Hewlett Packard in disarray

Got a HP Pavillion Desktop? Do you know some parts are simply not available
because HP doesn't keep them all in stock.
Can you wait a month or more to keep your computer working under warranty?
Do you think "Total Care" means HP cares for
you? Not so. It means "Total Care" when they feel like helping you. Like
being treated like dirt once you've bought your
computer? You might get lied to or told you would be called back by phone.
Some case.

Henry wrote:

It is inexpensive, and by law, they cannot be represented by a lawyer.
Find an appropriate person in the most directly related group inside
HP to name in the lawsuit - ideally, someone that should have the
authority to solve the problem, *and* that you have already contacted.
Have *all* of the facts in hand: *who* you contacted, *where* (what
group, and relevance), *what* was said and promised, and *when* that
discussion took place.
In chronological order, and if at all possible, a letter that says
"we cannot support you according to our promises stated in <ads
mentioned>" - even if not all of that is in the letter, the ads, or
other material that show *public* promises that contradicts the intent
or phrasing in the letter.
Also, elucidate your troubles in trying to get them to perform to
that promise of customer support.
You *must* have some lost money involved to sue for, and be able to
prove that loss in a legitimate manner.
Costs of travel, legal work, investigation cannot be used.
Did you, on a regular basis, do any kind of business (personal or
otherwise) with that computer being your main method of doing that business?
That is a good basis for loss.
But, what did you do to mitigate that loss?
Did you buy, rent or borrow another computer while the main one was
unusable?
The costs of the replacement could be added to the loss.
Some courts also allow punitive damages, and have been known to
automatically add that in nasty cases like this.
You cannot put a value to punitive damages, even if the court can add
such - so the *most* you might say in a court that allows punitive
damages, is (only in *closing*) "perhaps punitive damages might be in
order" - or something like that, but no stronger, but maybe weaker - if
you mention it at all.
Those that come into small claims court are presumed to not know the
law (unless they pop in and out on a rather regular basis).

One thing to watch out for is that if you decide to instigate any sort of
legal action it will be against the retailer you bought the PC from, not HP
themselves.
First PC I bought, a Compaq, had a design flaw in that the onboard sound
wouldn't play midi files properly.
The shop fobbed me off onto a premium rate Compaq support number. Took
advice from CAB who told me they were wrong to do that, my contract was with
them and not HP.
Eventually took it to Small Claims, got all the money back plus expenses.

--

Kenny Cargill


"Robert Baer" <robertbaer@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:64N_e.4434$zQ3.3865@newsread1.news.pas.earthl ink.net...

Thanks for your sound advice. I am waiting 24hours because after 31 days I
finally got a phone call from an HP case manager and he asked for 24hrs.

"Robert Baer" <robertbaer@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:64N_e.4434$zQ3.3865@newsread1.news.pas.earthl ink.net...

Thanks for your help but I bought the computer directly from HP (big
mistake).
"Kenny" <me@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:dhgtms$oaf$1@newsg1.svr.pol.co.uk...

HP and Compaq are two of the worst brands. I guess that explains why they
joined forces eh? Seriously, I have dealth with customer service for BOTH
companies and their tech support TOTALLY sucked ass. Personally, I think IF
you are going to buy a name brand, go with Dell. However, I think you are
better off having a local shop custom build...or better yet, if you know
what you are doing, build your own.

CLV3 wrote:

proprietary flim-flam.
Furthermore, you actually *get* the CDs for the OS and all of the
applications!

You don't always get the OS CD's, and it's not always cheaper.

I think the best thing to do is get a support package from the store you
purchase the machine from. Obviously this doesn't apply if you buy
direct from the manufacturer.

My employer started buying comps from Dell a few months ago, but because
of the poor service we're going to drop them. Sure, comps from our old
supplier will cost a little more, but when there's a problem they really
take care of us. In the end, it's less hassle and frustration just
dropping Dell. That and there machines come pre-loaded with crapware...




Robert Baer wrote:

Fakename wrote:

And if you shop prudently (on the web), the cost will be competitive
or lower than what the shop "next door" can offer; that is, if you DIY.