If you have your heart set on an HTC HD2 with T-Mobile, take note, as some are experiencing issues purchasing the device at retail stores. According to reports, the nation's fourth largest wireless carrier is reserving the popular device for new customers only, an industry tactic that I've seen countless times (more on that below). Shortly after the article went to press, Engadget received an official statement from T-Mobile:
"T-Mobile understands the inventory challenges for the HTC HD2 and continues to work diligently in order to supply our customers with this highly popular product. As we receive additional inventory of the HTC HD2, we are giving priority to our existing customers. However, the demand for the device is still exceeding our supply.
Depending on the location, some T-Mobile retail stores may still have some HTC HD2 inventory available. We suggest that interested customers contact their local T-Mobile store via phone before visiting to see if they have the HTC HD2 available. If they do not have the HTC HD2 available, some stores are taking names and contact information, and will be able to notify customers once that location has product available."
Having spent years on the retail side prior to transitioning into online journalism, I'll be the first to tell you - this isn't a T-Mobile-specific thing; rather, it happens across the board on a regular basis (especially in non-corporate owned locations). Fact of the matter is new lines offer sales representatives higher commissions, and as a result, reps (often pushed by their managers) will hold hot devices for new lines. I don't agree with it, but there were several wireless companies I worked for where I was forced to offer devices to new customers at the behest of my supervisor.
My advice? Walk in and tell the representative that you're considering adding a line, and ask if they have the HD2 in stock. Often times, stores that are under instruction to sell to new customers only will tell upgrading customers that they're out of stock of the device in question. By getting them to say yes, it confirms that the device is in fact in the store, so they can't go back after the fact and say that they don't have it. From there, it should be relatively easy.
So in short, it sounds like the issue is working itself out. That being said, if you experience any issues purchasing an HD2, be sure to give us a shout in the comments section!
Via Engadget
