Samsung Galaxy S3 (S III) Shortage/Delays Escalate: How Should Samsung Compensate Buyers?

When Samsung created the Samsung Galaxy S III, they hoped that they would create a great demand for this smart phone designed for humans.  Now, the humans who ordered the phone and don't know when they will receive it are humiliated. Maybe Samsung should be humble and show some human generosity?

UPDATE 6/27/2012 4:02pm: Sprint has sent an announcement stating that the Samsung Galaxy S III (16 GB & 32) will be available July 1 online and in stores.

Those who preordered the Sprint 32 GB Samsung Galaxy S III are getting a perturbed and Sprint Customer service is trying to help.  Some reps are telling customers that the 32GB model will be shipped out tomorrow June 27 and others are getting  different information.  There are also rumors that Sprint store sales will start tomorrow. Sprint stopped taking preorders while online retailers  are discounting it and other carriers are accepting preorders.

Here are some online conversations from Sprint online reps:

"Jessica: Due to high demand and inventory constraints, we have yet to secure a date for the shipping of Samsung Galaxy S III 32 GB devices.

Katy K: We hope to begin shipping pre-orders for the 32GB version next week as we receive inventory.

Katy K: Due to overwhelming demand for Galaxy S III worldwide, we are facing shortage of the inventory.

A Sprint forum member was able to get a $15 credit for a Sprint rep for his consternation. Many believe that Samsung is creating bad public relations.  Samsung created a huge demand and are now claiming they cannot fulfill the demand.  Rumors suggest  supply shortages.  Only two carriers announced release dates and ship dates which keep getting pushed later.

A few years ago, both AT&T and Verizon Wireless announce release dates way in advance.  Verizon now only announces a phone will be available with in a few days of its release.  AT&T is following a similar public relations strategy although tends to announce dates within in weeks.

Which feels worse? Not knowing a release date with unsubstantiated rumors telling you when it will be out?  Or, a major company making a statement of availability in public and then reneging on its agreement?

It's easy to see why people who have paid in advance for Samsung Galaxy S III models and were told certain ship dates in the beginning, are now angry.

The Samsung Galaxy S III is the phone that "understands you, shares what's in your hearts, sees your best side, responds to your words, keeps track of loved ones, lets you do two things at once, lets others see your thoughts, allows you to play together, knows when your asleep. The Samsung Galaxy S III, designed for humans." (See video below.)

When you deal with humans and tell them the phone has human qualities such as heart, then Samsung should show some heart and generosity of spirit.

When a human deals with humans and states that's he is going to do something then doesn't do it. The human apologizes and offers some kind of compensation in return.  "I'm sorry I disappointed, you, let me offer you this.."

What would our readers like to see?  Please post your suggestions in the comments, below the email we sent to Samsung's U.S. public relations agency.

  Copy of  the email we sent to Samsung's public relations' rep and agency:

Dear Brett and MWW:

I just left a message for you regarding the delays in the Samsung Galaxy S III. Many people who have preordered are getting pretty angry.

Would you please let me know as soon as possible, if you will be offering these people something in exchange?

Nokia when it had a problem with the Lumia 900 Windows Phone offered a $99 credit.

Perhaps, Samsung can offer some free movies/entertainment, credit or accessories?

Apparently, Sprint customers have already received charges on their bills for their preorders and have that receiving their Samsung Galaxy S III handsets yet.

Issuing statements of the demand being greater than the orders does not make customers happy.  When the iPhone had a problem with the antenna, Apple gave away free cases.

Maybe Samsung could give delayed preorders customers some kind of accessory like an S-Pen, dock, case or car charger?

I understand that you didn't expect such great demand but for people to lay out $199 and not get anything in return, really steams them up.

 You might want to create goodwill and a good precedence.

 Sincerely yours,

Lynn Walford, Editor, Wireless and Mobile News

 Authors Note: 

After I sent the email to Samsung, I realized that it also seems unfair that Europe and the UK  always seem to get first dibs on Samsung products.  Then the US and Canada are are left with shortages.  At least Apple when it launches iPhones, gives Americans a first chance on new products.  Maybe Americans should wait for the new iPhone 5.