Complaint Review: Best Buy - Archos - Nationwide

Windy, You are correct, I am angry. However, I did not, nore never do intende to lash out at individuals. I do not know who you are, nor what company you are from. You should make that more clear next time. However, my "lower level" comment while insulting, is nevertheless how I feel. You may NOT have been privvy to the dealings such that I insinuate. That fact alone doesn't negate its possibility. I apologize if I hurt your feelings. As you so aptly point out, I am angry because I don't like being ripped off! If you knew my employees and if you knew me, you'd KNOW that I taped the UPC codes to the rebate forms. For $50 bucks, wouldn't you!? I stand on my original assertion that Best Buy and/or Archos are sleezy and their rebate practices are a scam.

WOW You are an angry person willing to lash out and slap a helping hand. Sorry I had some inside information from "a lower level processor" as YOU put it not I. Misery deserves NO company sorry I spent time and interest in "your" problem. Seems your interest was to vent and not really fight for the cause. AGAIN... Good Luck Signed.... "A LOWER LEVEL PROCESSOR" as stated by "Randy McNees"

(At least I think it was a rebuttal.) In it, someone suggested that it may have been inappropriate to file two rebates. For the record, I specifically asked one of my co-workers if it was "OK" to send in two rebates based on this particular rebate offer. He read it, and said "you see, it says "one rebate per address, it doesn't say anything about one rebate per person." Can we ask those responsible to provide a copy of this particular rebate offer? If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it. Regarding the question, " Did you really submit the UPC codes?" Yes, two of my co-workers are Asian, they take particular pride in making sure they keep their boss straight. At their suggestion, I really did tape the barcodes to the rebate form. Hoang laughed saying, "you can't give them anything to deny you for, that's how they rip you off." With that comment, I showed him my taped UPC codes and he "approved" my participation in the process. (That is why I am so certain, because we had so much dialogue about rebates and getting ripped off. I usually copy them before mailing and I may have this time too, but I cannot find it as I have looked.) Further, because one of the MP-3 players was for my co-worker Hoang, and the other for my girlfriend, I can produce and photograph both players as evidence of purchase. What I cannot produce is the box as they have long since been disposed of. What I can PROMISE you is that I included the UPC codes...really!! I can further promise you I mailed them as prescribed. I even remember goofing one up by putting my office address on it. I had to get the White-Out and paint over the office address and insert my home address. If I can remember all of that detail don't you think I can remember taping the UPC codes to the rebate submission form? I'm NOT a moran. Besides, I really DO have a witness. The other thing that I KNOW is that it took no less than 2 phone calls to the fulfillment center and 7 or 8 messages for Ms. McQuire to get a response as to the status of the rebate. In fact, the only reason Ms. McQuire even got on the phone was because I had asked the operator for the President and/or CEO's addresses so that I could vent my disgust at my inability to get a call back from Ms. McQuire! What I have never received, at EITHER address, is a rebate denial or refusal letter. I didn't even know such a thing existed. The wonderful thing about this country is that we are free to believe what we want. I believe that the rebate processor is somehow compensated for reducing or maintaining a specific level of rebate expense for their customers. As a lower level processor as you had indicated you once were, you most likely would not be aware of any such arrangements. Anyway, that's what I believe, because nothing else fits! As you pointed out, the chances of both rebates being denied are nill? If they ARE nill, and I DID submit the rebate properly, then what else explains the two denials? Your rebuttal only stands to buttress my contention...that things aren't kosher in this process. (Notice I haven't even brought up the numerous other complaints against Best Buy that are on record) Things are not always as they appear. While I don't believe in diatribe, I do believe in pointing out the obvious. My small way of retaliation is to refuse to purchase anything from Best Buy, and I tell everyone everytime I get the chance not to patronize Best Buy and certainly never to purchase any Archos products. So far, I am certain that I have discouraged a half dozen or so purchases! I never, ever forget being ripped off, so I will continue the practice till I go to my grave. Inasmuch as I am a large consumer of electronics, CD's, computers for company and home, I'm certain that my refusal to purchase from Best Buy has more than evened the score. But being ripped off is being ripped off and even if they were to plunk $100 on my desk tomorrow, it would change the way that I feel...that they are unethical business people! Sincerely, Randy McNees [email protected]

