Oh Google -- how did it come to this? The Google Nexus 4 has turned from triumph to disaster in less than half an hour.
That's how long the Nexus 4 took to sell out on Google Play, leaving some very angry potential customers struggling with a broken website and an empty shopping basket. But even if you were one of the lucky few who managed to bag a Nexus 4, your troubles ain't over...
"Thank you for your recent purchase on Google Play," Google emailed successful customers. "Due to overwhelming demand, your Nexus 4 is on backorder and is expected to ship within three weeks. We'll send you a notification when your order has shipped and will credit the shipping charges."
Three weeks?! Seriously, Google? What kind of company comes up with a flagship phone for the bargain-basement price of £239 and is then taken by surprise that loads of people want to buy it? Let's hope the keyword here is "within".
When we first saw the Nexus 4's price tag, we wondered if it was too good to be true. Turns out it is. This shambles is terrible for Google: the goodwill generated by the Nexus 4's astonishing price has evaporated in the face of incompetence in actually getting the phone into people's hands.
I hope this supply SNAFU doesn't drive phone fans to spend over the odds buying a Nexus 4 from elsewhere. Phone networks are charging much more for the phone and the privilege of locking you into a lengthy contract, which defeats the whole point of the affordable and liberated Nexus 4. Meanwhile, plenty of punters who picked up a Nexus 4 are pimping them on eBay for a hundred quid or more over the odds.
You can check where your order's up to at your Google Wallet transactions page. If you can't wait three weeks you can cancel your order: get your order number from the transactions page and paste it into Google's cancellation page.
Did you manage to bag a Nexus 4? Have you turned to another network -- or changed your mind completely about buying one? Has Google blown it? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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jopov123 16 November, 2012 12:13
Just wait a few weeks for the hype to go down and then snag one. I'm prepared to wait till the new year if possible to get a Nexus phone and a Nexus 7 32gb
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:29
A complete GFAIL! telling customers they may have to wait 3 fricking weeks. I bet there's many like me who sold there phone to get a nexus 4 and now gotta rock a tinpan no name phone with a 1inch screen for 3 weeks. FUMING!...If i knew who was responsible for this mess, I'd end up throwing a rock at their effing head!
If there back ordering then they may aswell start taking orders again so atleast they can meet the demand.
andydandy 16 November, 2012 12:41
You would look a bit of a dummy if you bought one on ebay only to find out that you had not only paid a bundle to get it but you would not actually have the phone for three weeks. Oh how we laughed. Still want one for Christmas though. My patience is worth £100.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:42
SRSLY?!
First the Big Bang, then Noah had a flood, then Jesus n stuff, then WW1, then "Thermonuclear", now this. It's a step too far. Somebody call a doctor....
Oh hold on a minute - my single brain cell has just come up with a cunning plan... I could just wait 3 weeks till I can get this lovely priced phone.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:49
What, 3 whole weeks? That's 21 days! 504 hours! 30240 minutes!! What the hell am I going to do for 30240 minutes?!? Good job I live in the Gaza strip.....there's plenty going on here to keep me occupied in the meantime.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:50
Had the Nexus 4 is available now email from Google as I'd registered, hopped straight onto the google play site and it was still showing the more info/register to be mailed when the £279.00 16Gb model becomes available..Pah not chuffin impressed!! went back on the site a very short while later and the phone has sold out and the Nexus 10 I wanted as well. Google sort your shizzle out as this almost annoys me enough to say bollox and get an Iphone 5 and an Ipad!! FFS!!
When will more stock become available? I bet our greedy colonial cousins across the pond had more success!
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:52
Like many I'm pretty annoyed at Google and the way they went about selling the Nexus 4.
It was a shambles from the start, from no clear time about when it would go on sale in which country, to the madness trying to buy one on the Play Store...I expected far better from a company the size of Google. It doesn't bode well for a company that's trying to encourage cloud services.
I couldn't get past the "enter credit card" stage on the 13th of November so I'll have to wait for the next batch of stock. I'm not convinced Google will be able to meet the backorders in three weeks let alone offer new stock...infact I think I'll be lucky to get a Nexus 4 this year.
I don't normally get excited about mobile phones but I was looking forward to this particular one, but after all the problems I'm wondering if I should bother at all...I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking the same.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:53
I think Google kinda ruin this, because you want to be one of the first who has the phone, so you struggle with a crappy site, then pay and for what? 3 Weeks? seriously?
