Delayed Shipping

I wish I would have know about these forums before I placed my order for a "scratch n dent" Latitude 3540. The website showed four available at the time of purchase and while the website reflected to show 3 left (indicating my successful purchase), my order has been delayed and states "in production." I know people have said this many times, but I'm not sure how the item can be in production or delayed for shipping when this is an already assembled item in limited quantity? Other discussions have mentioned part delays. Is this the case for a scratch n dent laptop too? I just don't understand! If there were only four of these things left, what is taking so long to send them out once somebody orders them?

I absolutely need this laptop by the 17th so I can complete my school work while on holiday. From what I have been reading it seems like that will not happen. Hopefully someone from Dell will read this and actually care about my concerns. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all.