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Sold-Out Kindles Still Available—for a Price

Amazon loses out as savvy buyers trade e-book for big returns

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 20, 2008 2:09 AM CST

(Newser) – Amazon.com has run out of Kindle e-book readers, sending their prices soaring on the second-hand market and on sites like eBay, reports Bloomberg. Ever since an Oprah endorsement in October cleaned out the online retailer’s stock, those with Kindles in hand have sought to secure a return on their investment. The device retails for $359 but it can now fetch anywhere from $500 to $1,500.

Of course, that extra money isn’t going to Amazon, which was blindsided by the increased demand Oprah’s nod triggered. “Could they have ended up with more inventory of this, and therefore, more sales? Sure. But in this economy, I don’t fault its strategy.” says one analyst. Given the gadget’s popularity, watchers are revising their sales estimates—with some forecasting $1 billion by 2010 for the device and licensed content.

Amazon.com chairman and CEO Jeff Bezos holds the Kindle.
Amazon.com chairman and CEO Jeff Bezos holds the Kindle.   (AP Photo)
The Kindle device.
The Kindle device.   (AP Photo)
Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com.
Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com.   (AP Photo)
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People who want to give it as a holiday gift have to pay a premium to get it in time. If the existing one can be sold at a profit and I can buy the new version when it comes out in two or three months, then it's worth the effort. - Brian Bird, Kindle owner (and seller)

There are a lot of rich people in Silicon Valley who don’t care about money. If you’re stupid enough to pay me $1,000 for it, I’ll give it to you.
- Kindle owner and Berkley, Calif. resident David Wong

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Zebraone
Dec 21, 2008 3:29 AM CST
Jeasus!!! A spook spooked the sales? ~~~This country is nothing but a bunch of mutton heads!

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