At least Apple tell that before payment,
Get your stuff together Google.-
Neill75 16 November, 2012 13:08
If I were a cynical man.... and I am, I would say this has all been as cunning as one of Baldricks masterplans. Google have got together around the table with O2 and Carphonewarehouse and dreamt up this lavish plan to get us all excited by the Nexus 4's stat's and price, then oh dear, they've run out..... My arse!
Don't play into their hands and wait a while, there'll be another super duper blower just around the corner.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 13:51
I don't get why it's such a"disaster" for this to happen to Google and nothing is said about Apple and their stock issues with the iPhone 5. Their stock issues are so much worse. It's been nearly two months since its launch and it still doesn't ship for "2-3 weeks." Why single Google out for this and not mention Apple?
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:02
Do you people realise that the same thing happened to apple? If anything it has been worse with the launch of the iphone 5. Besides I don't know what people were expecting because this crap happens to google on every single big launch.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:16
@16 November, 2012 13:51 - because the sun shines out of Apple's arse. Or it would, if it had one. Apple can do no wrong. They are perfect, and to ruffle their feathers over such petty things just isn't cricket. Google, however, are fair game.
Damn you, Google for making such a fantastic device that it sold out. DAMN YOU! How DARE you sell out? I haven't even ordered one, but still, DAMN YOU! From now on, I'm calling you Poogle to show my utter disdain and discombobulation at this disgraceful and contemptuous OUTRAGE...
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:22
@Neill75 16 November, 2012 13:08
Of course it's completely premeditated PR scam. They will have known well in advance that the phone wasn't ready to ship for another 3 to 4 weeks. They will have known the numbers available, because they placed the orders with LG and will be fully aware of the production and supply rates.
Lots of hype, lots of publicity over the "so called" selling out of all phones (my backside), plus media frenzy = lots of PR on the basis that all publicity is good publicity.
Unfortunately they are making us, the eager customers for the Nexus 4, look like a load of chumps..
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:35
The Apple supply problems mentioned above are for a completely different reasons.
Firstly they had production difficulties, because of the higher degree of complexity in assembly and in meeting the high level of quality control.
Secondly, the initial difficulty of getting high enough yield rates on the completely new type of thin screen.
Thirdly, meeting the unprecedented demand, both from pre-orders and orders since the launch.
If reports are to be believed, then they are starting to catch up with demand, but the waiting time is still a couple of weeks.
Analysts are saying that Apple will sell around 46 million iPhonein this quarter alone (i.e. up to the end of December.
CaptainPicard 16 November, 2012 14:45
(This is unrelated)
Did anyone else see the Toshiba Advert on the CNET website? I really hate the way it pops out, my computer crashed. Please get rid of it Rich. Thanks.
And I agree with what anonymous 16 November, 2012 12:49 said.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:47
Its a good way of dealing with the ebay tools who were looking to make a quick buck! Ebays rules state you can't sell something you don't physically have yet so any bidders will be able to cancel
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:47
i went to google's shop to buy it.... as many others i was lucky enough to not buy it. just heard HTC 1080p phone is about to come. specs looks amazing... now i am gonna hold on for a moment and may be buy a 1080p phone rather than google's crap. they need to put their house in order first before start selling a phone.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 14:57
@anonymous 14:35 'apple meeting the high level of quality' shut up! The ifail 5 is no higher quality than most smartphones, fact!
CaptRimmer 16 November, 2012 15:13
I think this article is a little unfair. Whenever Apple launches a new phone/pad/pod there is always a waiting list of about 2 weeks and nobody bats an eye lid. Ok 3 three weeks is a week longer but if you really want a product, it's worth waiting for.
I think Google has got this phone in terms of price and spec absolutely on the money, hence it's popularity. Next time I'm sure they won't be caught out.
Cheers.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 15:20
The difference with Apple is that they tell you before you buy that delivery is 2-3 weeks or whatever. Say what you will about Apple (and my issues with them and the iPhone 5 I could go on about for a long time) but that is a hell of a lot more courteous than taking your money and then dropping you a message that you're stuck waiting for 3 weeks. So yes as far as I am concerned it is a fail on Google's part (not a huge fail but a fail nonetheless), and something which Apple has managed better - which I can't believe I just said!
