Vodafone Won’t Be Stocking Google Nexus One In Stores?
Going one step beyond Apple’s strict rules for selling the iPhone, Google will have a surprise for people looking to buy a Nexus One from their local Vodafone vendor…they won’t have any.
Not in their stores, anyway.
With Google setting up their European supply headquarters for the Nexus One and future Android phones, Mobile News reports that Vodafone will not be receiving special treatment despite being the first network to subsidise the device, with all Nexus Ones to be unlocked and devoid of network branding.
Google will also be in charge of all the Nexus One’s marketing (mixed results so far), with no plans for joint advertising campaigns with networks.
It goes as far as Vodafone confirming they will not even stock the Nexus One phone in stores, neither will they have any point-of-sale material.
So no giant cut-outs, no shop windows full of Androids, nothing?
Google communications and public affairs manager Anthony House said: “Part of Google’s strategy is to sell the Nexus One in a unique way. This is the first ever product being sold direct to the consumer by Google, so we wanted to do it differently.”
Hold on, it gets more unique from here…
A Vodafone spokesperson said: “Customers who go to a Vodafone store to enquire about Google’s Nexus One will be directed to the Google website.“
It sounds like they are actively trying to prevent people from snapping up the phone in the traditional manner, forcing online sign-ups rather than allowing retailers to broadcast it from the rooftops and benefit from consumer interest as one would expect.
Are they appeasing manufacturers scared of a Google-branded phone jostling for shelf space by removing themselves from direct competition, or is it preventing the inevitable ‘iPhone or Nexus One’ side-by-side comparison the retailer will be forced into?
Tariffs and SIM pricing is yet to be announced, with the Nexus One currently only available directly from the Google site.
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