Microsoft Struggling To Keep The Surface In Stock
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With just a five days to go before Christmas, shoppers are in full-on spending mode, but those looking to score the new Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2 may be having a tough time finding one. As of this writing, Microsoft’s online store shows the Surface 2 as sold out and the same message for the 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB model for the Surface Pro 2.
A check for either version of the device on Wal-Mart’s online store also showed the device as “out of stock,” with the exception of the 128GB Surface Pro 2 as above. A number of customers are also reporting that the device is sold out at physical Best Buy stores. However, Best Buy’s website shows the device as available.
Mashable did an investigation on the availability of the Surface in retail Best Buy stores:
I conducted my own unscientific test to see what would happen if I called local stores looking for either the Surface Pro 2 or Surface 2 in any configuration. In a random sampling covering three Best Buy stores in New York City, Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas each local salesperson told me that neither device, in any configuration, was in stock.
When I questioned the salesperson in New York City about the shortage she didn’t hesitate when she said the device is “extremely popular.”
Twitter is full of people coming about having trouble finding a Surface:
The @Surface 2 is sold out everywhere… even Microsoft’s own store. Are people actually… gasp… buying Surface 2s?!?!?
— Marc Chambers (@marcchambers) December 14, 2013
@Microsoft When can we expect shipments of Surface 2 to reach retail stores? They are sold out everywhere in North Texas.
— fabulous.star (@fabulous_star) December 16, 2013
How is the Microsoft Surface sold out everywhere?!?! 🙁
— Shenell Tiana ? (@ShenellTiana) December 10, 2013
A quick look on Amazon shows Surface is available but in very limited quantities (only 6 left in stock etc) and only if you’re willing to pay a premium over the retail stock.
Microsoft has been quiet about struggling to meet demand, only releasing two vague statements:
“As somebody working on the surface team it’s certainly been exciting to see the public reaction to these two new products,” Ben Reed Senior Manager for the Microsoft Surface team,
“With regards to specific inventory levels or sales numbers we don’t comment on those specific figures… I would say that it’s our goal to get these two tablets into as many people’s hands as possible and we’re actively working with manufacturing teams and retail partners to replenish stock where it’s been sold out as soon as possible.”
Neowin also inquired about the limited availability of the Surface only to get a very generic statement:
Our primary goal is to get Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and new Surface accessories into the hands of all people who want the most productive tablets on the planet. The public response to date has been exciting to see and, for those eager to buy, we recommend they go to MicrosoftStore.com, Microsoft Retail Stores and third-party retailers for availability.
If are looking to get someone a Surface as a holiday gift I suggest you start contacting your local retail stores now and grab one as quickly as possible. It seems even an Xbox One might be easier to find than a Surface this holiday season.
TechCrunch also noted the Surface’s low inventory but with the typical negative spin, I’m sure they would be having an orgasm if the ipad was low in stock and talking about how “popular” the device is among consumers.