The fact that Apple also let you pre-order - I cannot for the life of me understand why Google wouldn't let you do that!?
I'm still getting the Nexus 4, I am just going to have to be a bit more patient.
I very much doubt it's a coincidence that the delivery date (and I am guessing probably the time at which they will get their next batch of stock in) is around the same time as O2's 1 month exclusivity thing ends....
anonymous 16 November, 2012 15:51
Seriously thinking twice about whether I want to buy the Nexus 4 or waiting for a better phone next year.
The way Google Play handle this was laughable. Even Amazon can do better with their Good Friday Lightening deals, at least the system doesn't crash.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 16:00
Worst piece of poor journalism I've seen for a while.
People who ordered quickly will get the phone. What's the problem?
If this was Apple you'd be shouting about the amazing demand.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 16:07
First world problems to say the least! Chill out everyone
anonymous 16 November, 2012 16:10
I had one delivered, i saw the crazy prices on ebay and would have been stupid not to put it on and wait a few weeks to get one. I sold it for £430 and will keep my s3 until there is more stock.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 16:36
Here we go again. When an Apple product slops out it's a triumph but whenever it's a Google or Android product it's a disgrace and a joke.
Seriously sick of nonsense like this on this site now in both comments and the pointless articles.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 16:39
I had my worries about them selling it on the 13....
Rich Trenholm 16 November, 2012 17:17
"Worst piece of poor journalism I've seen for a while. People who ordered quickly will get the phone. What's the problem? If this was Apple you'd be shouting about the amazing demand."
Thanks for that insightful and incisive comment, Anonymous, but if you're read the article you'd see that the 3-week wait refers to those who DID manage to buy the phone. Given as there were no pre-orders and it sold out in 30 minutes, how early are you taking about? Also, we are celebrating the amazing demand - the problem is Google's inability to deal with that demand.
CaptRimmer, it's a different situation with the iPhone - that's available from all the networks and you can walk into any of thousands of Apple stores and phone shops and walk out with an iPhone. Whereas the Nexus 4 is only available from a handful of places, and everywhere else apart from Google Play is more expensive. And I'm baffled why Google let this happen - as other commenters have pointed out, why didn't Google do pre-orders so it could gauge demand? The whole thing's a mess
Late8 16 November, 2012 17:25
One reason:
MARKETING PLOY. Hype Hype Hype
I seriously cant believe Google are THAT dumb they didnt have enough.
+
Notice how 02 and friends arent out of stock
+
Notice how it sold out world wide in the same 20-30min windows.
hmmmm
CaptainPicard 16 November, 2012 18:33
Patience is a virtue. Google could have done a lot of things better, but the wait is worth it. Those considering getting alternative Android and Windows phones need to remember this phone will be one of the first in line to get updates from Google, so it will feel like a new phone every year. So essentially for £239, and waiting perhaps 2+ months, your getting 3 phones. Most Android and Windows devices aresold with no info on updates.
Plus this phone was unveiled 19 days ago- when most phones Android phones are revealed it takes atleast 2 months for it to be available to consumers. (with the exception of the S3, which also had delivery issues because one colour was more popular than the other)
anonymous 16 November, 2012 18:56
"Notice how 02 and friends arent out of stock"
If they're dearer then that's not really a surprise.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 19:01
Rich Trenholme "why didn't Google do pre-orders so it could gauge demand? The whole thing's a mess"
You were probably one of the people who complained when the Nexus 7 was available on pre-order and some customers had to wait. Whatever Google do some people will moan.
Creating a great product and not being able to supply all demand instantly is hardly a cause for a headline like the one above.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 19:01
The reason why it "sold out" roughly about the same time in each of the half dozen countries it was launched in, is because it didn't sell out at all. They simply closed the doors and put up the "sold out" signs.
Demand is high, but supplies for direct sale are limited. There are networks (e.g. O2 and T Mobile ) and other resellers who have contracts for stock. They have got the first supplies and those members of the public who shopped online at the Play Store will have to wait.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 20:58
Be fair, be balanced and be patient. This phone or any other gadgets are not perfect nor are any stakeholders.
But I guess on balance this phone is better than any other smartphone available this year.
