Originally Posted by Dan Burkhart

When I was operating my bike shop, my policy was, if you want me to order in, and you can wait till the day after I do my weekly order, shipping was free. If your order totals $300 or more, you'll get it next day,shipping is free. If you need it now, I can have it for tomorrow if I can get the order in by 3:00 pm, you pay shipping. I believe that's fair.
Of course, all of this assumes the distributor has it in stock, but nowadays, you can find that out without even making a phone call.