BestBuy.com

[Loanwoof]

I placed a preorder with Best Buy for the Mavic Mini Combo over a week ago when the product was announed.  My main reason for choosing BB was because they guaranteed delivery on November 11th, the product release date.  Instead of delivering on their promise, I get an automated text message at 11:30 PM November 10th saying the shipment will be delayed and if it's not here by December 11th they'll cancel the order.   Calling their help center (I'm guessing the Phillipines) they couldn't verify if the drones were in stock or when they'd become available.

Why would Best Buy take an order for a produt they couldn't deliver?  If I had known that they didn't have the item in stock I would have shopped elsewhere but because I trusted them, I didn't get in a preorder queue elsewhere.  (Oh, wait, I think I just answered that question).

Unfortunately this is going to throw a wet blanket on my upcoming vacation - I'm travelling in two weeks and had been planning the trip around flying the drone over the sights.  December 11th is way too late and now all of the other retailers are sold out.

I've made a terrible mistake trusting Best Buy, haven't I?

[robat19]

I placed and order for a Mavic Mini on Friday and paid for expedited shipping with a delivery of 11/11. This is the items release date. Still no tracking but says it will be delivered Monday. The item is also sold out now and not shipping until December

[Meg-BBY Social Media Specialist]

Hey, Loanwoof,

Thanks for reaching out to us about this. While pre-ordering doesn't always guarantee you'll receive an item on release day, it's the best way to ensure you're one of the first people who will get their hands on a new product.

Best Buy bases pre-orders on the quantities the manufacturer tells us we'll be receiving. We try to fulfill these orders as soon as the manufactures sends us more. I'd recommend keeping an eye on your email for updates, or using our tracking system to keep up with your order.

Best,

[Loanwoof]

That's how Best Buy should have communicated during the ordering process. They know how many items have been pre-allocated to them and the likely restocking quantities and dates. "Get it by 11/11" sounds quiete clear that it's an expected delivery date rather than the most optimal outcome (but perhaps not)

Apple and Samsung have this preorder experience down to a science: they know when the phones are due to arrive in the States and after the first batch is preordered, they adjust the deliver date upwards to match the next wave of deliveries. It's just good business to set realistic expectations with your customers and then live up to those expectations.