With the benefit of hindsight, things could have been better but I am going to live few more weeks and get this phone.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 21:04
crybaby. 3 weeks, great phone, suck it up.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 22:32
I have a feeling part of the blame lies with LG (Lie's Good). They have a horrible record when it comes to mobile phones.
anonymous 16 November, 2012 22:44
Not everyone who ordered it is having this problem. I was lucky enough to get an order in before they sold out, and the phone arrived two days later. Why are people expecting them to have an infinite amount of stock?
anonymous 16 November, 2012 23:17
one fundamental thing that peeves me about this fiasco was the decision NOT to limit the number per person - ebay has had several auctions including copies of receipts as proof that they will get the devices from google to sell on at an exorbitant mark up showing 5, 10 or more devices sold to an individual.
anonymous 17 November, 2012 00:25
rubbish google- I waited and now I'm taking my money elsewhere. I had a go with a nexus 4 (they have them at the O2 shop at the arena). The screen is nice- better than the S3 but not as sharp as the iphone5. The camera is good but not as good as the ONe X. Raw jelly bean is good. But hte phone is thicker than i was expecting and I'm not convinced what would happen to that glass back (the person in the shop recommended buying a bumper). Nice size screen though- but having seen it, unless I could get it at the advertised price I'm going to give it a miss. There are other phones I'd rather have.
Raja Az Rajput 17 November, 2012 00:29
FACT:
Google,O2,CWH, as well as CNET and Apple are all scum companies !
Lying deceiving looting cooperation !
But no doubt that the Nexus 4 is an awesome phone, and ill be waiting for it
and agree with most of the comments, was so looking forward to buying it on the 13th.
Almost sold my phone beforehand, thankfully i didnt
anonymous 17 November, 2012 00:33
I waited to pick up the nexus 7 and 4 at the same time, but when this happened I decided to get Samsung tab2 10.1 else where and may decide to get the S3 in two weeks time when they drop the price to £295 to catch Google off guard with this ridiculous fall from grace. All the hype has left a bitter taste in my mouth
anonymous 17 November, 2012 00:56
What was even more disgraceful as the limit per customer was...8?
Seriously, what the f***? There is only one reason people who buy 8 of them, and that is to make a profit. F***ing terrible decision by someone at Google HQ, it just meant that so many genuine buyers didn't get a chance to grab one for a decent price and are now forced to pay over the odds on ebay, or wait a millenia for new stock (and hope that they don't raise the price between now and then).
anonymous 17 November, 2012 03:33
Did the phone sell out: yes...
And a lot of people who really wanted it couldn't purchase one: yes.
Is it annoying: yes.
Okay those are facts. Now people just MOVE ON WITH YOUR LIVES. It's not the end of the world. Stop acting like brats. It's only a freaking phone
Craig Barratt 17 November, 2012 11:39
In the long term you'll all be thanking Google for introducing a phone that changes the whole tied in to a network culture, I will wait patiently and get my nexus 4, then kiss goodbye to my 2 year lock in. Nobody here knows what caused the issue with getting this phone out but I'm just glad it exists at all.
anonymous 17 November, 2012 11:56
There are loads of Nexus 4's available for immediate collection or delivery if you are prepared to pay £399 on PAYG or sign up to a 2 year contract.
They certainly haven't sold out at all except at Google's own Play Store.
How many did Google make available through their store on day 1 ?
A few thousand in each country?
anonymous 17 November, 2012 12:00
@Craig Barratt 17 November, 2012 11:39
"In the long term you'll all be thanking Google for introducing a phone that changes the whole tied in to a network culture".
I don't think so Craig. This route has been available for a long time and is nothing new, but the majority of consumers still sign up to long contracts, or opt for PAYG.
Don't forget that the fuss over the Nexus is limited to tech fans and geeks like us who read these web sites and forums. The overwhelming majority of people have never heard of it.
anonymous 17 November, 2012 13:00
If Google sold the Nexus 4 for $1 and hand delivered them some people would still complain that they phones are not made of solid gold.
anonymous 17 November, 2012 13:24
Tried to get one (several times in the basket before the Play store crashed out...). Probably still will get one when they come back in stock - but why didn't Google limit it to 1 per customer?? Finally - to anyone paying well over the odds for one off eBay - you're daft!
anonymous 17 November, 2012 14:19
Just got 1 Sim free from 02, works with my T-Mobile Sim! The phone is awesome.