(At least I think it was a rebuttal.) In it, someone suggested that it may have been inappropriate to file two rebates. For the record, I specifically asked one of my co-workers if it was "OK" to send in two rebates based on this particular rebate offer. He read it, and said "you see, it says "one rebate per address, it doesn't say anything about one rebate per person." Can we ask those responsible to provide a copy of this particular rebate offer? If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it. Regarding the question, " Did you really submit the UPC codes?" Yes, two of my co-workers are Asian, they take particular pride in making sure they keep their boss straight. At their suggestion, I really did tape the barcodes to the rebate form. Hoang laughed saying, "you can't give them anything to deny you for, that's how they rip you off." With that comment, I showed him my taped UPC codes and he "approved" my participation in the process. (That is why I am so certain, because we had so much dialogue about rebates and getting ripped off. I usually copy them before mailing and I may have this time too, but I cannot find it as I have looked.) Further, because one of the MP-3 players was for my co-worker Hoang, and the other for my girlfriend, I can produce and photograph both players as evidence of purchase. What I cannot produce is the box as they have long since been disposed of. What I can PROMISE you is that I included the UPC codes...really!! I can further promise you I mailed them as prescribed. I even remember goofing one up by putting my office address on it. I had to get the White-Out and paint over the office address and insert my home address. If I can remember all of that detail don't you think I can remember taping the UPC codes to the rebate submission form? I'm NOT a moran. Besides, I really DO have a witness. The other thing that I KNOW is that it took no less than 2 phone calls to the fulfillment center and 7 or 8 messages for Ms. McQuire to get a response as to the status of the rebate. In fact, the only reason Ms. McQuire even got on the phone was because I had asked the operator for the President and/or CEO's addresses so that I could vent my disgust at my inability to get a call back from Ms. McQuire! What I have never received, at EITHER address, is a rebate denial or refusal letter. I didn't even know such a thing existed. The wonderful thing about this country is that we are free to believe what we want. I believe that the rebate processor is somehow compensated for reducing or maintaining a specific level of rebate expense for their customers. As a lower level processor as you had indicated you once were, you most likely would not be aware of any such arrangements. Anyway, that's what I believe, because nothing else fits! As you pointed out, the chances of both rebates being denied are nill? If they ARE nill, and I DID submit the rebate properly, then what else explains the two denials? Your rebuttal only stands to buttress my contention...that things aren't kosher in this process. (Notice I haven't even brought up the numerous other complaints against Best Buy that are on record) Things are not always as they appear. While I don't believe in diatribe, I do believe in pointing out the obvious. My small way of retaliation is to refuse to purchase anything from Best Buy, and I tell everyone everytime I get the chance not to patronize Best Buy and certainly never to purchase any Archos products. So far, I am certain that I have discouraged a half dozen or so purchases! I never, ever forget being ripped off, so I will continue the practice till I go to my grave. Inasmuch as I am a large consumer of electronics, CD's, computers for company and home, I'm certain that my refusal to purchase from Best Buy has more than evened the score. But being ripped off is being ripped off and even if they were to plunk $100 on my desk tomorrow, it would change the way that I feel...that they are unethical business people! Sincerely, Randy McNees [email protected]

