Any question answered...

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Orders for Bikes/Frames etc received before 16:00hrs (UK Time) will normally be processed and dispatched within 48-72 workings hours (Excluding Weekends and Public Holidays) as they require building

All orders are sent via Courier on a recorded service, details and rates can be found at the bottom of this page

Order Processing Times quoted are only estimates however we do aim to complete all orders within a maximum of five working days
[/FONT]

still, does not answer my question of:

should a company take money before it despatches an item?

nor does it answer why they said (in email) that it would be despatched on thursday when it hasn't been.