I am primarily a manufacturer, but I also wholesale some of my products, as well as retail product I import, so I think I know what I am talking about....

In ANY of the cases it is most important to be honest with your customers. You say you haven't lied to anyone....I guess I am mistaken because I thought I had read stuff like "they are done now, just looking for boxes", and similar stuff.

Since I am obviously mistaken, I will butt out now, but I just hope this experience doesn't sour customers to the point where they also don't trust those of us who DO deliver what we promise!!