[Updated] Nothing Phone 1 pre-order pass holders furious after missing out on purchase, others demanding refund

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on July 13, 2022) follows:

Nothing’s first-ever smartphone — Phone (1) — is the coolest addition to the Android market. After numerous leaks and rumors that started last year, the company finally announced the handset on July 12.

What makes it prominent is its unique glyph interface on the back that features a set of LEDs along with a semi-transparent design. Ever since it went official, many are eager to get their hands on this rather unique handset.

Nothing also offered a $20/€20 pre-order pass ahead of the launch for early birds to pre-order the handset at launch in a color of their choice. This was meant to guarantee them that they’ll have one preserved for them.

However, it now turns out that users with a pre-order pass couldn’t pre-book the device since the company sold all units to anyone who placed an order at launch, without giving any preference to pass holders.

Those who couldn’t pre-order the handset even after purchasing the pre-order pass now feel scammed by the company, with others now demanding for a refund (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).

Here are some reports for reference:

Hi! I’m from Italy, i paid the preorder 20€ but I’m unable to buy the white 8/128 variant from the website. Only the 8/256 white or the 8/128 black. What should I do? Just buy the 8/256, or wait for a few days? Thanks! (Source)

I’m feeling very bad because I did my pre-order and now, in Spain, i tried to buy the phone and they sell it for everyone and now there isn’t stock for me, for people we did a non-refundable payment. And it has been stock for people who didn’t do the pre order…. I cannot understand this. Why they recommend to do the preorder, if we havent got the opportunity or the priority to buy the phone, earlier than people who didn’t do… And what is the gift they promised if only the phone case costs 25€… How do you feel? Cannot understand this shit (Source)

As apparent from the reports above, Nothing promised holders of pre-order passes that they’ll be able to pre-purchase the device immediately after launch. And they’ll get 14 days to do so, until orders open up for everyone.

However, after the launch, pre-orders were available for everyone, even for those who didn’t pay for the pre-order pass.

And since the company already made its refund policy clear, it is highly unlikely that those who paid $20/€20 will get a refund. Pre-order pass holders who couldn’t make pre-orders are frustrated and calling it a marketing act.

Nothing, on the other hand, hasn’t made any comment on this matter yet and we hope that the company comes forward to acknowledge the reports and provide a reasonable explanation for this happening.

And whenever they do, we will inform you by updating this article. In the meantime, you can share your thoughts on this whole situation in the comment section below.

12:34 pm (IST): Nothing CEO Carl Pei has informed customers that the demand for Phone (1) is huge and that’s why buyers are seeing longer shipping estimates.

Moreover, he said that the pre-order customers are always the priority and the team is working to get their order shipped at the earliest. Here’s the full statement:

Seen a lot of Qs about pre-orders. Please be assured that pre-order customers are always handled with priority. Demand for Phone (1) is huge, which is why we’re seeing longer shipping estimates. The team is working around the clock to get your order shipped at the earliest.🙏 (Source)

01:44 pm (IST): VP of Nothing India, Manu Sharma, has informed on Twitter that they are working hard to deliver most Phone (1) orders by the end of this week and the white color variant by August 3.

Also, the Nothing Phone 1 (12+256GB) White color variant will be available on sale for pre-order pass holders on July 27 at noon.

Furthermore, they are fixing a glitch where pre-order customers are unable to buy Nothing charger at a special price of INR 1499.

Featured image – Nothing

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