Hello everyone… Jim & Warren from www.onehitwonders.com here…

We are a Yahoo top service web store, and have been a Pronto vendor for nearly a year now, purchasing our products through Philip’s approved supply chains. We have enjoyed serving the Pronto community, and the relationships we have formed with many of you. Unfortunately, it appears that the old saying “All good things must come to an end” may be a truthful one…

As a result of a certified letter we received, we have spoken with Linda Bonar, Director of e-commerce sales at Philips. She informed us that Philips will no longer allow our company (and many others, possibly including your personal favorite web vendor) to market and sell the Pronto online. We have a limited time to remove the ability to order Philips products via our web site. According to Ms. Bonar, they have decided to limit distribution via the web, mainly to their “national direct customers”. When asked who this included, she mentioned Sears, Best Buy, Circuit City and Amazon (none of which appear to carry the Pronto online as of 08-02-00).

In speaking with various other Philips representatives in subsequent communications, we have learned that there are also a “few” regional vendors who have Internet authorization, although they did not provide any names. Also mentioned was the fact that they have sent nearly one hundred letters revoking Internet authorization to e-commerce companies.

While not passing judgement on the national direct companies mentioned, we would like to know your opinion on this situation…

Are these the types of vendors you want to purchase current and future Philips products from online?

Do you feel they are up to the challenge of supporting a product like the Pronto?

Are you confident that they are willing to properly manage back-orders when Philips slips into another “dry spell”, where no remotes are shipped for weeks or even months?

Do you think you will receive a fair price on Philips products from them?

Please post feedback to let us know what you think. We also encourage you to contact Philips directly to voice your opinion. Should you decide to contact Philips about this, please be civilized, as this is an important issue to all involved, and should be handled professionally…