(At least I think it was a rebuttal.) In it, someone suggested that it may have been inappropriate to file two rebates. For the record, I specifically asked one of my co-workers if it was "OK" to send in two rebates based on this particular rebate offer. He read it, and said "you see, it says "one rebate per address, it doesn't say anything about one rebate per person." Can we ask those responsible to provide a copy of this particular rebate offer? If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it. Regarding the question, " Did you really submit the UPC codes?" Yes, two of my co-workers are Asian, they take particular pride in making sure they keep their boss straight. At their suggestion, I really did tape the barcodes to the rebate form. Hoang laughed saying, "you can't give them anything to deny you for, that's how they rip you off." With that comment, I showed him my taped UPC codes and he "approved" my participation in the process. (That is why I am so certain, because we had so much dialogue about rebates and getting ripped off. I usually copy them before mailing and I may have this time too, but I cannot find it as I have looked.) Further, because one of the MP-3 players was for my co-worker Hoang, and the other for my girlfriend, I can produce and photograph both players as evidence of purchase. What I cannot produce is the box as they have long since been disposed of. What I can PROMISE you is that I included the UPC codes...really!! I can further promise you I mailed them as prescribed. I even remember goofing one up by putting my office address on it. I had to get the White-Out and paint over the office address and insert my home address. If I can remember all of that detail don't you think I can remember taping the UPC codes to the rebate submission form? I'm NOT a moran. Besides, I really DO have a witness. The other thing that I KNOW is that it took no less than 2 phone calls to the fulfillment center and 7 or 8 messages for Ms. McQuire to get a response as to the status of the rebate. In fact, the only reason Ms. McQuire even got on the phone was because I had asked the operator for the President and/or CEO's addresses so that I could vent my disgust at my inability to get a call back from Ms. McQuire! What I have never received, at EITHER address, is a rebate denial or refusal letter. I didn't even know such a thing existed. The wonderful thing about this country is that we are free to believe what we want. I believe that the rebate processor is somehow compensated for reducing or maintaining a specific level of rebate expense for their customers. As a lower level processor as you had indicated you once were, you most likely would not be aware of any such arrangements. Anyway, that's what I believe, because nothing else fits! As you pointed out, the chances of both rebates being denied are nill? If they ARE nill, and I DID submit the rebate properly, then what else explains the two denials? Your rebuttal only stands to buttress my contention...that things aren't kosher in this process. (Notice I haven't even brought up the numerous other complaints against Best Buy that are on record) Things are not always as they appear. While I don't believe in diatribe, I do believe in pointing out the obvious. My small way of retaliation is to refuse to purchase anything from Best Buy, and I tell everyone everytime I get the chance not to patronize Best Buy and certainly never to purchase any Archos products. So far, I am certain that I have discouraged a half dozen or so purchases! I never, ever forget being ripped off, so I will continue the practice till I go to my grave. Inasmuch as I am a large consumer of electronics, CD's, computers for company and home, I'm certain that my refusal to purchase from Best Buy has more than evened the score. But being ripped off is being ripped off and even if they were to plunk $100 on my desk tomorrow, it would change the way that I feel...that they are unethical business people! Sincerely, Randy McNees [email protected]

(At least I think it was a rebuttal.) In it, someone suggested that it may have been inappropriate to file two rebates. For the record, I specifically asked one of my co-workers if it was "OK" to send in two rebates based on this particular rebate offer. He read it, and said "you see, it says "one rebate per address, it doesn't say anything about one rebate per person." Can we ask those responsible to provide a copy of this particular rebate offer? If I'm wrong I'll be the first to admit it. Regarding the question, " Did you really submit the UPC codes?" Yes, two of my co-workers are Asian, they take particular pride in making sure they keep their boss straight. At their suggestion, I really did tape the barcodes to the rebate form. Hoang laughed saying, "you can't give them anything to deny you for, that's how they rip you off." With that comment, I showed him my taped UPC codes and he "approved" my participation in the process. (That is why I am so certain, because we had so much dialogue about rebates and getting ripped off. I usually copy them before mailing and I may have this time too, but I cannot find it as I have looked.) Further, because one of the MP-3 players was for my co-worker Hoang, and the other for my girlfriend, I can produce and photograph both players as evidence of purchase. What I cannot produce is the box as they have long since been disposed of. What I can PROMISE you is that I included the UPC codes...really!! I can further promise you I mailed them as prescribed. I even remember goofing one up by putting my office address on it. I had to get the White-Out and paint over the office address and insert my home address. If I can remember all of that detail don't you think I can remember taping the UPC codes to the rebate submission form? I'm NOT a moran. Besides, I really DO have a witness. The other thing that I KNOW is that it took no less than 2 phone calls to the fulfillment center and 7 or 8 messages for Ms. McQuire to get a response as to the status of the rebate. In fact, the only reason Ms. McQuire even got on the phone was because I had asked the operator for the President and/or CEO's addresses so that I could vent my disgust at my inability to get a call back from Ms. McQuire! What I have never received, at EITHER address, is a rebate denial or refusal letter. I didn't even know such a thing existed. The wonderful thing about this country is that we are free to believe what we want. I believe that the rebate processor is somehow compensated for reducing or maintaining a specific level of rebate expense for their customers. As a lower level processor as you had indicated you once were, you most likely would not be aware of any such arrangements. Anyway, that's what I believe, because nothing else fits! As you pointed out, the chances of both rebates being denied are nill? If they ARE nill, and I DID submit the rebate properly, then what else explains the two denials? Your rebuttal only stands to buttress my contention...that things aren't kosher in this process. (Notice I haven't even brought up the numerous other complaints against Best Buy that are on record) Things are not always as they appear. While I don't believe in diatribe, I do believe in pointing out the obvious. My small way of retaliation is to refuse to purchase anything from Best Buy, and I tell everyone everytime I get the chance not to patronize Best Buy and certainly never to purchase any Archos products. So far, I am certain that I have discouraged a half dozen or so purchases! I never, ever forget being ripped off, so I will continue the practice till I go to my grave. Inasmuch as I am a large consumer of electronics, CD's, computers for company and home, I'm certain that my refusal to purchase from Best Buy has more than evened the score. But being ripped off is being ripped off and even if they were to plunk $100 on my desk tomorrow, it would change the way that I feel...that they are unethical business people! Sincerely, Randy McNees [email protected]

