~~~~ Rebate Tracking Thread -- Updated 1-3-03 ~~~~

[Bytre]

I am victorious over TCA!

On my Antec $20 rebate from outpost from one year ago this month, I sent the stuff in dutifully and waited. After a few months with no response, I checked on the state of the rebate at their site. TCA refused my rebate because it was outside of the rebate period (they looked at the shipped date rather than purchased date). I mailed them at the address on the site to get it resolved - no response. A month later, I did so again. No response.

Finally, I called them. They said "we don't read the mail from the web site. There is a phone number there, you should call it". We argued about that for a while. When it came down to it, they said "its been too long, we no longer have your rebate information. You'll have to take this up with the vendor. No, we don't have any contact information for the vendor. No, there's nothing we can do to help you get your rebate. No, we're not responsible for any errors we make" etc.

Not willing to admit defeat, I wrote to Elliot Spitzer's office (state attorney general of new york). They looked into it, got information from TCA which was misrepresented. I pointed that out to them, they went back to TCA, and came back saying "TCA has agreed to honor your rebate".

Well, I didn't expect much, so I was surprised to get a $20 check today for a rebate I mailed 50 weeks ago.

 

[Jmman]

Well, for all of us waiting for the $100 rebates from the DELL 4550 feeding frenzy, my $200 in rebates shipped out today. I sent them in on 10/15 (purchase date of 10/10), so pretty decent turnaround time.....

 

[Prong]

Received my BB Motorola SB4200 Cable Modem $99.99 rebate today--mailed in on 11/14.
Also received my BB $10 gift today card from purchasing a Visioneer 7100 scanner on 11/12.

 

[brianafischer]

I just bought a notebook computer at CompUSA on black friday. They were offering a "PC Gift Pack" with the computer which included over $450 of goods. I have spent several hours working on the forms, and am down to a few discrepancies. On the PNY memory (split into $30 and $60 rebates), it states that the original UPC must be submitted with two seperate rebate forms! Obviously, this cannot be done. What should I do? I have included the links for the rebates to be submitted below.

$30 Rebate Form
$60 Rebate Form

Thanks!
Brian

 

[K-squared]

Brian,
The general rule of thumb, is that the original UPC goes to the Manufacturer's rebate, and a copy of the UPC goes to the vendor's rebate (in this case CompUSA).

First, go in person to the CompUSA where you purchased the package and politely confront the manager - I'm sure you won't be the first, nor the last - as this has become an increasely more common "problem" on CompUSA's part. Show him both rebate forms and ask her/him how it should be handled. That way if either rebate center balks on their rebate, you have the "that's how you told me to do this...." arguement to fall back on, when you demand the store make-good on the rejected rebate.

Next, call both the RebatesHQ (Parago) and CompUSA (TCA) rebate centers and ask them how this is to be handled - again, I'm sure you won't be the first to have called with this problem. Right down the instructions (if provided), and then read the instructions back for verification - again so you have the "that's how you told me to do this...." arguement to fall back on with the rebate center, if they reject the rebate. The 800 numbers for both rebate centers is listed on the respective rebate forms.

Make copies - multiple copies - of eveything you submit. Include a copy of the other rebate you filed, with the rebate you file with the copy of the UPC, so they can see that the UPC was submitted with the other rebate. When possible, always keep the originals/original documents.

Last actively track the rebates online. Both RebatesHQ and TCA have online rebate tracking - to inlcude online rebate filing, which I would encourage you to take advantage of when you can. Using their online documentation oftens requires that you only attach the UPC and receipt/copy of the receipt to their form. And again, make copies.

The $30 rebate to Miami is the Manufacturer's rebate; the $60 rebate to New Rochelle is the vendor rebate.

Originally posted by: brianafischer
I just bought a notebook computer at CompUSA on black friday. They were offering a "PC Gift Pack" with the computer which included over $450 of goods. I have spent several hours working on the forms, and am down to a few discrepancies. On the PNY memory (split into $30 and $60 rebates), it states that the original UPC must be submitted with two seperate rebate forms! Obviously, this cannot be done. What should I do? I have included the links for the rebates to be submitted below.

$30 Rebate Form
$60 Rebate Form

Thanks!
Brian

 

[Mizer]

Originally posted by: optoman
Warning;

cendyne and possibly Verbatim rebates on cd-rws are not being fulfilled. Many phonecalls from not just me but other have confirmed the companies have yet to send money to get the checks cut. Do not buy any of their products. Cendyne might be about to close it doors and leave alot of people without money. Some Verbatims drives are just Cendynes and the money has to come from Cendyne. You have been warned.

