I just called 3 different verizon stores in the northern virginia area. 2 of them expressed that their quantities would be limited (more so than they originally thought) but that demand seems pretty high. The third store I talked to said they are expecting to have a large amount in stock, but demand is also high there as well. So it looks like this shortage issue is a store by store, city by city basis. What have others heard in other areas about a possible shortage?
Stand alone corporate stores will have plenty in stock. Smaller stores, kiosks and stores within stores (circuit city and so on) will have low quantities.
I stopped by the Dulles store tonight. Of course, no pre-orders or registration. However, they were keeping a list of names/phone numbers of folks who are interested in the Storm. I noticed it was about 3-4 pages long. The rep quickly noted those were just the names recorded today! I asked what value there was to putting my name on the list. She said "we'll call you when the Storm is available."
Side note: I'm on the ACII Family Loyalty Plan and this store (and others) told me only Verizon's telephone order reps can transfer me to the equivalent Nationwide Loyalty plan ($50 for first line, $10 for the others). Store can do regular ACII to regular Nationwide, not loyalty.
Last edited by crackberryfan; 11-19-08 at 08:03 PM.
dulles town center was the store that said it would have a lot of stock
They are probably doing the same as in Arizona. Picking several stores to take the brunt of the crowds. Those stores will have the largest stock and open early. Employees from other stores are going to those few stores to back people up. Other stores will have a smaller stock and open at normal hours. Across the area there will be enough inventory to last the weekend or longer.
The thought is its easier to control the initial rush at a few locations. I wouldn't worry about getting a device no matter when you show up this weekend.
crackberry fan. it doesn't matter. i got my name on that list about 2-3 weeks ago and i got a rep to take a post it note with my name and number as well. I've been told by a few reps at a few stores that you would get called 'when the phone comes in' and it was later changed and then i was told i would be called that morning. basically it looks like if you want a phone in person on friday, you should come to a store early. dulles town center opens at 10am (as of 8pm tonight, they still are saying they are opening regular time). i would suggest for dtc, you should probably get there at least an hour or two before 10.
id say some of you have it lucky that you can call multiple stores, there isn't even a corp. store where i live and only 1 auth retailer who i will call tomorrow (their notoriously late getting phones) so looks like telesales for me
