RSS FeedOK, so I see the very cool Motorola RAZR cell phone — just about the coolest cell phone ever — on Buy.com for FREE after rebate (with 2-yr agreement, fair enough).
I’m ready to buy, and then decide to just view the rebate first (usually a PDF of a printable form). To my surprise, this is what I see!!
Rebates have always been a nuisance, but this is simply an insult!
| For a limited time, receive this Customer Appreciation when ordering service on-line from this website, purchasing the selected phone and activating a new line of service from the currently selected wireless provider. Offer not valid for pre-paid service. Credit approval and one or two year contract required. Early termination fee may apply. To qualify and redeem the rebate, and to avoid an equipment discount charge back of $250, complete and sign the rebate form, provide copies of your sales receipt, guide to wireless service, a copy of the UPC from the product packaging, and a copy of a wireless bill for this account dated between 150 days and 210 days after activation showing the previous balance paid in full. Claim must be postmarked no earlier than 180 days after activation and no later than 210 days after activation. Void where prohibited. Your rebate check will be mailed within 10-12 weeks from receipt of your rebate submission as described above. Unless otherwise specified, mail-in rebate form will be included with your |
Let’s take a minute and break this down to look at some these gems:
“complete and sign the rebate form, provide copies of your sales receipt, guide
to wireless service, a copy of the UPC from the product packaging, and a copy of
a wireless bill for this account”
Is that all? What exactly is a ‘guide to wireless service’?
“Claim must be postmarked no earlier than 180 days after activation and no later
than 210 days after activation”
So you have to wait 6 months to file this rebate (having kept all of the above in a safe place), and then you get one month to send it in?! How generous!
“Your rebate check will be mailed within 10-12 weeks“
And then you get to wait another 3 months after that to actually get your money.
“To qualify and redeem the rebate, and to avoid an equipment discount charge back
of $250“
Ah yes, the KICKER !! Not only are they holding your money for ransom, but also threatening to charge YOU $250 if you forget to file a rebate!!!
Absolutely LUDICROUS!!
Needless to say, Buy.com can stick this rebate. And the nerve they have to call it “Customer Appreciation”?!!
