Mail-in Rebates: Beware!

All of us have seen mail-in rebates for years now, especially at large electronic/computer chains like Best Buy. These rebates make the price very attractive and encourage impulse shopping. I have seen too many inconsistencies and useless caveats -- with the sole intention that the customer will not receive the advertised rebate -- that I do not count on the mail-in rebate when purchasing a product.

Most mail-in rebates require that you

1. Send in the original receipt, serial number bar codes and original UPC
2. Send in the rebate within a certain time frame
3. Send in everything at the same time

What do they want?
The unstated goals are that once you return the mail-in receipt, you may not be able to return a product; that you may make a mistake by sending one piece of paper less than required. Certainly offering a mail-in rebate has advantages for the seller -- they will invest and collect interest on the $100 mail-in rebate that they'd pay out 3 months later. A conversion rate of 50-70% swells the profits for the company.

You have no rights
If the seller says you made a mistake, or that they didn't receive the package, there is little you can do. If the seller refuses to refund you because they say you didn't include the original UPC code, there's nothing you can do. Think businesses don't lie? Always mail it certified mail where someone has to sign for it.

Shameless Lying by Sears
Four years ago I purchased a treadmill from Sears. The representative told me, and the documentation had it, that I was eligible for a floor mat. I sent everything as detailed, but the rebate was refused. Why? The rebate department said there was no rebate associated with this product. Incompetence? I think not. A couple of phone calls went nowhere, and store representative were no help (they get commissions on what they sell, so they don't care), and I gave up. Sears' benefit? $40. I haven't bought a large-ticket item there since. I hate liars.

Devious Rebate Form at Circuit City
Recently I purchased a laptop from Circuit City and saw something VERY curious. I followed a link with the intention of printing the rebate form. At the top of the page was a little button saying Print Form. Sure. I pressed it. It only printed 40% of the page. And guess what, the text on the web said Send this form in its entirety. A-ha! A dummy who uses the conveniently place button will be rejected. Intentional? I think yes. And you had to write the Serial Number on the paper form as well. What the heck? Do they have baboons dispensing rebates? How hard is it to read 3 pieces of information?

Read the Fine Print
Best Buy is shameless in having lots of rebates that are contingent on you signing a 2-year contract with an ISP. When I purchased a laptop in 2002, I was told to get a $100 rebate when I sign up for MSN Internet for 2 years. At $25/month for dial-up, it came to $600 for the duration. Why do that when I could get DSL for $30 a pop? Don't be a sucker, and read the fine print.

Summary
I'm not saying that mail-in rebates are evil, nor that all sellers are devious in this way. Just keep in mind that there's a 30% chance you won't get the rebate, and factor that in the price. And avoid sellers or manufacturers who nickel and dime you.