In the week leading up to the holidays, the Amazon Echo is still sold out online, with a few units still remaining in brick-and-mortar stores for now.
Amazon is all out of the Amazon Echo, as both its main website and mobile app show the smart voice-controlled speaker as out of stock since at least Dec. 9.
The black version of the Amazon Echo is listed as going back in stock on Jan. 19, 2017, while the white model is set to become available again on Dec. 30. The little Echo Dot (second generation) is out of stock as well, slated to return on Dec. 27.
The Amazon Echo and Echo Dot are not out of stock just on Amazon. They're also sold out online at retail partners such as Lowe's and Best Buy as well.
While this means good news for Amazon, denoting a high demand and a great customer response for its device, it's still frustrating for interested customers who'd like to purchase the smart speaker but can't. Well, at least not online.
The Amazon Echo is still in stock at various brick-and-mortar stores, at least for the time being. Judging by the status of online stock, remaining units available in physical stores may not last for long either.
Where To Buy Amazon Echo
Speaking with an Amazon spokeswoman, Recode found out that the Amazon Echo might still be available at Amazon's physical bookstores in San Diego, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. Some units might also be available in various malls at Amazon Pop-Up stores or through the two-hour Amazon Prime Now delivery service in select cities. Prime Now had the Amazon Echo out of stock in New York and San Francisco, however.
Those who really want the Amazon Echo and have no other choice can also find the smart speaker on eBay, but it amounts to a hefty premium. Amazon sells the device at $139, while the elusive gadget goes up to as much as $999 on eBay in these times of limited availability.
On the other hand, Google Home might get a leg up this holiday season considering how hard it is to get a hold of the Amazon Echo. Google Home is just getting started, but it's already starting to become more attractive, getting new conversation actions that allow users to complete more tasks using voice commands — even order pizza.
With the Amazon Echo out of sight, customers looking for a voice-controlled smart speaker could be turning to alternatives. Would you wait until the Echo goes back in stock or start shopping for other options? Let us know in the comments section below.
