ZTE Philippines Official Statement on Php 1,999 Sale Debacle : "We Are Very Sorry"

Just from looking at photos taken from yesterday's Php 1,999 ZTE Grand X2 L Phablet Sale, it's not hard to imagine the kind of ruckus the promo was able to cause in malls across the country as well has the hassle and disappointment that a lot of would-be buyers felt after taking a leave from work or skipping school and ending up with no device to bring home.

As I've shared, some buyers messaged me on Facebook and told me that there were kiosks that only had around 30 to 100 units dedicated to this promo while there were at least two hundred people on the queues. Others criticized ZTE's seeming lack of preparation for the event and the massive turn-out of buyers. One - who wasn't able to get a unit - noted, "They said it's a limited time offer and I assumed that they will have enough stocks until 6 in the evening. Obviously, that's not the case. Also, there was no one managing the crowd. I wasted my time and energy for nothing, really!"

The lines were longest at SM North EDSA. TP Friend Mic Jam who submitted this photo recounts his ZTE Sale experience: "Ayun galit na ang mga tao dun, nagsisigawan. One of the guy shouted. 'Ano may unit pa ba kayo or wala na?! Sabihin nyo naman sa amin at nagmumukha na kaming tanga!' Then, marami naring security guards and mga pulis ang nakakalat dahil magulo talaga."

Well, just a few minutes ago, ZTE Philippines finally broke its seeming silence about this whole brouhaha and emailed me their official statement. Here's the full transcript including the signed document:

Good afternoon, Mark!

We would like to thank you for helping us inform the public of our price cut for the Grand X2 L. As you all know, the campaign did not go as well as we would have wanted it to. We would like to share with you our official statement over the turn of events with the hope that you will help us get the word out once again.

Our official statement reads as follows:

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support for the ZTE Mobile Sales Promo.

We appreciate the efforts made by the thousands who went to our kiosks and concept store yesterday. We did not expect such an overflow of interested buyers, hence the shortage. We are very sorry for the inconvenience. Truly, we made a mistake in underestimating the response and we appeal for your understanding and compassion. As a responsible organization, we are finding ways to address the concerns of those who painstakingly queued to enjoy the offer yet went home disappointed.

As we are humbled by the reception the public has given our campaign, together with MSI-ECS, our distributor, we are committing ourselves to coming up with better initiatives, more aggressive promotions and up to date mobile devices that will benefit more Filipinos in the coming days.

Again, our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience and disappointment we have caused.

I have attached a copy of the official statement for your use.

Thank you so much for your continued support​!