Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : WDC/Sandisk Corporation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Art Bechhoefer who wrote (21253)	12/1/2001 12:37:09 PM
From: Ausdauer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 60323

Art, I think this is a reasonable complaint. I visited BestBuy stores in my area after last weekend's sale on SanDisk 64MB CompactFlash cards. The stores that I have visited are sold out. To a large extent the 128MB cards are also sold out or thinly stocked. I sent an e-mail off earlier in the week to retail sales at SanDisk and got a reply that they would check into it. I looked on the BestBuy site today and I found that 64MB SanDisk CompactFlash is "not available" at retail outlets... ___________________________________________________________ bestbuy.com SanDisk 64MB CompactFlash Memory Card Model: SDCFB64455 Designed for use with digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and other electronic products that use CompactFlash cards as standard or extended data storage. Not available for delivery at this time. Not available for store pickup. ___________________________________________________________ I question why now, during the prime holiday shopping season, we have no product on store shelves like BestBuy. They are giving sales away to PNY and Lexar by not having adequate inventory available. I don't know if this is a problem on BestBuy's end or if the channel distribution mechanism is faulty, but it is upsetting from a shareholder's point of view. This is especially bothersome given the bulging inventory problem we has seen over the last 3 quarters. I think this is a serious oversight on someone's part. I also noticed similar problems post-holiday last year when we did not have cards available for aftermarket sale in January 2001 at many retail outlets. Who dropped the ball? I mean, these retail shelves were bare when I visited on Monday and today is Saturday. I find it wholly unacceptable. Three weeks ago we had dinner at a friend's home. I met a woman who worked in "channel relations" for a major manufacturing company. Their business is home remodelling and the company's name is well known to all home owners. As it turns out, 25% of their total unit sales comes from Home Depot alone. The gal I met is responsible for the overseeing operations between the manufacturing plant and all Home Depot sites in our region. This is mostly computerized, but she states there are many links in the chain that could break down the flow of goods from the manufacturer to the consumer. Home Depot gets unique and special treatment because of the volume of business they generate for the company. I think the B.O.D. at SanDisk should look into the oversights and make recommendations to address this situation. I have a difficult time understanding how this can happen with the current inventory management systems in place. Do they think the IP is going to keep us afloat and they can turn a blind eye to retail? Gee, I hope not. Aus@sandisk_is_now_a_consumer_electronics_company.com