Best Buy Pre shortage until late July/August

The Palm Pre shortage news continues, with the latest update being that Best Buy are planning a two-phase launch in recognition of the handset’s low stock levels. Phase one will apparently run from June to July, and involve minimal marketing with only 300 of the stores having working demo units; Best Buy Mobile are already warning stores that “customer demand will outweigh inventory and stores may go weeks after launch with little or no replenishment.”

Unlike what we’ve heard has been offered in at least one Best Buy location, stores are being instructed not to make hold lists prior to June 6th. Instead a waiting list will be operated by each store once supplies run out, with a ticketing system in action. They’re also being cautioned not to sell the Pre early, nor allow more than one handset per customer; BBYM employees themselves are not permitted to buy the Pre until August.

From late July or early August, phase two is expected to kick in with greater stock levels. These are tentative dates, however, and subject to change. Inventory - which we heard would be on average four Pre handsets per Best Buy store - will be alloted according to which locations have experienced good Sprint sales and had successful launches of previous high-profile phones.

[Originally posted at palmpretouchphone.com]