Complaint Review: Columbia Telecommunications

On 1/11/2004, I purchased the Columbia FRS22-SPR-2 for $25.00 from Fry's Outpost.com. Columbia Telecommunications was offering a mail-in rebate for $25.00. I mailed in (and made copies) of all the documents on 1/20/2004. Rebate checks were supposed to be mailed 12-14 weeks.

On June 13, 2004, I sent an e-mail inquiring about the rebate and was sent as e-mail response: "Thank you for your inquiry, we are looking into your request. Due to the success of our rebate program, we are experiencing a significant amount of inquiries. We value your support, and will respond to your request shortly. Thank you. Columbia Rebate Processing Department"

On July 19, 2004, I called and left a message but never heard back from them.

On December 23, 2004, I called (631)501-5000 to inquire about the rebate and the rep said that the rebate department works part-time and that she would take down my number. I asked for their number and she stated that the only number that she had was an (800) number. I explained that I had tried calling that number before but it was either busy, the mailbox was full or that no one returned the call. She also suggested that I contact Fry's to ask for the rebate. I explained to her that it is the responsibility of Columbia Telecommunications to offer the rebate. When I asked for the person in charge of the rebate department, she stated that it was David Giladi.

This has only been the second time that I have had problems with claiming a rebate. But this is because I practice follow through on my rebates. So word to the wise: COPY ALL DOCUMENTS MAILED OUT INCLUDING THE FRONT AND BACK OF YOUR RECEIPTS, UPC CODE, ETC.

Jacqueline
Montebello, California
U.S.A.