Pretty scary.  I guess that's why they have designated distributors who take
courses and tests for certification
once a year to keep current and know these things.  I guess this policy
hasn't quite reached internally yet.  But I'm sure they are working on it.
For the most part, the doubled efforts over the past year has showed some
great improvements.  Atleast you reached somebody...


Christine McDowell
Senior Account Manager / Western North America
Speedware Corporation
1-800-361-6782

-----Original Message-----
From: Chuck Ryan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Thursday, February 08, 2001 10:37 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: HP Parts Direct??


Ok, past experience with attempting to order add on's for my 3000 had me
somewhat prepared for a long battle. Sometimes persuading HP to sell you
something can be next to impossible.

However, the level of ignorance, meaning lack of knowlege and not an
accusation of stupidity, on the part of the parts direct employee suprised
me. Once we got past the fact that the model number she was asking for was
actually the part number of my 3000, the fun really began.

Q.      How can I help you?

A.      I need pricing and part number information for a couple add on
products for my system.

Q.      What kind of computer is that for?

A.      An HP3000.

Q.      Is that some kind of portable?

A.      Um, no.

Q.      What part are you looking for?

A.      100 mb NIC and a C compiler.

Q.      I show a CPU card, is that the same thing as a NIC?

A.      No.

Q.      What does a C compiler do?

A.      Uh.. it compiles C source code.

Q.      I do not show these parts in my database. Where would you like me to
ship them?

A.      I just need pricing and part number information right now.

Q.      OK, and what is your address?


Things kinda went downhill after that.

And I thought things were bad when my contract specialist did not know what
a hard drive was.

AAAArrrrrggghhhh!


Comments are my own.. not my employer's...etc