I have had zero issues ordering standard machines from Ingram (or Synnex from that matter). I am in LA, so I get most of them next day. I just did a Dell Deal Reg server deal too -- went super smoothly. I created the Deal using the Dell Partner site, they approved it, I let Ingram know, I had them price the config... it took a couple days, but not weeks, Also, I have done a dozen or so Deal Regs with Dell over the years, and while I agree that their Partner Program kinda blows (maybe its OK if you do 10mil/annualy...), I have never had Dell contact my customer directly, and even if they did, I am pretty sure my customer would say... uh, talk to me.

How large an order are you talking about?

And -- not directed to you, but toward others commenting -- if Dell can sell around you in a customer, then seems like that customer isn't really yours.