Is it wrong to buy someone a gift and ask for the UPC for a rebate?

[ggavinmoss]

I doubt the person in question would care, but it still seems like Emily Post might take isssue with this...

What do you guys think?

-geoff

 

[tami]

say you want the box.

 

[Zysoclaplem]

No it's not wrong. They should be happy you allow them exist on the same continent.

 

[richardycc]

or is it ok to give a gift with the UPC missing from the box?

 

[eakers]

can you cut the upc out before you give it to them?

 

[RaDragon]

What if you take the UPC code out first? Or, wait until a few days before you ask for the UPC code...

If a friend gave me a present, I wouldn't mind if they got the UPC code, however, I would mind that the instant after opening the present, they'd go -- "oh yah, can I get the UPC code for a rebate?" LOL.

 

[calvinbiss]

yes its wrong! i think that defeats the whole purpose. If you are that worried aobut it, buy something cheaper, or don't buy anything.

I would be turned off by that.

 

[isasir]

Yeah, it's pretty tacky.

Would you use a coupon at a restaurant, while on a first date with a girl?

 

[kranky]

If you would be comfortable telling the person, "Dude, I kept the UPC for a rebate," then it's OK. If that would embarrass you, don't take the UPC.

 

[ggavinmoss]

Originally posted by: calvinbiss
yes its wrong! i think that defeats the whole purpose. If you are that worried aobut it, buy something cheaper, or don't buy anything.

I would be turned off by that.

Point taken, but I don't have great affection for the person. Quite frankly she annoys me. However I think it would be more rude to not get her anything.

I think the UPC removal prior to gifting is the way to go... but it will require expert cutting of blister packaging. God I hate that stuff.

-geoff

 

[allisolm]

My family members just get the items with the UPCs removed. They don't mind. They even expect it. In fact, they get a little misty-eyed if they get a gift with an intact UPC, thinking I spent full price for that. (Good thing they don't know about rebates that don't require the original UPCs.)

I don't think I'd give a gift and then ask for the UPC back, though. Don't know why I think one is okay but wouldn't do the other. I only give UPCless things to close family though.

 

[Kishan]

Originally posted by: isasir
Yeah, it's pretty tacky.

 

[Platypus]

that lacks some class.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: allisolm
My family members just get the items with the UPCs removed. They don't mind. They even expect it. In fact, they get a little misty-eyed if they get a gift with an intact UPC, thinking I spent full price for that. (Good thing they don't know about rebates that don't require the original UPCs.)

I don't think I'd give a gift and then ask for the UPC back, though. Don't know why I think one is okay but wouldn't do the other. I only give UPCless things to close family though.

:thumbsup:

Either that, or "free installation" is part of the giftgiving. eg: wrap up the new digicam with a simple tie + bow and drop it into the old one's camera bag. They go to pull it out on Christmas morning to take pics - there's the first present.

- M4H

 

[zixxer]

I would just cut it off and not say anything if it was not my g/f. if it was my gf i'd just tell her i took it off

 

[BD2003]

I wouldnt care. I'd think "oh, he got it with a rebate". Big deal!

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: BD2003
I wouldnt care. I'd think "oh, he got it with a rebate". Big deal!

To expand on that, it would be "If he didn't get this with a rebate, I'd be getting something sh!tty instead."

Followed by "It's free. What the fvck am I complaining for?"

And finally "Wait a minute. No one in this family buys me technology. This must be a dream."

- M4H

 

[lastrhino]

Only take the UPC if you have the rebate sent to them. That's it. No exceptions. Sorry.

 

[tami]

i repeat my first post: ask for the box back. don't say why.

giving a box to someone with the UPC is tacky. it makes your intentions more obvious, and i'd hope that you'd do this secretively rather than make it apparant. it also shows that the item is in new condition instead of possibly old with a "puncture" in the box.

 

[Mojoed]

I can't believe the amount of people who'd be offended, or think it's tacky to ask for the UPC. What's wrong with saving money? That's the bottom line. I'd rather have someone ask me for the UPC code. I can't imagine getting upset over this. It's the thought that counts, right? Does it really matter how much money someone spends on you? Seems pretty petty to me. Just my opinion. :gift::gift:

 

[cronos]

Originally posted by: allisolm
My family members just get the items with the UPCs removed. They don't mind. They even expect it. In fact, they get a little misty-eyed if they get a gift with an intact UPC, thinking I spent full price for that. (Good thing they don't know about rebates that don't require the original UPCs.)

thank God for Staples Easy Rebates

me, i would cut the UPC before i gave it to the person, and it would only be for close family or friends too. i'm not going to buy something with a mail-in-rebate for my boss, for instance.

 

[Bryophyte]

Why buy a present for someone you don't particularly like? Is it a relative?

Anyone I buy presents would be pretty surprised if I DIDN'T send in a rebate. Though if I bought something that had a decent chance of needing to be exchanged, I wouldn't mess up the package.

 

[nick1985]

id say its pretty tacky also

 

[Garet Jax]

Originally posted by: ggavinmoss
I doubt the person in question would care, but it still seems like Emily Post might take isssue with this...

What do you guys think?

-geoff

Yes. Even if it family.

 

[LordSnailz]

blah, did that with one of my friends, I dont' see why it's tacky granted he's a close friend. I wouldn't mind if someone asked for the UPC, they saved some money great! I'll get it back anyways on hold 'em