None of us know what's going on behind the scenes. We think our orders go into some well oiled machine that takes the order and spits out packages on the other end. The truth is a lot of these businesses are small, sole proprietorships with no help.
(not bike related) Almost a year ago now, I placed an order for some 3D printed pipes (no, not exhaust pipes but bagpipes. You might laugh but they are light weight, relativity cheap and sound fine. I wanted a set of travel pipes that didn't mind airplane luggage dangers but I regress.) Just after placing my order Dave was diagnosed with a massive infection that settled in some hardware that had been installed after an accident years ago. He had emergency surgery and then a course of some pretty strong antibiotics. He lost his home, he almost lost his ability to walk and he has a laundry list of unfilled back orders. Now he has heart issues. There are a lot of people that are mad at him and I get that but I am not one of those. I really feel for the guy. He was trying to help the piping community by producing an entry level instrument. At least he is not taking new orders. It could happen to anyone. I still keep in touch. I hope that one day I'll get my order but I am not holding my breath.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083145191712
My guess is that quite a few of our Norton vendors are around our age and are one accident or one illness away for a major business catastrophe. Sh*t happens.