Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 12:17:35 -0400
From: W R C
To: Hot Deals Maniac
Subject: about rebates
Hi,
First, I find your site very useful and I, like many others, very much
appreciates your effort.
Rebates, I have the following to add (or reemphasize) to the topic.
Personally, I am very fed up with rebates. With the majority of companies
offering rebates out there (with the exception of Intuit when it came to
Turbo Tax), I think it's close to being fraud. I am still waiting for the
checks from a few items that I sent out between 2 to 3 months ago. I, like
you, also do not jump on every rebate deals. In fact, when the before
rebate cost does not sound reasonable, it's not a deal to me. The rebate to
me is just a bonus.
- nothing in these days in age should take 6-10 weeks to process,
especially when the consumers are frequently allowed less than a week or
two to mail in the stuff. Even the IRS can process our tax refunds faster.
I am certain that the long lead time is by design. Maybe you can shed a
light on why that is.
- although their claim is that it is for fraud protection, they make it
really difficult to claim the rebate (i.e. separate receipts, separate
envelopes for more than one item of the same kind, original receipt only,
circle the price/date, etc.). I think it's more so that they can reject
the claims based on anything less a perfect submission. I find myself
repeatedly proofreading everything before it is sent out.
I think it's a good thing that you are bringing this matter to everyone's
attention. Keep up the good work.
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 13:15:55 -0400
From: Mike
To: Hot Deals Maniac
Subject: rebates disclaimer comment
W R C brings up an interesting thought..."I am certain that the long lead
time is by design. Maybe you can shed a light on why that is."
I can only guess, but it is probably to allow the consumer plenty of time
to forget that they have a check coming (or not coming).
I suggest you add to your disclaimer that in addition to sending in
rebates immediately, the consumer should also put the maximum wait time
on their calendar to ensure they do not forget their rebate should be
there by then.
Thank you for this web site.
Date: Fri, 20 Jun 2003 12:33:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: Trent
To: Hot Deals Maniac
Subject: Rebate Reforms
I agree. The standard rebate process needs to adapt to
the times. It is one thing for a company to require
UPCs to help guard against those who would take
advantage of the system, but it is quite another for a
company to have a 2-3 month processing time. I really
don't mind filling out rebate forms, but honestly I
usually don't bother with anything under $15. Many
companies offer a mail in rebate with the idea that
half the consumers will not send it in. This is fine
with me, as those of us who send in the forms benefit
at the expense of those who don't.
I do, however, have a major problem with companies who
try to screw over those who take time and send in the
forms. Whether it is with a 7 day postmark requirement
or a 3 month turnaround on the check, it seems very
cheap on the part of a company to weigh the terms this
heavily in their favor.
I'd love to see some state or federal reform in this
area. A month from purchase to postmark and a one
month turnaround on checks would help balance the
scale between the merchants and consumers. It would be
great if the hotdealsclub could act as launching pad
for this kind of reform.
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 15:38:49 -0400
From: Tracy
To: Hot Deals Maniac
Subject: RE: "rebate rules"
Hey there-
You're doing a great service to post that article regarding rebates.
I'd like to go one better:
This are my personal cardinal rules of rebates- try the item (if
possible) as soon as you return home. Then scan, to file, the UPC &
form/receipt- as well as scanning two paper copies. One is for the
rebate one is for my paper file. I use only two folders to keep track of
the many, many rebates I do.
One folder is marked: "rebates submitted"- each rebate copy is marked
with the date I sent it in. I also do this so that any phone calls or
other correspondence can be noted on this paper (such as the online
address which is sometimes given to check your rebate status- except it's
on the rebate form which you mail away!).
The other folder is "rebates received". As soon as I get the check in
the mail, I go & pull the copy & move it to this folder. That way you
don't have to try to remember whether you received it or not later. I
started to do this when the original receipt was requested- no receipt
will mean no warranty service down the road. You need a copy of the
sales receipt for your own records.
Finally, & most importantly, if a rebate is valued at $20 or more- spend
the extra $4 to have the letter registered or sent priority w/delivery
confirmation. Delivery confirmation is the best because you get a slip
to check online to verify when the rebate was delivered. Gives a very
good leg to stand on in case of any dispute. On a very large rebate,
getting signature verification wouldn't be a bad idea, either.
Just thought I'd pass this along, from one frugal-minded person to all of
you,