Nexus 4 Supply Shortages: What Went Wrong?
The Google Nexus 4 launched to overwhelming demand, quickly selling out due to its high-end specs and affordable price. However, persistent supply shortages left many customers frustrated, with delayed deliveries and halted new orders. Google’s UK and Ireland Managing Director, Dan Cobley, finally addressed the issue, citing LG’s inconsistent supply chain as the primary culprit.
Google’s Public Response
In a candid Google+ post, Cobley acknowledged the situation:
“Dear all, I know that what you are going through is unacceptable, and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue. Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed.”
Cobley’s statement came after repeated customer complaints about delayed shipments. He assured buyers that orders originally slated for 3-5 day delivery were being prioritized, with shipping fee refunds issued via Google Play credits. Pre-Christmas orders were also expected to ship soon.
Why Was the Nexus 4 So Hard to Find?
Industry analysts speculated that LG, the device’s manufacturer, may have prioritized its own Optimus G—a flagship phone sharing nearly identical hardware—over the Nexus 4. With limited component availability, Google’s supply chain suffered.
High Demand & Resale Market Boom
The Nexus 4’s scarcity fueled a thriving resale market:
- eBay classified it as a “high-demand” item, imposing sales restrictions to curb fraud.
- Craigslist listings surged, with sellers marking up prices significantly.
Key Takeaways
- Supply Chain Bottlenecks: LG’s erratic production disrupted Google’s inventory.
- Communication Issues: Google admitted flaws in customer updates.
- Market Impact: Shortages led to inflated resale prices and restricted online sales.
While Google worked to fulfill orders, the Nexus 4’s rollout highlighted the challenges of balancing high demand with manufacturing constraints.
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