Are they non-profit simply because they couldn't make one if they tried?

Last week I wanted to order some software from my campus computer store so I sent an email asking how to do it. They responded that I could not order the software, but rather needed to wait until it was in stock and purchase it in the store. Never fear, the next shipment was expected the following day. However, when I went to the store they informed me that all of the disks were sold-out.

"Really?" I asked. "You sold all of them in four hours?"

"Actually," the guy replied, "we pre-sold all of them over the phone."

Excuse me?

When I explained my predicament they informed me that the email was correct. One cannot pre-order the software. However, you can put your name on a list and when the software arrives, they will call and you can secure your disks with a credit card.

I did not bother to ask why they hadn't included such in the email. Rather, I just gave them my name and phone number and hoped for the best. Two weeks later, they called to say the software was in stock and they would hold the cd's until the end of the day. When I offered them my credit card number, they refused.

"We've discontinued that policy," they said.

"But, but, but! I've already left campus! And you just called! And the store closes in two hours!"

"Sorry, ma'am, but that's our policy."

Five minutes after arriving home, I am now grabbing my keys to go back to school. No doubt that by the time I get to the store, they will have sold the remaining CD's over the phone.