Question regarding rebates

[V00D00]

Can you send a rebate via registered mail so you can be sure they don't "lose" it?

I know some places have policies where they refhuse to sign for it, but has anyone ever tried it?

It didn't say anything in the terms of the rebate that they would reject registered mail, so I don't see why they would.

 

[Rick014]

I've sent them with delivery confirmation. I had one incident where they said it wasn't received and to re send it. I asked to speak to a manager and told him that if it was lost it happened after they received it (gave him the confirmation number and the date that they received it. He them agreed to honor my rebate without me having to re send the information.

 

[V00D00]

that was my idea behind doing it. i guess delivery confirmation would work just as well then.

thanks a ton for the reply!!

 

[emeraldsky]

For substantial rebates I use registered mail because you have a signature as proof they received it.
That also let's them know you are serious about getting the rebate, so they won't try to screw you over.
I think of it as cheap insurance.

 

[thenotebook]

Okay...so where's the deal? This should not have been posted here. Lock this.

 

[V00D00]

There are a very good amount of hot deals that use rebates. That's why I posted it here. It's good information for someone who has to send rebates.

 

[freshspace]

Useful information, especially regarding rebates, shared among ATers is a hot deal!

I always just send my rebates via regular mail, but I keep a nice photocopy of everything. From what I understand, if you have to send it registered or some of its variations, it slows down the process. Well, after dealing with Soyo for 6+ months (I finally got my checks yesterday), I'm sure it makes no difference. The only downside of sending stuff registered is that it will cost you more money. By having copies, if you don't hear from them in 12 weeks or so, you can always call them and resend the stuff. It has always worked for me without much delay. If I don't get my stuff in 12 weeks or so, I call and chew them out. Then, they will rush-process your check.

 

[DaisyHead]

Keep in mind you can't send an envelope first class and have delivery confirmation. It has to be a "parcel" - at least 3/4" thick. Using an envelope and certified mail with online return receipt will cost you close to $4.

 

[V00D00]

But you can send a regular envelope via registered mail, can't you?

 

[emeraldsky]

Originally posted by: DaisyHead
Using an envelope and certified mail with online return receipt will cost you close to $4.

You don't need the return receipt. You can get a copy of the receipt when/if you need it. Since you won't need it, why pay for it? After they sign for your letter, they aren't going to pretend they didn't get it.
Certified mail is $2.30 plus postage.

 

[Baked]

Reputable companies will always give you the rebate check. I got close to $200 back with 3 checks from the comcast HSI deal. Waited 2 months, got my checks. Got my checks from Maxtor and WD too. Waiting for Seagate check right now. I always make a copy of every rebate I send out. Only cheap ass places send you a post card saying you're missing this and that, and you call them up and scream in their face, calling their mama names, and they'll send you the check.

 

[V00D00]

I actually only missed out on one rebate in my time messing around with them, and it was only $15. I usually make copies of everything as well. I just want to be careful now that best buy is being gay about it.

 

[LuckyStrike]

I started sending rebates insured mail, it's cheaper but the PO hate this "lol"......they will tell you it's a no no but it's because they don't want the hassle of a claim.. been there done that it works and a lot cheaper.


You can insure a first class envelope with "currency" value






Lucky

 

[V00D00]

hehe...that's a good idea.. shifty, but good.

 

[emeraldsky]

Originally posted by: LuckyStrike
I started sending rebates insured mail
Lucky

Very nice. It's $1.30 plus postage for $50 of insurance on a letter.

If the rebate company claims they didn't get your letter, how can you prove to them that they did?
Or how can you prove to the Post Office that they didn't, so you can collect your insurance?

 

[Peetoeng]

Originally posted by: emeraldsky

Originally posted by: DaisyHead
Using an envelope and certified mail with online return receipt will cost you close to $4.

You don't need the return receipt. You can get a copy of the receipt when/if you need it. Since you won't need it, why pay for it? After they sign for your letter, they aren't going to pretend they didn't get it.
Certified mail is $2.30 plus postage.

(bold letters are added).

But, you have to pay $12 for PO to reserch the receipt. Read the fine print on the back side of your certified mail receipt.

