The ChannelCheckers are surveying sales staff at consumer electronics outlets and are reporting solid Zune sales, stating that Zune’s are selling about even with iPod’s. However, Zune sales at Best Buy appear to be hurt by limited quantities. Could Microsoft have understocked the Zune? We’ll see.  When I picked up my Zune on opening day, my local Best Buy didnt have any Zune’s out - they were all locked in a steel cage. When I asked one of the assoicates for one, he gave me the “what the heck are you talking about” look and had to get a supervisor… Oh boy….

We are working on our follow-up survey on iPod sales versus the new Microsoft Zune MP3 player. Our first survey revealed a strong preference for the iPod despite the buzz around the Zune. Now the zune has launched we are working on seeing what consumer preferences are as the Christmas shopping season gets underway.

Our survey questions were the following:

1. Which MP3 player do you recommend?
2. Do you sell the Microsoft Zune?
3. How well is it selling?

Our survey is not complete but the early results are interestng. First, iPod remains the dominant MP3 player, recommended by 70% of our respondents. The Zune was recommended by some who cited its Wi-fi connectivity as an attractive feature.