CompuServe Messages

Here's an item for general discussion, which I would like to hear the end-user's point of view. Many user groups have placed complaints to vendors concerning the lack of dealer support & dealer training, while the users themselves are demanding steeply discounted prices and/or are making pirated copies under the justification that the software is overpriced. I in my view the vendors are not helping the situation by placing quotas which the dealer must meet in order to stay a dealer. In many cases (such as IBM), only so much product moves through the buying cycle. In order for the dealer to meet his quota, he discounts the price of the software/ hardware. Being that the profit margins are very lean, the dealer does not have the money to spend on training of his own staff or on user support. AutoDesk is now starting to place quotas on dealers, what do you think this will do for your support. I myself as a dealer have always stress quality over quantity, but if I have to sell X number of units per month in order to keep my dealership then I spend more time worrying about my standing with AutoDesk, then my standing with my customers. What do the users think about the whole "Authorized Dealer" issue? Who are you going to buy from when the choices come down to lowest price or the most user support? Answers & comments can also be left on the BOLDER Board, 215-988-9761 2400/1200 /300 8-N-1.