I was wondering what was going on, because Orange Pi only sells to distributors, not direct to customers.

Amazon only has a single listing for any given product, and all distributors, whether authorized or not, are under the same listing. When there's more than one distributor, you can choose which one to order from, but the buy now button follows a default.

If it isn't too late, I would highly recommend disputing through Amazon, as disputes are the only way Amazon addresses problem distributors. Many know how to game the system, so if you communicate directly with them, they will try to delay you until after the dispute period has ended.

It was the only amazon distributor as far as I know.

they were directly linked from the Orange Pi 5 website.

Its their responsibility they direct their customers to dubious distribution systems (IF THAT IS THE CASE).

We should never reward orders or preorders in any fast devaluating area (like electronics) to be reneged after inflation: this would allow manufacturers to post-select a financial path: if less inflation than expected fulfill order, if more inflation than expected renege the deal.

Orange Pi website shows for me only US Amazon Store. You should get your funds back from Amazon and order on Aliexpress.

Thats probably because of your IP address?

Also strangely, I am unable to load the https version of www.orangepi.org even though it was available in the past:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKVPWJVL?ref=myi_title_dp

I also just discovered the dropshipping policy (and necessary requirements and forbidden practices).

Either they had an agreement with Orange Pi or they didn't. Either way this gives leverage to ensure my order gets fulfilled.

If customers in EU or the west should order on Aliexpress, isn't it misleading of Orange Lie to provide Amazon links as well?

Amazon can be rather dubious, but there's not a lot of competition to chose from. Orange Pi is far too small of a company to set up their own international payment and delivery system. I have used Ali Express, and they've been pretty good at protecting me from attempted fraud.

Their decision is their decision.

I simply report what happened to me.

Orange Pi should fulfill my order, which I paid for, and still patiently await to see the board. If they feel it is the fault of Amazon (the platform of their choice) or the distributor of their choice, they can complain there and ask them for remuneration for reputational damage and cost of unfulfilled orders.

All I know, is that I paid via the Orange Pi endorsed channel and never received the board.

I have the right to warn others.

Hiding behind front company distributors to pull of inflation postselection tricks or whatever malice or incompetence it turns out to be should not be rewarded.