Zunes On Black Friday

We've been discussing the lack of Zune 80's in stores on this critical shopping day after Thanksgiving, popularly known as Black Friday.  You know, this may actually work in favor for Microsoft.  Recall the theory that people want what they can't have?  Well, the more they can't get it, the more they want it.  Check out these stories floating around the web today to get an idea how the Zune sales are proceeding on the busiest retail day of the year.

Start off with MacWorld (Brace yourselves for a Mac website reporting on the Zune; what a difference a year makes!); they're discussing that there's a big shortage of the Zune 80's, and that the Zune 30 is topping the Amazon list for the last few days.  They do go on to point out that the iPods are still plentiful on the Amazon list, but you had to expect them to give it an Apple spin, right?  Well, that's online, but what's going on B&M?

Then we head on over to news about Toy's 'R Us who apparently had a morning doorbuster of a Zune 30 for $70 (which is a really good deal, and the cheapest I've ever seen one for).  If you were in bed this morn' digesting turkey and stuffing, fret not.  At two corners of the country at least, there wasn't a Zune 30 to be had at that dirt cheap price.  That's right, at both the Toy 'R Us in New York, and the one in Florida, there were apparently a bunch of unhappy shoppers in line as the Zunes sold out at the store, and were forced to leave Zuneless, and look elsewhere.

Earlier this week, it was wisely suggested here on Cliczune to buy your Zune 80 from Wal-Mart.  After all, they are the biggest retailer, and with their legendary supply system, they should be able to keep it in stock.  While we're watching out for their falling prices (and the annoying smiley faces), in the last few days, Wally Mart sold out of the Zune 80 stock as well.  Yup, we can see on InStock that the only place to buy one of the Zune 80's is on eBay.  Heading on over to eBay, while there are some Zune 80's for sale, most of them are over the list price of $249, and some are even topping the $300 mark!

Overall, I'm pleased to report that the Zune (at least the hard drive versions) is selling quite well.  It would appear that the Zune team has a hit on their hands.  Now, let's just hope that they can make them fast enough for Santa to be able to deliver them all in time for the holidays.

Comments

[JohnCz]

I have high hopes for Zune. But not having product available on one of the biggest shopping days of the year is never a good thing. Especially when forecasts indicate a significant drop in consumer spending.

[Jonas]

They seriously thought that folks would have gone for the flash Zunes, and not the 80. I think they were forgetting that the early sales were going to be mostly from serious Zune folks that were looking for the upgrade in capacity. Hopefully this will be remedied soon, and it's looking like there will be some pent up demand for the Zune 80's when they get here. If they do arrive soon, it might be good for overall sales.

[PaiceyFan]

I have a Zune 30, but my Daughter wants one, too. It is incredibly difficult to get one at the $100 mark. Ultimately, what worries me is that Microsoft have a huge problem on their hands. Amazon tell me they cannot get a Zune to me before December 25th, so do I wait until after that time or get an alternative for my Daughter...and you know I do not have to mention what that alternative is!

[Craig]

I was one of the lucky ones who got the brown Zune 30 for $79.99 on Black Friday. I got in line at 2:30 am, and was about the 10th person in line. It was a mad dash back to electronics, and it was a fight to find and pull the right stock tag from the little blue plastic folders Toys R Us hangs - they all look alike. The store only had 9 of them in stock. I really like it so far!

[Lori]

I ordered an 80 gb zune yesterday on Amazon and got an email today stating that it shipped today and that I will recieve it on the 19th. Noticed that someone said that Amazon was sold out, maybe try to order it anyway and see what happens. They dont bill your card til it ships, so its not like you have anything to loose.