Dave Phipp 17 November, 2012 19:14
oh no a 3 week wait? big deal. I'm sure everyone has phones they can use while they wait for this. I'm definitely happy to wait to get a bargain!
anonymous 18 November, 2012 00:15
Some of these comments are pathetic! 3 weeks and so what?! Some people on this planet can't have a proper food for a 3 weeks and you fun boys complaining about delivery time, this is only phone!
anonymous 18 November, 2012 02:39
I think the issue for some (like myself) is that orders are simply missing. I bought mine at 8:35am PST and got a confirmation but never got an e-mail saying it was being shipped or back-ordered. After e-mailing/calling customer service multiple times they simply told me to "keep checking back."
I agree that this isn't an issue like world hunger but it is important that Google Play has an issue with traceability. For them to now "know" what's going on with an order almost one week after it's placed is inexucasable.
anonymous 18 November, 2012 08:39
Preposterous. It's not "inexcusable", nor is it a disaster, disgraceful or outrageous. What it is, is a 'phone with high specifications and a low price which sold out. In three weeks, you'll have your 'phone and will have forgotten the wait.
The only disgraceful thing is the absurd brouhaha caused when a non-Apple company does the precise thing Apple does, but for which Apple get little or no criticism.
Bloody hypocrites.
anonymous 18 November, 2012 10:54
No it's nothing like how Apple operates.
When demand for Apple products is high, the waiting time is clearly shown before you order.
In this case the Google Play Store closed its doors almost immediately, saying "Sold Out", having probably only sold a few thousand Nexus 4's.
Stocks were clearly very limited at the Play Store from the beginning, but Google gave no indication of this.
In the meantime, there is no shortage of Nexus 4's available for immediate delivery, if you are prepared to buy elsewhere or take up an expensive 2 year contract.
They are not "sold Out" as in huge demand blah blah. They are "Sold Out" because Google were only prepared to sell a limited number at the lower price via their Play Store. They have made large numbers of these phones available to the phone networks and other resellers.
ericklamothe 19 November, 2012 09:58
The delay in offering this device is not the biggest threat to the Nexus 4. Its biggest threat comes from within its own camp. Due to the LG Optimus 4X HD not having been marketed properly unlike the Samsung Galaxy SIII, the 4X HD is now available for less than £300 SIM free and this device includes a micro SD card slot and a large battery, which might appeal over the Nexus 4.
anonymous 19 November, 2012 11:48
I goy mine 8 GB last Thursday. Seems very lucky, but I was trying 16 GB during that 20 min and couldn't get throgh the payement page than suddenly I was tru when I tried the 8 GB. Its now working with 3, Awesome.
anonymous 19 November, 2012 13:05
v dissapointed. got galaxy note 2 for less on contract instead. what a balls up!
anonymous 19 November, 2012 15:17
Eric Schmidt is now off my Christmas card list....or maybe I should send one after Christmas and he can have it within 3 weeks!?!?
anonymous 19 November, 2012 16:55
The uproar over this on CNET is more embarrassing than when CNET desperately tried to make out that Windows Phone 7 users were outraged that they wouldn't get upgrades to Windows Phone 8 when in reality very few people were actually bothered.
And yet, when an Apple product sells out, all people can do is praise the company?
Embarrassing.
anonymous 22 November, 2012 17:06
New stock for new orders will not be available for at least 6 weeks (3 weeks to sort out the back orders and another 3 weeks for any new stock) - then it will only be at the same levels as it was when the orders first became available - so the shambles will have several weeks still to run. I was first on the site and didn't manage to get an order in so i think the actual stock levels were pitifully low when it was released. I'd advise any one to look elsewhere and not get caught up in this sham.
anonymous 17 December, 2012 12:15
I ordered one, said 1-2 weeks. I've had 2 emails after moaning about others ordering hours after me having theirs sent out first, and was told mine would definitly arrive before christmas. Now they are backtracking and saying it will be 4-5 weeks!! I'm really angry!
anonymous 10 January, 2013 15:15
nexus 4 is my best phone and the htc one x+, the two are beast
Santosh Seth 27 January, 2013 16:38
Ordered mine on 10th December 2012 and got it on 22nd January 2013.
anonymous 7 March, 2013 08:55
it took only 2 days for my nexus to arrive
just count it as your bad luck