the best explanation I can think of is the inventory issue. You'd think that would be easy enough for the personnel to explain to you, though in truth they probably don't know themselves! Anyway, I looked briefly at the Omaha Steaks website and it seems they're having a free shipping promo now (you have to spend, I believe, $75, but the package you're describing sounds like it must cost more than that) so go stock up! :D