I have two Cendyne CD-RW rebates (one from Staples and OfficeMax) still processing over 2 months at rebatesHQ.com. I call rebatesHQ.com and they told me it would take another 30 more days. Not that I would thrust anything the lady said she sounded like a broken record.:|

 

[K-squared]

Anyone else notice how RebatesHQ seems to be rapidly turning for the worst, lately? I too have rebates "validated" yet unpaid for September and October.

This [use to be] the rebate fulfillment center in which I could trust the rebates would be properly handled, and in a timely manner. But since late this summer, rebates are increasingly being "invalidated" for a host of BS reasons. I've been lied to, told information was missing from my documentation that was not only present, but for which I included a copy of everything submitted (kind of a pre-emptive "just want you to know I have copies of all my documentation...." notice)

Originally posted by: Mizer
I have two Cendyne CD-RW rebates (one from Staples and OfficeMax) still processing over 2 months at rebatesHQ.com. I call rebatesHQ.com and they told me it would take another 30 more days. Not that I would thrust anything the lady said she sounded like a broken record.:|

Originally posted by: optoman
Warning;

cendyne and possibly Verbatim rebates on cd-rws are not being fulfilled. Many phonecalls from not just me but other have confirmed the companies have yet to send money to get the checks cut. Do not buy any of their products. Cendyne might be about to close it doors and leave alot of people without money. Some Verbatims drives are just Cendynes and the money has to come from Cendyne. You have been warned.

 

[bingle]

I was just cutting out UPCs, filling in forms, and scanning everything for my Black Friday rebates when I noticed a potential problem with two of the Best Buy rebates. According to the Best Buy After Thanksgiving circular, both the Microsoft Internet Keyboard (C19-00330)and the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical (D66-00029) were eligible for $14 MIRs making them $4.99 each after IR and MIR (last page of the ad). However, both the rebate forms spit out from the register reference rebate offer #30732 and go to the same address. Furthermore, both rebate forms say "limit one rebate per household". A call to the Best Buy rebate center number (1-800-849-0444) just now resulted in a "you are only eligible for a rebate on one of those items" response. When I pressed that they were different items, the response was "were limited by the terms of the rebate and it specifies one per". I'd already filled out the rebate info and cut the UPCs off the boxes before I noticed any of this (it was while I was addressing the envelopes that I experienced a feeling a deja vu).

Should I be worried? Any suggestions?

 

[Mizer]

Originally posted by: bingle
I was just cutting out UPCs, filling in forms, and scanning everything for my Black Friday rebates when I noticed a potential problem with two of the Best Buy rebates. According to the Best Buy After Thanksgiving circular, both the Microsoft Internet Keyboard (C19-00330)and the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical (D66-00029) were eligible for $14 MIRs making them $4.99 each after IR and MIR (last page of the ad). However, both the rebate forms spit out from the register reference rebate offer #30732 and go to the same address. Furthermore, both rebate forms say "limit one rebate per household". A call to the Best Buy rebate center number (1-800-849-0444) just now resulted in a "you are only eligible for a rebate on one of those items" response. When I pressed that they were different items, the response was "were limited by the terms of the rebate and it specifies one per". I'd already filled out the rebate info and cut the UPCs off the boxes before I noticed any of this (it was while I was addressing the envelopes that I experienced a feeling a deja vu).

Should I be worried? Any suggestions?

If they are going to Microsoft rebate center, I would not worry. In the past, Microsoft as been pretty good about their rebates. If one is rejected just call, they are usually quick to answer, and tell them you situation. But make copies and keep tracked. Call if their late.

 

[bingle]

Originally posted by: Mizer

Originally posted by: bingle
I was just cutting out UPCs, filling in forms, and scanning everything for my Black Friday rebates when I noticed a potential problem with two of the Best Buy rebates. According to the Best Buy After Thanksgiving circular, both the Microsoft Internet Keyboard (C19-00330)and the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical (D66-00029) were eligible for $14 MIRs making them $4.99 each after IR and MIR (last page of the ad). However, both the rebate forms spit out from the register reference rebate offer #30732 and go to the same address. Furthermore, both rebate forms say "limit one rebate per household". A call to the Best Buy rebate center number (1-800-849-0444) just now resulted in a "you are only eligible for a rebate on one of those items" response. When I pressed that they were different items, the response was "were limited by the terms of the rebate and it specifies one per". I'd already filled out the rebate info and cut the UPCs off the boxes before I noticed any of this (it was while I was addressing the envelopes that I experienced a feeling a deja vu).

