I have 4 Costcos near me and I have been calling each of them daily for days trying to get my hands on this thing. 3 out of 4 are no longer putting people on the waitlist. Everyone I've spoken to seems to be pretty in the dark regarding new shipments, which I understand.
My question is, has anyone else ordered the phone through Costco.com? I'm prepared to do this right now but don't want to wait two weeks. I'm pretty sure I can get it in the next 4 days if I keep calling. My plan is to do the 2-day express shipping, but I've heard someone else other than Kath00 report similar news regarding long delivery times.
Whats up Yankee, I've been absent for a while but this Bionic may make me a regular again!
Just chilling homey, how you doing SoDroid? Glad to see we got ya back. If you've been waiting for a great device, the Bionic is def it. Not that there aren't other great ones already out and coming, but if you need something now like I did, it's a welcomed member of the family.
I truly have no idea how long the website is taking to ship. I'm sure they're on as short a supply as we are, though. I don't think it was anticipated how well received this deal was going to be. But I do know that this deal isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Patience is a virtue well rewarded.
Costco's deal might sound too good to be true because it is for most of us. Allow me to explain.
Local Costco in metro Detroit sold out of Bionics in a couple of hours at launch. Promised 15 more at every local store this week, Mon or Tues. No rainchecks. I went on Mon. Didn't come. Called this morning. They have been updated that they will receive exactly 3 per store sometime this week. Again, no rainchecks. There are twelve people on some kind of list to be called when the phones arrive but they will not hold phones for anyone.
Wireless Advocates is a the Washington-based vendor that sells phones at Costco. Sounds like a crappy way to draw people to their booth. Bait and switch? (I can hear it now.. "...but we do have plenty of thunderbolts on hand....")
I can def understand the frustration. When such a good deal presents itself, everyone wants in. Unfortunately everyone is vying for a product that is currently limited. As far as I can tell, most if not all Costcos only received six units in. Costco sells phones at better prices and with more incentives than other retailers, and our customers are very accustomed to this. It was unknown how well received this deal, Costco's highest price point phone to date, was going to be. They didn't want to order 20,000 units only to sell half of them.
We've gotten multiple shipments and have sold out each time. We're hoping to get an awful lot more come Thursday, but there is no guarantee. Hope to know more when I work tomorrow. Fear not, this deal isn't going anywhere just yet. Just keep up to date with your local Costco or online. A couple weeks is worth the wait for a great deal on a phone and accessories that will be yours for the next 20 months minimum.
And while I can see why there would be skepticism regarding anyone in sales, I can assure you our company doesn't push anyone to sell a device that a customer doesn't want or need. While our company doesn't, I can't speak for what happens at every kiosk. I know that at ours, we all feel the same way. That is to stand behind the name Wireless Advocates. We're not just someone behind a counter selling you a phone, we're here to help you evaluate your wants and needs, find the most comfortable plans, and ensure that the next 24 months of your contract are the best experience you've gotten from a mobile device and transaction (that is, until you come see us next time
). I'm proud to be a part of this team and very much look forward to hearing back after you've experienced us for yourself.
I went into my local Costco today. They had no Bionics. I spent some time hanging around chatting with the wireless guy. Interestingly, but logically really not surprisingly, they were told that if people came in for the Bionic and they had none in stock to try to sell them other phones. It makes sense if you have a customer in front of you to try to make a sale.
On the other hand, it does feel a little like bait and switch