I placed an order last night on the Premier site, and I was quoted 7-14 days as well. Although when I checked my order status this morning, it says it's, "preparing to ship" with the expected ship date between 10/3-10/14.
As for the activation fee, I can't comment on that since I paid it last year when I got the 5 (although I was a new customer at the time). It may also depend on your employers agreement with AT&T as well. This year, however, I'm going to try and get them to waive it once I receive and activate my 5s.