Yet Another Reason Not To Count On Rebates
Brook has waited since November for a $100 rebate from Buy.com. Each time she asks for the status of the rebate, she is told by rebate-processor Parago that the rebate is in the “final stages of processing” and will be ready, let’s say, next month.
I know the warnings about rebates, but I couldn’t pass this one up. Remember back in November when the Hanns-g 19″ monitors had that $100 rebate? I ended up getting it from buy.com, a reputable merchant whom I thought would deal with a reputable agency to pay their rebates. WRONG.
As a rule of thumb, purchase items expecting not to get the rebate. If the rebate comes through, great – treat it as a bonus. Always remember, rebate companies work very hard to deny your rebate. Parago has even admitted that most rebates are a scam.
Brook’s correspondence with Parago, and our suggestions, after the jump…
Thank you for your rebate inquiry. We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been received and validated, and it is in the final stages of processing. Your rebate check should be mailed by 02/03/07.
We appreciate your participation in this promotion. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please contact us at rebates@parago.com. We are always happy to help.
You can also track the status of your rebate, using the Tracking number above, at http://www.RebatesHQ.com.
Jaqui
Promotions Customer Service
From: ME
Sent: Feb 7, 2007 9:21:18 AM
Subject: Re: Rebates Customer Service
(Thread:1368494)Good Morning –
I just checked the status of my rebate, and it is unchanged.From your website:
Rebate: $100.00 Check
Rebate Information For: 2119XXXXX
Promotion: $100 Rebate with Purchase of Hanns-g 19″
LCD HC194D or HC194DP from Buy.com
Submission Type: MAIL-IN
Date Received: 11-17-2006
Status Detail: Your rebate is valid and is Scheduled for final processing.Can you please let me know when I can expect my rebate check. Thanks!
Dear ME: Tracking number: 2119XXXXX
Thank you for your rebate inquiry. We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been received and validated, and it is in the final stages of processing. Your rebate check should be mailed by 03/17/07.
We appreciate your participation in this promotion. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please contact us at rebates@parago.com. We are always happy to help.
You can also track the status of your rebate, using the Tracking number above, at http://www.RebatesHQ.com.
Matt
Promotional Customer Care
Matt (or Whomever) –
This is completely unsatisfactory. My purchase was 17 November 06. Your website has been telling me that I was in the “final stages” since the beginning of December. I was told (via e-mail): “We are pleased to inform you that your submission has been received and validated, and it is in the final stages of processing. Your rebate check should be mailed by 02/03/07” after a January 12 inquiry. Now I get this update, further pushing out my rebate check. It’s now been 3 months since my purchase, and apparently my rebate has been in its “final stages” for over 2 of them.
The internet is a powerful tool, especially for consumers who are getting worked over in cases just like this.
I would like my rebate check mailed immediately, or I will be sure to share my “final stages” story not only with the site I purchased the item through (so they can see how well you are handling their customers) but with consumerist.com as well. Might be interesting to see how many other folks have been in the “final stages”. Do you believe that any publicity is good publicity?
Though Brook’s issuance date has only been pushed back twice, no rebate should simmer in the final stages of processing for two months. Brook should stay on top of the situation. Threats only get people so far. If they still won’t issue the rebate check, Brook should contact the Better Business Bureau. What else should Brook do? Tell us in the comments. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
(Photo: kylemac)
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