microsoftbandUpdated below with Microsoft comment.

Those hoping to finally snag a Microsoft Band online had a chance this weekend — albeit a very slim one.

As WinBeta notes, Microsoft made its fitness tracker available at the Microsoft Store online. However, by Monday, the small, medium, and large versions of the fitness trackers were “out of stock” again.

WinSuperSite had more details about how Microsoft sent separate emails to two different groups of customers on Saturday. The first email was sent to a group of “Early Access” customers that had apparently signed up to be notified of the Band availability. Four hours later, another email was sent to a “everyone else,” as WinSuperSite reported.

However, even those that had signed up didn’t receive the early email:

And even though the Band was available to those with an email link this weekend, Microsoft was tweeting on Friday that it was sold out online:

While on the Microsoft Band product page today, I was prompted to chat with a Microsoft representative. I asked when the device would be available again, and here was the answer:

The Band being such a hugely popular item has sold out much faster than expected. I can understand how frustrated I would be in this situation, unfortunately you will need to wait for the item to be restocked. I can also help you choose an alternative brand’s band though if desired.

The rep recommended I look at a Fitbit and didn’t have an answer in regard to when the Band would be available again.

I also called the Microsoft Store in Seattle this morning and the representative said that all stores nationwide were out of stock, but did say that there would be more supply later this month. He noted that stock would possibly be replenished online later this month, and added that demand was “incredibly high.”

We’ve reached out to Microsoft to find out more about Band supply, and will update this post when we hear back.

Meanwhile, Windows Central reported that Microsoft will start selling the Band at 765 Best Buy stores later this month. The device has previously only been available at brick-and-mortar Microsoft Stores and online at microsoftstore.com.

The weekend availability of the Band came just days before Apple’s much-anticipated Apple Watch announcement today at 10 a.m PT — check back on GeekWire this morning for updates about that.

Update: Microsoft issued this statement about Microsoft Band availability.

Microsoft stores will receive additional inventory to microsoftstore.com that will begin shipping soon. As we have seen a great response to the Microsoft Band, we are reaching out to customers who requested email, notifying them that product is available. These customers will have first opportunity to purchase the product. Customers who opted-in to the Microsoft Band waitlist will receive an email when devices are available for purchase at microsoftstore.com, in the order they added themselves to the list.

 

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