As a Buyer, I have had two instances where I was purchasing a snake with the possibility it would not be able to ship due to weather. Both times I paid half the money up front and agreed to pay the second half at such time as delivery was possible. The first time, a 3 day window opened up about two weeks after the initial payment. I paid the second installment and received the snake. The second one is still in the Seller's possession and likely won't be shipped until March due to the fact the Seller is in the Chicago area. This is how I intend to handle this situation as I become the Seller.

Not saying the OP didn't do so, but I think it is the responsibility of the Seller to make it very clear, up front, to a Buyer that there is a possibility the shipping window could close and delivery could be delayed. This should be done as early as possible when a purchase seems likely, especially if it is a first time online Buyer which again is the responsibility of the Seller to ask and know your customer. Saying it's posted in the terms is a bit too hands off bordering on lazy. Remembering there is a heightened anxiety level for a Buyer with every aspect of a first online transaction since they will never had a chance to hold, see in person, or be able to assess the general health/condition of the animal before receiving it. I think a Seller needs to go the extra mile not only to give them a comfort level, but to potentially build a repeat customer and a great Word of Mouth advocate. This industry is all about two points, reputation and quality. If you don't develop and promote the former, you may not get another chance to provide the latter.

As painful as it may be, I would refund the Buyers money and see if you can still salvage a sale in the future. I feel the OP didn't lay the ground work well enough to put all of this in the category of a difficult Buyer. Also, if you don't have any feedback for a BOI, you certainly wouldn't want your first to be negative. Just my $0.02