Why do online shops take orders when they don't have the phone in stock?

slugger09

This has really ticked me off this, Ordered a HTC desire yesterday for delivery today from P4U, It went through fine and got the order details but never got a dispatch notice, so phoned them up today to see what is going on,

"Oh that is at the warehouse and will be dispatched before 1 today"

Its now 2 and no email so phone them again

"Oh it may be out of stock"
I ask, well why was I not told this at time and when will it be back in stock

"I really don't know when it will be back in stock"

"Well can I go to a store to collect one"
"No the store don't have the same deal"

No apology or anything, Is this a common thing? I ordered one from Orange and fair enough was dispatched quick enough for next day delivery but the courier (dpd) did that much messing about I cancelled the order.

slugger09

Well this is going well, I just had a run into the local CPW, I asked have you any HTC desires in stock and they had, they had a similar deal that P4U had, so put it through again on Orange, it failed the credit check but couldn't give me a reason, the only thing I can think of is I have ordered 2 contracts this week already even though I haven't received anything

slugger09

Anyone????

aaranj

I'm not sure if your aware, but due to shortages of the AMOLED screens from Samsung (which HTC use in the phone), there have been massive shortages of HTC Desire stock because they can't keep up with demand. They really can not make the phones fast enough. The reason that Phones4U and other retailers accept your order whilst awaiting stock, is to ensure you aren't put to the back of the que when the phone is back in stock.

dizzyblonde82

I called the P4U head office today and they confirmed that they had the HTC desire in stock so I ordered it over the phone and about 1 hour later I received a confirmation email from them. It might be worth calling them again as you might get someone a little more helpful.

slugger09

dizzyblonde82 wrote: »

I called the P4U head office today and they confirmed that they had the HTC desire in stock so I ordered it over the phone and about 1 hour later I received a confirmation email from them. It might be worth calling them again as you might get someone a little more helpful.

Oh I got the confirmation email, infact I got 2,

I got one saying the order had been received,

The second one said past the credit check etc

Its the 3rd one thats needed saying its been dispatched, have you got that one?

slugger09

aaranj wrote: »

I'm not sure if your aware, but due to shortages of the AMOLED screens from Samsung (which HTC use in the phone), there have been massive shortages of HTC Desire stock because they can't keep up with demand. They really can not make the phones fast enough. The reason that Phones4U and other retailers accept your order whilst awaiting stock, is to ensure you aren't put to the back of the que when the phone is back in stock.

Ah right, I did hear rumors,

dizzyblonde82

They said that the phone would be with me within 3 working days, not sure if they will send me a confirmation of dispatch.

I was told that the head office stock is different to the online ordering which is why I opted to order over the phone.

slugger09

dizzyblonde82 wrote: »

They said that the phone would be with me within 3 working days, not sure if they will send me a confirmation of dispatch.

I was told that the head office stock is different to the online ordering which is why I opted to order over the phone.

Oh right, I'll just have to wait and see then

dizzyblonde82

I have just received this email from phones4U:

Phones 4u Order Despatch Confirmation

---

Order reference:
XXXXXXXX

Dear Sarah,

Your order has now been completed and will be despatched this evening by Royal Mail Special Delivery, who will deliver pre 1:00pm on the next working day.

Delivery address:
XXXXXX

Tel:
XXXXXX

When will I be connected?

. Once we have received confirmation from the courier that your goods have been received / collected we will request that your network connect your new SIM Card.
. Your number will be connected within 48 hours of you receiving your new handset / Mobile Broadband Dongle and SIM card.
. If your handset / Mobile Broadband Dongle is not connected after 48 hours of receiving it, then please contact our Phones 4u Web Support Team on 0844 871 2234

slugger09

dizzyblonde82 wrote: »

I have just received this email from phones4U:

Phones 4u Order Despatch Confirmation

---

Order reference:
XXXXXXXX

Dear Sarah,

Your order has now been completed and will be despatched this evening by Royal Mail Special Delivery, who will deliver pre 1:00pm on the next working day.

Delivery address:
XXXXXX

Tel:
XXXXXX

When will I be connected?

. Once we have received confirmation from the courier that your goods have been received / collected we will request that your network connect your new SIM Card.
. Your number will be connected within 48 hours of you receiving your new handset / Mobile Broadband Dongle and SIM card.
. If your handset / Mobile Broadband Dongle is not connected after 48 hours of receiving it, then please contact our Phones 4u Web Support Team on 0844 871 2234

Hmm very odd, What network are you on? I'm on Orange. The last email I got was this, I was also told the warehouse doesn't work over the weekend, I think they are giving me the run around


Confirmation of Credit Check

---

Your Phones4u order has now been processed

Order reference:
XXXXXX

Dear Sam,

Thank you for your recent order. Your order has now been successfully processed as detailed below.

Your order will be despatched shortly. However if the item you have ordered is a pre order or a specific date for delivery was on the website for your new product, then you will receive your goods in line with this.

As soon as it leaves Phones4u we will send you an email to confirm that it has been despatched.

Yours sincerely,
Phones4u Web Support Team

Order Details