just forget that you are ordering something, and get surprised when it is finally ready. I once ordered a custom boots for almost 2 years with a lot of silence in between, and with a little problem because they sent a photo and in the photo I can see a major flaw, and they changed the workshop to make a new one and I paid them extra cost over the initial agreement just to make it happen out of limbo, but finally it was done and I'm happy with it now nearly 10 years after and still my most worn boots, so perhaps it leaves a bit sour taste but not in the long run eventually I move on and love the object for what it is.