Thank you for giving me that explanation. I have never had to be a purchaser for a retail business, so now I have a much better understanding.
My LQS at the time was just getting started out and she often ordered fabric from discontinued lines because they were cheaper. I didn't know this when I purchased several yards of the coordinating fabric to the line. That is when I started searching for it. I was thrilled to find it on the web, but because it was an older line, I bet that is why so many places sold out and did not restock.
Next time, if I find that the fabric I want is back-ordered, I will try to get it wherever I can and then cancel the back-order. Thanks!
(I believe wholeheartedly in "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" so keep squeaking away and being a PEST! Your customers will thank you.)