The SIM-Free Google Nexus 4 is fast becoming something of a tech unicorn, with stock selling out within seconds on the Play Store and virtually no other retailers offering the handset to buy outright. The reason for the lack of availability? That’s LG’s faulty, says Google.
Dan Cobley, Managing Director at Google UK and Ireland, has spoken out to apologise to would-be customers about the lack of stock, delays and other issues. He issued a statement describing the whole ordeal as “unacceptable”, and noting that stock from the manufacturer – that’s LG – is “scarce”.
Some customers originally received an email to say that delivery of their device would take place within 3-5 days, which soon passed with no sign of the fabled device. Google has apologised for this issue, and offered a refund on the somewhat ludicrous £9-odd shipping fees. Furthermore, these orders are said to be going through the fulfilment process right now and so should be delivered shortly.
The letter in full reads as follows;
“Dear all
I know that what you are going through is unacceptable and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue. Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce, and our communication has been flawed. I can offer an unreserved apology for our service and communication failures in this process.
For those that originally received a 3-5 days shipping estimate, your orders are now in process for fulfillment. You can expect an email notification early this week which will include tracking information. Although you will be initially charged in full, you will receive a credit for the shipping charge soon after.
For others that received pre-Christmas shipping estimates, we anticipate processing your orders for fulfillment this week.
I realise that the people who ordered the Nexus 4 so early are among our most committed and loyal users and we are doing all we can to put things right.
Sorry again.
Dan”
Here at Gadget Helpline we ordered two of the 16GB models at the same time, with one noted to be delayed and the other in the fulfilment process, so there doesn’t seem to be much of a pattern to how orders are being processed.
SIM-free stock of the Nexus 4 sold out originally back in November, and then again through the Play Store in early December. The handset is available to buy at a serious mark-up of £389 from Carphone Warehouse, or on contract through O2.