dg Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 I don't know about y'all, but it seems lately the rebate program has gone like this: - ad says buy this and get a big rebate - I buy it - the item is almost free - send in rebate form -get card saying we can not honor the rebate for some bs reason like: "sorry, UPC is incorrect" even though you send in the only upc on the box. - you call their 1-800 number - They say: "oh, ok we'll validate that for you now and you'll recieve the check in 4-6 weeks". Sometimes I think they just press-to-test and see if you really want it. I 've had this at Pep Boys, Office Depot and Best Buy lately. Anyone else? I just wished to heck they gave the rebate at checkout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS whitetail Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? [ QUOTE ] I just wished to heck they gave the rebate at checkout. [/ QUOTE ] ya, I always wondered ---------- why not just give it at the store ---- what's the difference ? ( besides making a guy get yanked around and PO'ed ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarvDog Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? My guess is they hope most won't even send in the rebate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
too_pointer Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? [ QUOTE ] My guess is they hope most won't even send in the rebate. [/ QUOTE ] Exactly !! Many won't even bother to fill out a form and envelope for a few $$. I sure do LOL too_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Washi Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? They almost always refuse it the first time and I always call and get it approved. They just want people to give up. I'm too stubborn for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? [ QUOTE ] My guess is they hope most won't even send in the rebate. [/ QUOTE ] Yep, sure thats it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
preacherman Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? Let's see............I have had this problem at Sears, Office Depot and Bell South! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Newarcher Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? The answer is this....rebates help sell. Statistically, it is probably in the high teens or less that actually send in the small rebate forms. After a certain amount of time, the income offset due to potential rebates can be recaptured as income. It's an accounting thing. Kind of like why many companies refuse to make holiday, vacation, and sick time as personal time. Most people use their vacation and holiday time but do not use all of their sick time. At the end of the year, the accrual for sick time that wasn't used go right back into the kitty. I make a copy of the form, the UPC code sent, etc. I also keep the original packaging just in case they say I forgot to send something in. I have had to resend it a couple of times. I will tell you what I did when this has happened. I take the correspondence I get--when it has been in written form--to the manager of the store where I bought the goods. I demand...not ask...that they issue me a store credit for the amount of the rebate. Since every item they sell is marked up double their cost, a $10 rebate only costs them $5. I have never had a manager tell me no....of course, I am 6'3" 185 and can be very demanding in a nice way! I simply explain to them that the rebate company is operating in bad faith and that if they are going to sell goods with rebates, they need to hold the rebate center's feet to the fire. Good luck...I just shop for almost everything by going to Google.com, typing the name of the product in with SALE and FREE SHIPPING. I find it cheaper that way and don't have to deal with any rebates! New Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeramie Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? Huge pet Peave of mine. Anyone else notice that they advertise prices after the rebate! I hate that. I really think they do it becaue most people wont send the rebates in. Think about it, how many people do you suppose send in rebates out of 100? Id be willing to bet its really low, like 20%. They make money that way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palssonater Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? They rely on the lazy to make their money! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZooBear Posted June 30, 2005 Report Share Posted June 30, 2005 Re: Rebates! Then why do them? They make alot of intrest free money that way! Even if you send in for the rebate they get to use your money intrest free for 4 to 8 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.