Trade-in scheme fiasco hits VARs
Website problems at part-exchange scheme leave channel firms out of pocket
Upfront payment: Customers have to order new machines before being able to take advantage of the offer
Channel firms have been left short as a trade-in scheme backed by HP has failed to deliver on its money-saving offer.
An offer whereby end users could exchange an old, working laptop for at least £150 off a new HP ProBook or EliteBook was made available to HP's distribution channel last month. The offer is provided through the PC Part Exchange web site, which is backed by promotions specialist Opia “in association with HP”.
But changes to the web site have left people unable to claim on valuations that have already taken place.
Lawrence Whittle, owner of Computers Direct in Bath, said he has been contacting Opia, distributor Ingram Micro and HP for several weeks, having already paid for three new machines from Ingram.
“We have been with Ingram for about 20 years, so I am disappointed,” he said. “We cannot go to the customers now and say ‘the deal’s off, you have to pay full price’.”
HP issued the following statement: "Due to a technical issue in the system, July claims were unable to be recognised in August. HP made steps to rectify this last week. The issue has now been fully rectified and any valuations generated in July will be honoured as per the programme’s terms and conditions. "
Mike Farrah, Ingram's UK commercial director, said: "We will work with resellers to try and resolve any issues their customers may have encountered in trying to register and submit valid claims."