Comments on: Why I Like Rebates

By: mbhunter

mbhunter — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 07:19:58 +0000

If you can play the game rebates are worth it. I’ll still prefer products that don’t require rebates, all other things being equal. Maybe even if they’re not exactly equal.

Example: TaxCut includes a State program; TurboTax’s is free, after rebate. I’m going with TaxCut.

By: Lazy Man and Money

Lazy Man and Money — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 06:50:05 +0000

“if I am reasonably confident of getting a rebate” – I think those are the key words. I made a couple of rebate purchases online this Thanksgiving and I’m not feeling that confident anymore. One of the items that was billed as really cheap came with two rebates requiring… you guessed it… two UPC symbols mailed to two different addresses. So I combined both rebates in the same envelope, with a note explaining the situation. What are the odds that a strict redemption company will give both? I think it’s going to be pretty small.

So while rebates offer a great opportunity, I think they also bring a lot of risk.

Personally, I’m with Miller’s comments above. There’s really very little you can do if they don’t send the money. All the solutions that Hustlermoneyblog.com mention will typically require a lot more time than it’s worth.

By: Hustlermoneyblog.com

Hustlermoneyblog.com — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 04:30:59 +0000

Miller,
there are a lot you can do if rebates are denied.
1) call them and ask to speak to a manager. Be polite but firm with your demands.
2) If being polite doesn’t work, start using threats such as “If my rebates are not fulfilled as promise, I will report this company to the BBB, FTC, and Attorney General office.”
3) Usually, step 2 would be enough…just in case they still deny…follow on your threats. Go file your complaint online..usually this takes about 10 minutes.
4) last but not least, if you don’t see any results after steps 1-3, file a lawsuit at small claim court.

**of course..it’s probably not worth all your trouble if the rebate is $10 but if you are talking about $300…then yes, you will feel vindicated.

By: Miller

Miller — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 23:52:55 +0000

Your argument is good and vey true… however, I personally have been the victim of what I honestly think was an unfair denial of a rebate. It costs me around $300 (I think). It was one of those amazon.com cell phone deal for signing up with a new carrier. $300 is a LOT of money to be shafted with. In addition, I would not have bought the item if it weren’t for the rebate.

I completely agree with your argument above (as someone who is good about my rebates), however here is my problem. A rebate center can deny your claim, and honesty there is nothing you can really do about it. Keep xerox copies of everything. Yes. What about sending your mail with a receive recepit and insurance to make sure it gets there on time? How can you prove your rebate got there in time (that’s what happened to me)? I *know* I sent it with weeks to spare. But I denied… what can I do? Call up and listen to someone who really doesn’t care? That’s my big problem… you really can’t practically prove you did your rebate right if it gets denied. You just eat it. And if it’s a lot of money, you can end up pretty bitter.

Am I wrong??? Is there something else I should have done?

By: moneysmartlife

moneysmartlife — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 21:59:47 +0000

Good point. As usual, there are ways for people that are persistent and know the system to come out ahead. I guess you just have to balance the benefits of the minority against the benefits of the majority. I imagine more people lose money from rebates than save money from them.