Rebate Shell Game

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 10, 2006 Posts: 3

I read before I signed up that the rebate offers were riddled with directions designed make it nearly impossible to fulfill. So, knowing this I followed all the directions to-the-letter...or so I thought.

OK, I have a master's degree, and taught at a university for 18 years. I can follow directions...

After signing up in June 2005 I finally learned today that I will not be getting all of the rebates promised (did get some) because of a technicality not made known to me until today. I was contacted and corrected a data entry error on their part several months go, and everything looked OK back in November...and again in December.

BUT, now I'm told some offers have to be submitted within 30 days of signing up, others after 30 days but not before 60. Mine went in on day 58, so that kicked out the 30 day offer. (You know, the one where I get $100 for my old router...by the way it is not returnable.) The post 30 day but before 60 day rebates worked and I have them.

Live a learn, but hopefully this message prompts others to really beware. This company is not interest in fulfilling rebates...only designing them to fail.

Live and learn.

Good luck!

T

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 2:49 pm Post subject:

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

I signed up in July 2005, also availing myself of the $100 "G for Free" rebate and a couple of other Circuit City rebates that made the router free. I hold neither a Masters nor tenure, only a lowly Bachelors.

In my case, the rebate checks were all received in a timely fashion, about 8 weeks after filing them, and the $100 rebate check was received in November (given that they said I had to wait 90 days from retail activation, then up to 8 weeks, I'd even go as far as to call that rebate check "early").

The rebates were complex. No argument there.

There were three of them in my case, to turn my inflated $135 purchase cost into a "free" deal. To my recollection, there was one ($20 from Linksys) that needed to be filed within 30 days. Another ($15 from Circuit City) needed to be filed in 15 days. The big one ($100 from Vonage) needed to be filed after 30 days of retail activation, but within 60 days of purchase (meaning you wanted to get that retail activation done quickly, lest your window of opportunity close off too fast). I sent it, and my old router, out on day 35 after my retail activation.

In their defense, there is a valid reason for this complexity. They didn't want people filing for rebates, then taking advantage of the 30-day money back guarantee and complaining that their routers were not being returned to them. The way they designed it, you had a good opportunity to try things out before you gave up your old router.

I'd call the cancelation line (call CS and follow the prompts to cancel your line), and speak with a customer retention rep. Obviously, the old rule of being polite but firm applies. You may yet get satisfaction from them on your rebate.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 10, 2006 Posts: 3

Hmmm. Somthing's up here.

The rep told me that since my rebate app and the modem were postmarked 58 days after sign-up, and I therefore was not eligible.

(And I quote,"Holy smokes, guess what I just noticed.")

I'll try calling. Thanks.

-TM

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 3:13 pm Post subject:

Quote:

The rep told me that since my rebate app and the modem were postmarked 58 days after sign-up, and I therefore was not eligible.

My recollection of the exact terms may not be perfect. But I do recall that the date range was rather complex, and I believe it was based on two different base dates (purchase versus signup). In my case, I did my retail activation the moment I got the unit home, then once I was confident with the new gear, I got all the forms filled out, boxed my old router up with the forms, and wrote the date of "day 35" on a post-it that I attached to the box, and shipped it exactly on that date.

It COULD have been a "30 days after activation, but within 45 days of purchase" time range. I sent it at day 35 to get my rebate processed as quickly as possible, at any rate.

In any case, best of luck getting your rebate. I've seen a few sad stories on rebates on the forums here. Fortunately for me, I've not had the slightest complaint in that area. Hopefully, they'll get your problem sorted out and a check in the mail.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Jan 10, 2006 Posts: 3

I did call and stated my case (again). This time it was reviewed by a supervisor and I was told they were going to go ahead and process.

Fingers crossed!

Thanks all.

-T

Posts: 2257 · Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 3:24 pm Post subject:

Good news! Best of luck.