HP/Compaq - 'Our Reasons are CONFIDENTIAL'

[SyberBitch]

So, I recently applied to HP for my repair shop to become a 'partner'. I did this more or less on a whim, and didn't really expect to be accepted since my operation is fairly small. What I DID expect, was a polite rejection, explaining the reason for the rejection, and possibly a recommendation to instead sign up as a VAR (Value Added Reseller) of HP products (as I have done with several other 'major brand names' of computer products).

As anticipated, I got a rejection letter, which basically thanked me for my interest and politely informed me that my 'business model does not meet HP's strategic business needs'. Fine. I sent a brief, polite reply asking the reason for the rejection. What I did NOT expect, was the response, basically telling me that the reason for my rejection was CONFIDENTIAL, and to hey, 'please don't ask again'. WTF?

Here is their reply and my response to it, (bold/emphasis not mine - obviously, I removed my actual name and company info for the purpose of posting here):

Subject: Re: HP Partner Agreement Not Approved - Computer Chick



Thank you for your consideration.

May I ask what the deciding factor was in denying my application? I would like to suggest that qualification requirements should be posted somewhere, so businesses like mine do not waste our time with the application process, and waiting for a response.

Thank you,

[company info removed]

Thank you for contacting the HP Partner Contracts & Compliance Group.

These are the basic requirements to apply for the HP US PARTNER AGREEMENT, although fulfilling these does not necessarily guarantee approval:

* Partners must be incorporated in the United States.
* Partners must conduct business within the United States.
* Partners must have a valid company website and physical address where company operates.
* Application must be completed by an officer authorized to sign on behalf of the legal company.

HP assesses all HP US PARTNER AGREEMENT applications and business models. As per our evaluation, your business model does not meet HP business requirements to become a HP authorized reseller.

Please note that the reasons for rejection are HP confidential and cannot be disclosed; we request that you do not respond to this e-mail asking for assistance in improving your application or the reasons it was not accepted.

However, you are still eligible to purchase and resell HP Open Distribution Products like printers, print supplies, PDA’s, etc., available from any of the HP Authorized Distributors.

We invite you to modify you business plan and reapply at any time through the Partner Portal.

Please feel free to let us know if you have any further questions.

Thanks,

[Name Removed]
Authorized HP Contracts & Compliance Support

SPO Americas Sales Operations

"Please note that the reasons for rejection are HP confidential and cannot be disclosed; we request that you do not respond to this e-mail asking for assistance in improving your application or the reasons it was not accepted."

Wow... that is more than a little bizarre. What a rude and pretentious thing to say. You know, I can totally understand being rejected because my business is a Sole Proprietorship instead of a Corporation, as listed in your requirements below. That is understandable to a degree, even to simply state that my company's income levels do not meant a minimum requirement, but to say that 'reasons for rejection are confidential'?? And to 'request' that I not respond to the statement?? Basically, this email takes such a stance as to make a person feel quite offended with the outcome, when that could be easily avoided by simply stating a reason for rejection. What a horrible way to handle prospective clients!

Whereas I would have otherwise been satisfied with a simple response, I am now offended at the pompous attitude taken toward me as a 'rejected' partner. The tone of the email automatically puts me on the defensive and further implies that HP has something 'against' my company in particular, otherwise, what would be the issue with giving a straight answer?

Then to tell that I'm still welcome to BUY HP products?? Seriously? Is Mark Hurd aware of the way rejections are handled? Well, if not, he is now.

You can be sure that this bizarre response to my inquiry will be shared with my customer base and that I will strongly keep it in consideration when I am asked about my opinions of HP/Compaq products in the future.

Sincerely,

[company info removed]

I forwarded my response and the entire email to the Board of Directors, as well as the CEO.

Does anyone else think that telling you it's none of your business why you were rejected is kind of insane?