I have processed rebates for a local company (one of the top 2 rebate companies) here in Arizona over a year ago. I am 99.9% sure Best Buy uses a clearing house (third party) to process rebates. These companies have hundreds of employees entering your rebate information into the computer so the likelihood of one person deliberatly denying BOTH your rebates is NILL. The employees get no reimbursement or kickbacks for pushing your rebate through OR DENYING them. The going rate for processing rebates is $.085 per envelope regardless of how many rebates are in an envelope (depending on the rebate guidlines). My questions are: Did the rebate read "one per Person AND one per Address" and to double dip the rebate offer you decided to mail an offer from your office? Did you really submit the UPC codes? (My personal experience finds this hard to believe that 2 seperate rebates were refused). My suggestions: On your denial letter should be an address and/or toll free phone number to dispute your claim. We were instructed that customers disputing their rebate denial letter were sent checks giving them benifit of the doubt. If there was not a address or phone number pull out the copies you made of your submission and send a letter to the rebate address listed request a phone call and a response in writing at the least. Do you still have the boxes? Take a picture of the boxes and send it in with your letter (include a print out of your Rip-off Report as well). NO, you shouldn't have to put in 100 hours to get your rebate... it depends on what $100.00 is worth to you and it's the principal right? I would bombard their mailroom with letter after letter until I was satisfied with the result(EVERY letter will cost them $$$ as they have to pay the processor per envelope REGARDLESS of what is inside). I am NOT a supporter of rebates or companies that process rebates. These companies should be shut down they run the employees in worse conditions than a sweat shop paying only $.085 per envelope with envelopes that have 10+ UPC's per envelope. EVERYTHING on the slip and ALL UPC numbers must be entered into the computer. These envelopes took anywhere from 5-10 minutes to enter into the computer (typing 45WPM). If 85 year old Margo likes to practice her writing in cursive on the rebate slip then you can add another 3-5 minutes trying to make out her writing. Do the math and you can easily figure that you won't even make the cost of gas money to pick up your mail to process it (another "work from home" scam in itself). Rebates are a Fraud using slave labor, surprisingly NOT benefitting companies like Best Buy but actually the companies they PAY to process these rebates. THIS IS BIG BUSINESS GUYS the money is OWNING a processing center. Randy if you were screwed out of $100.00 I am truly sorry but I think if you really want to get back at them copy the Rip-Off Report and make a standard letter and mail it 2-3 times a week. Call and ask for their toll free fax number and bombard their fax with your letters (tell them you are faxing a receipt or something)... Good Luck