Since it's a VAXstation being purchased through an upgrade program, I have to go through my local sales office, according to the DECadvisor. Trying to save some aggravation, I call a friend in field service and ask him if he can have the appropriate salescritter give me a call. In the meantime, I mail a detailed letter containing the specs to my friend's attention so he can hand it off in person. Later that afternoon, I get a call from someone at the local DEC office who handles leases. I should send him the normal financial info on my business so they can do the lease evaluation.
Times are tough, though.
And, frankly, I'm a lot more careful in extending credit myself. No call from the sales department. No call from the sales department. Version 6 of VMS shows up. I'm an optimist.