M. J.
KINGSVILLE,#2Consumer Suggestion
Thu, October 21, 2004
First things first...ALWAYS, ALWAYS make copies of ALL receipts and rebate forms for yourself and file them in a safe place. Check dates on rebate form, just because they are out there does not mean that they are still good. Look for address and phone number of company offering rebate. Be sure to mail your rebate request to the correct address with all requested UPC codes, original receipt (if requested) or copy of receipt and any other proof of purchase requested. Mail well before last day required. Mark your calendar. Most rebates take 4-6 or 6-8 weeks some even 8-10. Start watching for your check at the minimum time expected. If, at the maximum time expected, you have not gotten your rebate check, call the company. Ask if they can follow up on it. If they tell you it has been mailed, ask for the date it was mailed and the check number, if available. Wait 7-10 days from date mailed. If still nothing call again. Tell them the date you mailed...the date they say the check was mailed...and ask if the check has cleared their bank, if so could you please get a copy of it. It may take a supervisor/manager or accounting department to answer these questions and give authorization for the copy to be sent. Once you receive the check and verify that you indeed DID NOT get it and cash it, call back and explain to them. They should work with you to resolve the issue. If you still get nowhere make another set of copies and write a nice but nasty letter explaining your situation in detail and mail them to the "Management" at the same address as the originals. This usually works. It's hard to argue with a letter, it's tangable and can't be pushed aside or argued with. Take it from someone who knows, it is great when a rebate goes well (like the $350 I got back after buying a computer package last year) but when things go crappy it sucks. Most companies are very strict with their rebates, one little mistake and you're out that money (without notification). I missed out on one because I mailed it late in the day and it was not postmarked until the day after the deadline. Another time I bought 2 bras for my daughter and was supposed to get one free in the mail. Because the store had them buy one get one half off I did not get my rebate...nowhere did it state "buy 2 at regular price". Just another lesson learned (the hard way). Hope this helps.