouble fulfilling orders from suckers like me, who believed the "in stock" listing. [mad]