Nexus 4 Shortage Problems Due To “Scarce And Erratic” Supply From LG, Google Exec Claims

The Google Nexus 4 has been a very popular device – maybe too popular, with supplies of the handset scarce since its initial launch, and Google having to push back anticipated delivery windows for even those few customers who managed to buy one before Google stopped accepting new orders. Google’s UK and Ireland managing director Dan Cobley finally ascribed some blame in the situation, taking to Google+ to smooth things over with customers disappointed in the progress of their Nexus 4 orders.

“Dear all, I know that what you are going through is unacceptable and we are all working through the nights and weekends to resolve this issue,” he wrote in a reply to an original post about Google Zeitgeist. “Supplies from the manufacturer are scarce and erratic, and our communication has been flawed.”

Cobley’s statement was far from a knee-jerk reaction; he replied many times that he was looking into the issue in order to be able to share more information before answering many complaints in the thread about delivery times and Nexus 4 availability before providing that answer. It’s the closest we’ve come to seeing anyone with actual knowledge of the situation explain why Google has been unable to release the smartphone in anything but small batches. I’ve theorized in the past that LG might be holding things up, since the Nexus 4 is essentially the same on the inside as the LG Optimus G, its flagship device and the one it would likely favor if there was any question of limited component or assembly supply.

Cobley then went on to tell commenters that orders originally in the 3-5 day shipping estimate range were being pushed through, and to expect a credit refunded to their play account for shipping charges. Orders with pre-Christmas shipping estimates were also said to be going through shortly.

The Nexus 4 is a hot commodity, as you can see from the abundance of marked up handsets being resold by those lucky enough to have them on sites like Craigslist. The Nexus 4 also achieved “high demand” status on eBay, meaning that it was getting enough listings that eBay felt it necessary to set up sales restrictions to help prevent and minimize fraud.