Should I be worried? Any suggestions?

If they are going to Microsoft rebate center, I would not worry. In the past, Microsoft as been pretty good about their rebates. If one is rejected just call, they are usually quick to answer, and tell them you situation. But make copies and keep tracked. Call if their late.

They both go to the Best Buy Rebate Center in Calais, ME.

Best Buy Rebate #30732
P.O. Box 7400
Calais, ME 04619-7435

 

[Mizer]

Originally posted by: bingle

Originally posted by: Mizer

Originally posted by: bingle
I was just cutting out UPCs, filling in forms, and scanning everything for my Black Friday rebates when I noticed a potential problem with two of the Best Buy rebates. According to the Best Buy After Thanksgiving circular, both the Microsoft Internet Keyboard (C19-00330)and the Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical (D66-00029) were eligible for $14 MIRs making them $4.99 each after IR and MIR (last page of the ad). However, both the rebate forms spit out from the register reference rebate offer #30732 and go to the same address. Furthermore, both rebate forms say "limit one rebate per household". A call to the Best Buy rebate center number (1-800-849-0444) just now resulted in a "you are only eligible for a rebate on one of those items" response. When I pressed that they were different items, the response was "were limited by the terms of the rebate and it specifies one per". I'd already filled out the rebate info and cut the UPCs off the boxes before I noticed any of this (it was while I was addressing the envelopes that I experienced a feeling a deja vu).

Should I be worried? Any suggestions?

If they are going to Microsoft rebate center, I would not worry. In the past, Microsoft as been pretty good about their rebates. If one is rejected just call, they are usually quick to answer, and tell them you situation. But make copies and keep tracked. Call if their late.

They both go to the Best Buy Rebate Center in Calais, ME.

Best Buy Rebate #30732
P.O. Box 7400
Calais, ME 04619-7435

This is a tough one.
I am assuming you paid with a Credit Card and both are on the same receipt. Because this is going to Best Buy rebate center they can easily match the receipt (each receipt has a unique ID number) to the rebate/person. So you are taking a big chance using the Friends and Family method.

The only thing I would do at this point is send two separate rebate ASAP and if you have to, fight it out later.

If anyone has opinion please feel free to comment.

 

[lsman]

Any one get the Amazon 1001 saving rebate, sent back at Aug?

 

[Geotext]

Originally posted by: Mizer

Originally posted by: optoman
Warning;

cendyne and possibly Verbatim rebates on cd-rws are not being fulfilled. Many phonecalls from not just me but other have confirmed the companies have yet to send money to get the checks cut. Do not buy any of their products. Cendyne might be about to close it doors and leave alot of people without money. Some Verbatims drives are just Cendynes and the money has to come from Cendyne. You have been warned.

I have two Cendyne CD-RW rebates (one from Staples and OfficeMax) still processing over 2 months at rebatesHQ.com. I call rebatesHQ.com and they told me it would take another 30 more days. Not that I would thrust anything the lady said she sounded like a broken record.:|

I too am getting the '30 more days' excuse, and this is after getting approved two months ago. What's OfficeMax's liability in this? Since they sold the drives in the first place and deeper pocket.

Is there a place on AT that actually lists reliable/unreliable venders?

So far Western Digital been the best. Bought 60GD hhd second week of Oct, sent in rebate and received check in Mid Nov. Four weeks total. No 'your rebate is in final stage of processing...' bullsh*t.

 

[Cpaladin]

Same thing here from Omax and staples. Calling is almost pointless, but, all I can do is just start politely being a pest and make it known I haven't forgotten. I have a bazillion rebates due from Cendyne/Verbatim due to the myriad of deals on their drives at these stores, as well as OD and others. $530 in cendyne/verbatim rebates to be exact, cause 50 bucks a pop adds up pretty quickly when they keep having these promos, and I didn't know verbatim was a subsidiary of cendyne and that all their rebates were dependent on another company. It's the different between putting a couple hundred dollars in 2 baskets vs half a grand in one, and not realizing it.

Now I see all the new threads about this cendyne cdrw or this dvd-rw or whatever, or verbatim, and I ain't touching 'em with a ten foot pole. I wouldn't even mind if my rebates were late, IF I thought I was going to get them. Hell, I'll take just half of 'em, at least then I would have gotten stuff at a pretty decent price, otherwise I coulda just bought some 24x burners at compgeeks for xmas gifts and been out less money.

