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Nexus 4 further shipping delays but Google set to improve

Categories Google Nexus LG
Author by Debbie Turner December 1, 2012
2,411 22

Since the release of the much-awaited Google Nexus 4 made by LG, the saga of supplies not meeting demand has escalated almost daily. Although it has been a smash-hit there have been rumblings of discontent over the way Google has handled online sales after it sold out almost instantly. Today we hear that Nexus 4 shipping dates have been further delayed but there’s also news that Google is set to improve its online shopping experience by acquiring a delivery startup.

This pure vanilla Android smartphone running the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system (now upgradable to 4.2.1) was always going to be popular and we have posted several times now about the difficulties in ordering and delayed shipping as demand continues to outstrip supply. Stock of the Nexus 4 on the first day of online sales with Google Play sold remarkably quickly without even leaving customers an option to order one for delivery at a later date. A few days ago new stock went on sale through Google Play but the system was at first overwhelmed and very quickly dates for shipping were pushed back several weeks.

You could say that those in the US were fortunate though, as at least they are still able to order the 8GB or 16GB versions through Google Play for later delivery, even if that’s some weeks away. However those trying to order in the UK are still met with a message saying ‘sold out’ and to check back soon with no order option available at all. The day after sales resumed in the US the shipping time for the 8GB Nexus 4 was already 8 to 9 weeks, while the 16GB Nexus 4 had a shipping time of between 4 and 5 weeks, thus putting Christmas availability out of the frame.

Looking at the status of the Nexus 4 in the US Google Play Store today reveals that the shipping time of the 16GB Nexus 4 has now been pushed back further to between 6 and 7 weeks, according to Droid-Life. This is only 3 days since it was showing at 4 to 5 weeks, so more doom and gloom for potential customers. Both the 8GB or 16GB versions of the Nexus 4 look now to be out of reach until 2013 and if you order over the next days or weeks that time is likely to be pushed back even further, going by current ordering experience.

Maybe these supply woes have inspired Google to begin beefing up its online order and delivery system though as we also hear that Google has just acquired a startup company. Canada-based BufferBox is a locker and storage company that allows customers to pick up parcels at a time and place that suits them. BufferBox can supply Amazon customers, with a Bufferbox address instead of a home or work address for delivery and then will email the customer to tell them when the shipment can be collected. The customer then simply uses a dedicated PIN to go to the locker and pick up the item. Presumably if Google has purchased BufferBox then the locker company will soon be providing this service to Google Play Store customers too.

An article on Pop Herald points out that currently Google is selling the Nexus 4 phone as well as the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10 tablets online and that its online service could be made more flexible and speedy by using BufferBox. In the case of the Nexus 4 though we’d say that the sheer shortage of stock is what has caused the problem rather than the order and delivery system though the acquisition of BufferBox could enhance future product launches. However Pop Herald does make a good point when it says that Google could be about to expand its online ordering goods.

We’re always interested to hear what our readers think so let us know what you think about the Nexus 4 supply situation. Do you think Google acquiring BufferBox is a step in the right direction for future launches? Are you one of the customers who’ve been fortunate enough to order but have a long time to wait? Maybe you’re frustrated that you haven’t even got the option to order yet? Let us know with your comments.

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22 thoughts on “Nexus 4 further shipping delays but Google set to improve”

  1. applebite says:

    Here we go again going over the same old crap just to get a quick buck when are you doing another jailbreak story this is the last time I visit your site!

    1. Ryan Brown says:

      No one wants to read about childish things like iOS sorry. I honestly find it funny that you users have to “jailbreak” just to be able to install and do things Android can out of the box.

  2. NH Murph says:

    NH Murph
    Yes I am one og those nexus 4 shoppers purchased phone got conformation # 5 to 9 weeks delevery cc card will not be charged until time of delevery. no way to track your purchase and delevery time.

          1. Tyler says:

            I ordered mine a day later on the 28th when it said 4-5 weeks. Now it says 6-7 weeks. Wondering if this is on a first come, first serve basis or if I really will have to wait a month or longer. Like sanket, my fingers are definitely crossed
            .

  6. Courtenay Inchbald says:

    I suspect Google, the World’s most informed company, fully anticipated this situation, knew that the price would cause more demand than it could meet but went ahead in order to establish a performance to price level that undermined the value propositions of Apple and/or Windows 8 phones over Christmas.

  7. Steve S says:

    If Google can send regular deliveries to the major phone suppliers (Carphone Warehouse are receiving reqular stocks and have no stock issues with the N4 why can’t Google supply its main customer base via Play – or do they make more money supplying the big multi-nationals – so much for their plan to break the phone companies monopoly. I suspect they are not being entirely truthful re the availability of stocks – preferring to keep the suppliers cartel sweet.

    Yes I would still very much like one but with the Samsung S3 availabe on Amazon for £349 then I might just go there – after all they are both high end phones and the Galaxy 3 is as good with the bonus of expandable memory and a user replaceable battery.

    Steve

  10. Chris Winkley says:

    Jailbreak , iOS , apple ? Why you commenting on a nexus4 article ? Apple has top notch hardware but the facts are android is as smooth but infinitely more powerful, its also better looking (pure android) and its level of customisation is amazing . iOS you can change your wallpaper ? That’s it lmao no launcher , widgets, live wallpapers? The list goes on! Nice hardware but android is even catching the quality of the iPhone with the nexus 4, HTC one X and one S ..
    But who cares not us droid heads we know the score and iPhone fans who change to droid love the new crop of android phones like the Gnotenote2 , nexus 4 etc.., my m8 was iPhone from day one now he has an s3 and absolutely loves it.

  11. Ibrahim says:

    My both brothers bought my 4 nexus 4 on 29 Nov. and will be shipped with 4-5 weeks. Then, my brothers will ship them backhome (Saudi). Eventually, I made it as I was trying to buy it since the day one.

  12. Steve Pietanze says:

    I ordered a Nexus 7 on the 13th of Nov. got it relatively fast. Then ordered a Nexus 4 on Nov 30th, however on Dec 1st my Chase card alerted me of fraudulent charges made on it by someone in Nigeria so my card had to be cancelled and another was issued with a new number. Called Google on Dec 2nd to let them know of the card problem and offered several other cards on my Google Wallet but it looks like I might lose my whole order and have to start all over again. Not sure why I should be punished for card fraud that wasn’t my fault especially when I contacted Google and offered another payment card.

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