RH1 - "technical problems with product"?

[shirleywhite]

Hi all. Like many have been waiting to get hold of an RH1. Saw thread some weeks back saying some were available in UK. Some mentioned Sonystyle outlets - but there was a mention for a shop I use a lot (Ask Electronics-London). They apparently had a handful in - but went very quickly. I emailed them about 6 weeks ago - told "waiting for more from Sony". I chased(email) this morning- just got a reply which says .........."unable to give any confirmed date.They have a technical problem with the product hence the delay"

Is this just a case of a shop saying " havent got something - dont know when more coming"?! Why say "technical problem"??!!! Is this just some sort of junior person manning the emails who is making things up on the hoof(?) ( saying "technical problem" to someone hoping to buy something might not be the most reassuring thing to say!!) Maybe they know I'm something of a sony fan and will definitely be buying one no matter what?!!

Any thoughts/comments?? The reviews have been pretty positive so far. Early receivers seem happy. I want one!!!!!! I'm leaning towards someone at Ask just trying to make an excuse - but didnt fully think it through!!

[Richard]

I'm inclined to think "technical" problem in this case means logistical problem in getting the stock out and / or supply problem in meeting demand.

[shirleywhite]

I'm inclined to think "technical" problem in this case means logistical problem in getting the stock out and / or supply problem in meeting demand.

Thanks for reply! I think and hope you are right!! Just a "poorly worded" excuse from Ask. I'm sure any real "technical problems" would have surfaced from other sources by now.

[ozpeter]

I recall - I think - some comment from someone to the effect that these were being hand made. Well, maybe some sort of hand finishing is going on - or I trust whoever is building them has pretty good eyesight!

[heathenmagic]

Hello Shirleywhite,

I am waiting for one from the same place. Communication hasn't been brilliant to be honest. But they said they were awaiting stock and confirmation date from Sony when I emailed them last. I ordered about 6 weeks ago also. Hang in there, although I admit I am getting impatient!! LOL. Willing to perservere though.

[Darkflame]

Some Etailers will hold your order and give you emails about out of stock out of stock over and over again when in reality they are waiting to meet a certain minimum before placing the order to get a bulk discount deal.

A friend of mine told me that he did business that way because they had to buy units in quantities of 20-100 in order to save money on shipping and make profits.

I ordered my MZ-RH1 through minidisc canada. Order was placed on July 2nd, Item arrived July 12th. I only picked them because they were covered by the north ameerican warranty which means I could get it serviced in the USA.

Perhaps you should consider changing etailers.

In the end I paid about 319$ for the unit after converting it from CAD to US.

I hope your unit arrives shortly. It definately is a beauty to behold.

[heathenmagic]

Thanks Darkflame,

That is very interesting about etailers. I can understand it as I am in business myself, and some of our suppliers' prices and recommended retail prices are absurd, so no wonder they like to wait for bulk discounts! lol. I ordered it, then the next day it popped up in my local Sony centre. Doh. I did contact Sony UK and I was quoted mid-August for new stock in this country. Looking forward to it....