Sadly, the tender is a story repeated for decades with this importer. Since we are being clandestine to keep the thread open, I waited almost 7 years for my articulated model and the stories and excuses were as good as the model turned out to be. But, I swore off that importer or any who requires large deposits and interim payments.
I like how Lee Marsh and Key Import does it. Small deposit up front and balance due upon completion. I got tired of my money financing a project.
BH