Apple trade-in Likewise

Traded in iPhone through Apple trade in and Likewise. Likewise received phone and agreed to value that was initially quoted. Likewise said Apple would make payment within 5 working days via email. It’s now been 7 working days and I emailed Likewise who said they would contact Apple who would have to cancel the gift card and resend which will take longer than the original 5 days.

I don’t understand how and electronic process can take so long and then even longer when the card doesn’t arrive. Can anyone help me, is there anything or anyone within Apple that can expedite the process