 

[jurovi]

Originally posted by: Baked
Reputable companies will always give you the rebate check. I got close to $200 back with 3 checks from the comcast HSI deal. Waited 2 months, got my checks. Got my checks from Maxtor and WD too. Waiting for Seagate check right now. I always make a copy of every rebate I send out. Only cheap ass places send you a post card saying you're missing this and that, and you call them up and scream in their face, calling their mama names, and they'll send you the check.

Then amazon must be one of those cheap sites....

I will NEVER purchase from amazon.com again..

They change terms on their rebates... and then screw people out of the money they are owed..

see these threads...

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7738&enterthread=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9403&enterthread=y

Amazon sucks... period...

 

[DrPizza]

This thread, or another on "best rebate practices" would be a good stickied thread for this forum, since so many of the hot deals are only hot after the rebate price. Personally, I don't worry about the return receipt IF it's a reputable company... but if it's someone like Tiger Direct (who I have avoided thus far, based mainly on complaints of their rebate process), I would definitely send it return receipt.

 

[emeraldsky]

Originally posted by: Peetoeng

Originally posted by: emeraldsky

Originally posted by: DaisyHead
Using an envelope and certified mail with online return receipt will cost you close to $4.

You don't need the return receipt. You can get a copy of the receipt when/if you need it. Since you won't need it, why pay for it? After they sign for your letter, they aren't going to pretend they didn't get it.
Certified mail is $2.30 plus postage.

(bold letters are added).

But, you have to pay $12 for PO to reserch the receipt. Read the fine print on the back side of your certified mail receipt.

The rates for a return receipt for Certified mail are:
Fee in addition to postage:
Requested at time of mailing (Form 3811)?$1.75
Requested after mailing (Form 3811-A)?$3.25

I read the back of my receipt and it doesn't have any fee information. I got the above info from the USPS website.
I'd rather pay $3.25 in the very unlikely event it's necessary than $1.75 up front.

By the way, they will send you the receipt, with signature, via email, so it's quite convenient.

 

[emeraldsky]

Originally posted by: jurovi

Originally posted by: Baked
Reputable companies will always give you the rebate check. I got close to $200 back with 3 checks from the comcast HSI deal. Waited 2 months, got my checks. Got my checks from Maxtor and WD too. Waiting for Seagate check right now. I always make a copy of every rebate I send out. Only cheap ass places send you a post card saying you're missing this and that, and you call them up and scream in their face, calling their mama names, and they'll send you the check.

Then amazon must be one of those cheap sites....

I will NEVER purchase from amazon.com again..

They change terms on their rebates... and then screw people out of the money they are owed..

see these threads...

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...7738&enterthread=y

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...9403&enterthread=y

Amazon sucks... period...

Your links don't work. I'd like to see the threads.

 

[LuckyStrike]

"quote from emeraldsky"

"If the rebate company claims they didn't get your letter, how can you prove to them that they did?
Or how can you prove to the Post Office that they didn't, so you can collect your insurance?"


With insured mail the post office has to prove delivery if the consumer questions receipt! You might still be forced to resubmit the rebate, however this is the cheapest "shifty" way to deal with rebate company's!



Lucky

 

[emeraldsky]

Originally posted by: LuckyStrike
"quote from emeraldsky"

"If the rebate company claims they didn't get your letter, how can you prove to them that they did?
Or how can you prove to the Post Office that they didn't, so you can collect your insurance?"


With insured mail the post office has to prove delivery if the consumer questions receipt! You might still be forced to resubmit the rebate, however this is the cheapest "shifty" way to deal with rebate company's!



Lucky

It doesn't seem shifty to me. It seems perfect.
You just fill out the insured mail form, slap on the postage, get your receipt postmarked and mail it.
This way you are sure to get paid, one way or the other, and it's $1 cheaper than Certified mail.
Thanks to LuckyStrike for suggesting this method.

 

[imported_WBStrip]

Then I think that office max must be one of the bad companys
I send in for the liteon DVD player Rebate and Put in the UPC and now I get a postcard that said I did not inclued it.

Will Be the Last time I buy from them

WBStrip