The launch of the first-ever color Kindle has hit a few bumps in the road. Amazon’s Colorsoft was released on October 30, but shipments were halted due to complaints from customers about a yellow bar at the bottom of the screen and discoloration around the edges. Amazon is currently working on a fix and offering replacements or refunds to affected customers.
However, this issue has caused another problem for Amazon. Prior to the launch, the company ran a promotion where customers could trade in their old Kindle for a 20 percent discount on the Colorsoft. Some customers who took advantage of this offer are now returning their new Colorsoft due to the display issues, leaving them without an e-reader altogether. Amazon has not provided a clear timeline for when the fix will be ready and when shipments will resume, causing frustration among customers.
The trade-in program also adds another layer of complication. Customers who traded in their old Kindles under the assumption that the Colorsoft would replace their current e-reader are now left without a device. While they can receive a refund or replacement, the refund will only be for the amount they paid, without the 20 percent discount. And if they choose to wait for a replacement, they will have to wait an estimated three to five weeks to receive it.
This situation is especially problematic for those who traded in their old Kindles and now have no device to use. Even if they use the refund to purchase a new Kindle, they will not be able to take advantage of the trade-in promotion again. Additionally, the new lineup of e-readers from Amazon are more expensive than their predecessors, making it even more difficult for customers to replace their devices.
In conclusion, the launch of the first-ever color Kindle has been marred by display issues and complications with the trade-in program. Customers who were excited to upgrade to the new device are now left without an e-reader and uncertain about when they will receive a replacement. Amazon will need to address these issues and provide a clear solution for affected customers in order to regain their trust and ensure a successful launch in the future.
