'PHILIPS' PROBE

A few years after college, I was working for the sole dealer of Philips Test Instruments in my state. These instruments were mainly used in the Electronics Industry. During a tour of the northern part of the state, I visited a large organisation to discuss their requirements. I met some people in the purchase department. I was surprised to find that they were unhappy with our service. One of them told me that we had cheated them. He told me that we had supplied a Philips Probe, which is an accessory for the Test Instrument, at twice the normal cost. They had found out the actual cost of the Probe after making enquiries with the Philips Regional Office.

When I returned to my office after the tour I informed my Manager about this. He told me not to worry about it and that he will take care of it. I felt there was something fishy. I knew a Senior Executive was involved in this. Later on, after making some enquiries within my Company I came to know that it was not even a Philips Probe. It was a Chinese Probe and it was not even new. The Senior Executive had purchased a second hand Chinese Probe at a very low cost. This Probe was cleaned, packed and supplied to the customer along with a Philips Test Instrument. The customer was convinced that it was a new Philips Probe since we were the authorised dealers for Philips. Their only complaint was about the price. I heard my Manager and the Senior Executive shared the profit.