Blues Traveler's tune "Runaround" hums thru my head as I type..

 

[lungster]

Staples rebate center rocks !
Just got my $30 back from the Staples 60 Gb deal from 3 WEEKS ago ! This was the deal that had the $30 from Staples and $20 from Maxtor. I sent a copy of the UPC for the $30 Staples rebate and looks like everything was ok. Let's see how long it takes for the Maxtor half of the deal.

Mailed out 11/20/02, $30 back 12/09/02

 

[lungster]

Also got $20 from Globalstar for their Tournament Chess sw from CompUSA.
Mailed out 9/2/02, back 12/9/02

 

[Boomer2]

Originally posted by: Mizer
This is a tough one.
I am assuming you paid with a Credit Card and both are on the same receipt. Because this is going to Best Buy rebate center they can easily match the receipt (each receipt has a unique ID number) to the rebate/person. So you are taking a big chance using the Friends and Family method.

The only thing I would do at this point is send two separate rebate ASAP and if you have to, fight it out later.

If anyone has opinion please feel free to comment.

None of about a dozen of my submissions (CD-Rs, mostly) where I used the "Friends and Family method" has ever been questioned.

 

[Kato]

Just got my $30 check from Staples for Maxtor 60G deal. Now to wait for the $20 Maxtor rebate for the same drive which also has been approved. That makes this 60G drive $25 including tax.

 

[Mizer]

Originally posted by: Cpaladin
Same thing here from Omax and staples. Calling is almost pointless, but, all I can do is just start politely being a pest and make it known I haven't forgotten. I have a bazillion rebates due from Cendyne/Verbatim due to the myriad of deals on their drives at these stores, as well as OD and others. $530 in cendyne/verbatim rebates to be exact, cause 50 bucks a pop adds up pretty quickly when they keep having these promos, and I didn't know verbatim was a subsidiary of cendyne and that all their rebates were dependent on another company. It's the different between putting a couple hundred dollars in 2 baskets vs half a grand in one, and not realizing it.

Now I see all the new threads about this cendyne cdrw or this dvd-rw or whatever, or verbatim, and I ain't touching 'em with a ten foot pole. I wouldn't even mind if my rebates were late, IF I thought I was going to get them. Hell, I'll take just half of 'em, at least then I would have gotten stuff at a pretty decent price, otherwise I coulda just bought some 24x burners at compgeeks for xmas gifts and been out less money.

Blues Traveler's tune "Runaround" hums thru my head as I type..

Did you call Staples/ OfficeMax CSR? If so did they have anything? I know if call rebatesHQ, you would have more luck talking to your trash can.

 

[MooBaby]

I just got my Dell rebate from one of the afore mentioned Dell desktop system threads. Problem #1, the rebate was suppose to be for $150, BUT they only sent me a $100. I called Dell customer service, who called the rebate center and the end result was that they placed a stop payment on the $100 check and are suppose to reissue me a $150 check, which could take another 10-12 weeks. I asked why I couldn't just keep the $100 check and get credited $50, but was told the stop payment was already being put in effect. So much for that much applauded Dell customer service.

 

[Cpaladin]

Staples CSR sound like an android. Absolutely, total waste of time on hold. No help whatsoever. As far as they're concerned, the machine in front of them says the rebate will be mailed out within 30 days, so end of conversation. That it's been saying that for 60 seems not to matter.

 

[Chuck2]

At our local Staples store there is a person that handles all rebate problems. She has intervened in several for me and came through like a champ!! She calls the rebate center and gets whatever needs to be done and your check is in the mail very soon. If anyone has rebate problems with Staples you should check to see if they have someone to help.

 

[BeastBuy]

Best Buy Toshiba PCX2200 cable modem:

Purchase dates: 11/10-11/16
Reward amount: $30 & $50 (for new account activation)

To: Calais, ME rebate center
Mailed rebate: 11/13/2002
Check received: 12/09/2002

 

[Cpaladin]

The problem chuck, as I've read on other forums, seems to be that Cendyne isn't sending any money to parago/rebateshq. Cendyne is the parent company of Verbatim, and is responsible for paying for Verbatim rebates. Thus, parago isn't cutting anyone checks until they get the money from the manufacturer to cover them, so I really don't know how much a local staples rep can do about that. It's not simply a matter of just getting a few buttons pushed and a fire lit under someone's butt.

 

[Sophia]

If you want to complain directly to either:

Cendyne - Contact us

Verbatim - Contact us