How exactly does outlet store work?

[JonathanGennick]

Why does it take so long for the outlet store to ship an order? How exactly does that store work? I had this vision that they had a warehouse of systems in the box and ready to go. So I ordered a brand-new system from them for my niece, who needs one quickly for college to replace the one just stolen from her. I ordered eight days ago, on a Sunday evening, and Lenovo isn't planning to ship until Christmas Eve.

WTF?

Does Lenovo build their outlet systems to order as well?

[Harryc]

Not built to order...they actually have the exact machine type/serial # on a shelf in a warehouse and it is pulled for shipment. Why it takes so long...I'd guess volume but who knows.

[JonathanGennick]

I guess I just wish they could ship more quickly. They have the potential advantage of immediate shipping to offer, and yet they don't press that advantage in the marketplace.

[JonathanGennick]

Well, I just phoned today and pulled the plug on the order. I'm disappointed. It's nine days later, and the guy on the phone told me the projected ship date was 18 Jan. My niece can't wait that long.

I had to be rather forceful about canceling too. I suppose though, that I can't blame the call-center guy for trying to change my mind.