Compaq sets rules for online PC sellers
By Brooke Crothers and Michael Kanellos
Staff Writers, CNET News.com
May 12, 1999, 11:30 a.m. PT
Compaq Computer has formally started a new program for computer
resellers on the Web to ensure that sales of its consumer line of PCs go
smoothly and to iron out differences between traditional retailers and
new Web-only resellers.
As reported earlier, Compaq has launched a program for resellers who want
to sell its Presario consumer computers on the Web. To date, Presarios have
been sold mostly at “brick-and-mortar” stores such as CompUSA and Circuit
City or directly from Compaq's Web site, though some online resellers have
also gotten into the game.
Compaq's new program essentially retracts a ban on Web-based Presario
sales, but imposes advertising and customer support obligations on Internet
sellers, according to Leslie Adams, director of marketing for consumer PCs in
North America.
Similar programs will likely follow for selling Deskpro business computers,
sources said.
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In February, Compaq stirred up controversy when it suspended agreements
with as many as 10 companies that sell its Presario systems over the Internet,
amid complaints from traditional retailers that these new dealers were
undercutting them in price. Consumers al |
