Complaint Review: Microsoft

My Wife and I purchased a Microsoft Track Ball Optical from Fry's Electronics in Houston TX in march 2002. There was a 10$ mail-in rebate offered for this device. We paid 40$ for it and promptly sent off the proof-of-purchase (UPC off box), a copy of the reciept and the completed rebate form. On April 7th, 2002 we recieved a letter from Microsoft stating they were unable to process our request becuase "the paperwork you submitted is missing the authorized proof of purchase required under the terms of your offer.". I KNOW I double checked the contentsof the envelope, and the UPC is but from the box, which is pretty thick cardboard.

I called Microsoft at 1-800-622-4445 and explained this. I got a spanish or latin woman with a "THEEK" accent who could barely understand english! After 15 minutes on the phone I was able to understand that I should send in the front page of the users-manual to satisfy the proof of purchase. On or about aprl 10th, We did that.

I just got another letter postmarked May 8th that "we are unable to process your request, under the terms of the offer you have exceeded the quantity limit of the offer."

How did I exceed any quanity?? Unless the quantity of the offer is zero! I never got a rebate from these people. I will think twice before I purchase Microsoft products again. No wonder so many people pirate their software! I guess it goes both ways!

byron
houston, Texas