Questionable business practices.

If you are considering the purchase of a new computer or printer, I urge you to read this account of my purchasing experience with the Hewlett-Packard Corporation before you buy an HP product.

HP's "Price Protection policy allows for customers to receive a credit if the price of a Hewlett-Packard product purchased through our web site is reduced and the customer contacts us within 21 days of receiving the order." Only mail-in rebates are excluded from the protection.

On July 19, 2009, I ordered an HP computer from its Web site and the order was received by me on July 31. On August 19 (19 days after delivery and well within the 21 day price protection policy period), I noticed on HP's Web site that HP had reduced the price of the computer I had purchased. No mail-in rebate was mentioned. I contacted HP that same day.

Subsequently, there was an exchange of email between HP and me. First, HP said that the price protection policy only applied if the computers were configured the same. So I checked the components of my PC against the one on sale and they were exactly the same. Next, I received an email from HP stating that its price protection policy did not apply in my case because "unfortunately, I had not contacted HP within its 21 day period." You do the math.

On August 24, 2009, I wrote HP's CEO, Mr. Mark Hurd, and attached to the letter all information relevant to my experience. Mr. Hurd did not respond, but after a time, a lady from his office called me to say that HP and HP on-line shopping are two separate entities, therefore HP could not accept responsibility, but would be happy to refer the matter to the HP on-line shopping manager.

Following that telephone call, I received an email response from the HP shopping customer service manager. This time, I was informed that I was not covered by the HP price protection policy because the computer that was sold for a lesser amount than the one I purchased was only offered to those that redeemed a coupon while buying it.

Obviously, I could not redeem a coupon, to be used at "checkout" during the on-line purchase unless I intended to purchase the same computer a second time. Such a requirement would amount to crystal clear chicanery. HP's price protection policy makes no mention of instant rebate coupons to be used during an on-line purchase.

I'll leave it to you to conclude whether HP deals honorably, ethically, and in good faith with its customers. But, again, I caution you to consider my experience before you buy any product from Hewlett-Packard.