Jim wrote:If you're diligent about sending them in and following them, you can get some great deals. These definitely aren't for those in the public with ADHD though.
I'm not against people taking advantage of rebates. I do so myself from time to time. I'm also glad you've never had a problem. However, the fact of the matter is that getting a rebate can not be assured by simply "following the instructions to a 't'" and being "diligent".
I follow all the instructions exactly, make photocopies of all documentation and, depending on the value of the rebate, submit my materials with various levels (and expense) of proof of timely mailing and receipt. Nevertheless, I have still been stiffed.
Mad Dog, for instance, sent me one email stating that they would not honor my submission, and then simply ignored all my attempts to contact them and show them my photocopies, certificate of mailing, etc. that clearly prove I am in the right and they are cheating me. In the end, what could I do? There is only so much any one individual can do to fight a wrongfully denied rebate claim before the time and expense of the fight outweighs any possible return to be gained from receiving the rebate. It doesn't take too many phone calls, letters, photocopies and such to wipe out a five or ten dollar rebate. The crooked companies like Mad Dog know this, and use it to their advantage.
You also might want to ask people holding rebate claims on CenDyne products about the infallibility of rebates. It doesn't matter how carefully they filled out and submitted their forms, how many photocopies they made, what proof of timely mailing and receipt they have - these people are almost assuredly not going to see one dime due to CenDyne's recent bankruptcy liquidation.
Please don't dismiss those who have had problems claiming rebates as being careless or inattentive. That is rather rude and ignorant on your part.
cfitz
by Ian on Thu Aug 28, 2003 10:45 am 
