The newer BlackBerry Bold has been hit by severe stock shortages in some independent retail stores, after what appears to be unexpected demand for the product. Many Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4u stores are completely sold out, with others running low and struggling to keep up with suddenly increasing demand. Neither Vodafone nor Orange stores appear to have been affected by the problem as yet, though if RIM doesn’t step up, that could be very possible.
The shortage seems to have been caused by a combination of the manufacturer behind BlackBerry devices, RIM, underestimating demand of the model among consumers (doesn’t happen often). Staff told Mobile that demand for all BlackBerry devices in general has risen significantly with both the Bold and previously the Pearl. Store staff reported they were rather disappointed by the number of units arriving in stores, and deliveries were falling short of expectations, even short of units ordered in some instances.
RIM has made no comment on the issue, but a Carphone spokeswoman they plan on a large delivery coming in to the company next week, which should alleviate supply concerns.
RIM’s handset buying is traditionally managed through networks with senior account people at the top managing the ordering for each network. So with this development, it’s assumed someone didn’t do their homework very well, or communication between the various management people didn’t work as it should have.
What may have contributed in the case of one retailer: Phones 4u customers were offered £90 worth of free travel accessories when they upgraded their old BlackBerry model to a BlackBerry Bold.
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