most pro-forms are wholesale (50% off retail usually) plus another 10%-30% off, so it isn't actually 70% off, which would be sweet. The exact percentage off varies, just take a look at the form and it should say. They are better than paying full price, but really not super duper great considering it is based off of MSRP, which is high to begin with. Clothing seems to take longer (eg orage, in my experience) and skis/bindings/boots usually arrive within 2 weeks.
It is best to call the companies directly to check their stock.  It's a bitch to order something, to find out like a week later they dont have it. The later you order, the less they have.
Sometimes you have to call a company to find out what the wholesale price is, because it isnt listed. That is usually for softgoods. Hardgoods almost always have a price on it.