They have no tracking numbers because they never shipped. You always get the number the same day. Sometimes the info is not available but you get at least a number.
Actually that is not always the case, it depends on how they get the packages to DHL. In the example I quoted earlier, if you use an
HK forwarder and release the shippment from Hong Kong Port, then it's only once the packages are on the hands of DHL in HK that you can start tracking online (also depends on where you generate the paperwork before you even know the tracking number).
There are tons of things that can delay the white van driver to get to HK in the first place, customs would be one of them if the export papers are not in order.
Especially this being the first time they do such a shipment, there might be a bit of a learning curve and the pre-orders are the victim. Valuable time could get lost this way, but there is not much that can be done. I would also not start posting publicly about such a goof up, I'd try to fix things first...
I think there is a large culture difference between how US and Chinese companies handle their communications, either publish everything in the open with pictures and make loads of noise versus getting things done, ability and perseverance in the face of hardship.
Could it possibly be that they are unwilling to risk large numbers of ASIC devices and instead used Jeff and the Bitcoin foundations device as the pilot package to figure out where the troubles might be with customs?
If so, then they probably did ship the two packages but are waiting to see the results before risking the rest of the batch by putting it in transit through customs. Perhaps in the meantime they are building the other units and waiting for the results?