This thread is not a complaint about the phone being back-ordered. It is rather a pressing question that I think is fair to raise. Since the time of my order for the Nexus 4 on 11/13/2012 I have been provided varying answers from Google Play Support Staff members regarding both the status and expected delivery date of my device, sent varying emails regarding my order status and seen varying updates to the Play Store order status.
I have been a long term fan of Google and at this point have all of my documents, data and information residing within their servers, I exclusively use their email, shared DNS servers on my network, use the Chromebook as my computer and the Nexus 7 tablet for all my computer needs along with the Google TV product. Up to this point I have fully trusted Google and been impressed with their business models. I am a firm believer that the Nexus program/project is technology changing and was the first to purchase a Nexus One back in 2010.
Since the inception of the Play Store I have not had a good experience in making a purchase all the way back to the now defunct Google Web Store and the N1. With all of the ventures Google has undertaken including Android, Nexus, Fiber, Computer, Drive, SEO among others has google placed itself into a position of being mediocre at everything they do and mastering nothing? Have they become too diversified? I personally hope not but am left wondering about the future. Can they be trusted with holding all my personal and financial data? Do I want to put all my eggs in one basket?
I am impressed with the specs of the Nexus 4 but when I consider what if I finally get a device and it is defective, will Google be able to provide me with any level of customer support? Or will I be left holding the basket by myself only to get varying answers and empty promises based upon who I speak with. There are many many choices of devices out on the market and this weekend there are deals galore. While not an Apple fan in any way shape or form I still have to admire the Customer Service model they exhibit from purchase through backing up their product line.
I have long been a Google supporter and a part of their loyal fan base. From all indications from this latest interaction they really can care less about my continued patronage of them or their company. If I delivered this type of customer service in my business I would not have any customers. And, before anyone posts about being spoiled and looking for immediate gratification I am close to 50 years old, I understand supply chain logistics better than most and service delivery failures. But, I ultimately am a cash paying consumer with a voice who chooses to patronize Google and recommend them to others. There are other companies vying and working to earn my business everyday and I am now left wondering if waiting on Google to deliver after 9 days of confusion and asking for a straight answer, whether that be that I am in a back-order for for a week or six months, just give me an solid answer makes waiting on Google to get their act together makes prudent sense?