Hello folks ... I soooooo understand your frustration!  I worked for Wells Fargo Bank for 3 years ... and was threatened with losing my job if I didn't send more calls over to the sales department that were sure sales.  I was simple customer service!  I had the same pressure when I was computer sales at Fry's Electronics.  (Best computer education I never paid for!!! )   This is ... unfortunately the standard in retail sales.  No matter what company you are talking about.  I honestly don't believe there isn't a company out there who doesn't have a similar policy.  Even Hewlett-Packard, although they aren't nearly as hard-sell (I was pre-sales tech support for them as well, and it was my favorite job).  Sorry to hear about Gateway, I really liked their computers ... was totally frustrated when they closed down their local outlets.  Okay, had to get that out.
Boni

Boni

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"Be Hero to Yourself" -- Peter Tork