If an order is placed we will do our best to fulfill it in the specified time frame, but I do not feel comfortable with making a promise to deliver by 16 December of this year. That is far too close to the 7 week time frame, and would not leave any room for error.
I understand the budgeting situation and understand your customer’s position. It would be worse for us and for you, I think, if we were to not be able to complete the shipment and were faced with order cancellation, than if we were not able to take the order in the first place.