Oculus apologises for "unexpected component shortage"
Delays in shipping headsets caused by supply line issues, says firm
Oculus has apologised to early Rift buyers for delays in shipping caused by an "unexpected component shortage", offering free shipping for all pre-orders, including international orders.
In an email sent out to pre-order customers over the weekend, Oculus promised that it's addressing the issue, telling customers that a fully updated delivery schedule is expected to be in place by April 12.
"We know you're anxious to receive your Oculus Rift, and apologise for not updating your order status sooner," the email reads. "We've been working through an unexpected component shortage, and unfortunately, that issue has impacted the original shipping estimates for some early customers.
"We're working hard to get up-to-date ship windows, and you should expect to see your order status updated on oculus.com by Tuesday, April 12. Although many Rifts will be arriving on schedule and in line with original estimates, we'll be covering shipping and handling costs for all orders placed through today."
The situation was later clarified in a tweet from Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe, reiterating that customers wouldn't be charged for any delivery costs, as long as they ordered between January and April 1.
Whilst the first batches of consumer-ready HMDs are already with customers, or Kickstarter backers, some pre-orders are now not expected to be fulfilled until July, 2016. Customers who have contacted Oculus to find out where their orders may be, and when they might be fulfilled, have also reported some uncertainty from the Facebook-owned firm, citing a reply which indicates that individual order tracking is still unreliable. Forbes contributor Paul Tassi expressed some frustration with the reply.
"We don't have shipping information available for specific orders here at Oculus support. The second we have more information available for you we will let you know by email," Tassi reported the email as reading.
"As your order is being prepared for shipment, you will begin receiving status updates on your order. Once your order has shipped you will receive a tracking number which you can use to keep an eye on your order as it makes its way to you."