Get a Grip on Your Lead Times
How do you handle requests if you don't have inventory readily in stock?
Make sure you have a basic handle on what the lead times will be if a customer needs to place an order for items that you do not readily have in stock. There is no harm in telling them that you need to verify availability first before you commit to an order. Committing first and later finding out that you cannot deliver as needed may have terrible consequences for both you and your customer.
-Eric Priceman, Victory