HP clamps down on grey market with new programme
Vendor's new initiative requires distributors and resellers to track product serial numbers on all sales
Hewlett Packard (HP) has launched a Serial Number Tracking Programme in a bid to crack down further on grey market activities.
The vendor claims the campaign, which requires distributors and resellers to track product serial numbers on all sales and delivery documentation, makes it easier to investigate abuse.
In addition to the programme, HP has settled a legal action filed against Danish distributor Bluecom Denmark, which was caught illegally importing products. As a result of a court-ordered seizure and examination of Bluecom’s stock and bookkeeping records, Bluecom is paying damages to HP and surrendering all illegal products recovered. The distributor is also being required to undertake measures to ensure it will not import HP products from outside the European Economic Area in the future.
Dave Poskett, director, HP Solution Partners Organisation UK and Ireland said: “HP takes grey marketing very seriously. We owe it to our partners to help protect their position in this competitive marketplace, and we owe it to our customers to ensure that the HP products they buy meet our standards for quality and reliability.”
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