Pep Boys - Rebate Buy 4 Tires Get One Free - Bait And Switch tactic
Bought 4 tires, rebate filled out at the store, Rebate center denied rebate, more to be explained below
I'll try to make this short by points,
Shopping for Tire at Pep Boys and seller said that there is a great deal buy 4 tires and get 1 free with mail in rebate.
We purchased tire on 05-26-08 and because of the nature of some mail in rebate and my past experience with it. I was very explicit and asked all the questions.
Everything seems to be ok since the STORE filled out the rebate and mail it out for us. I though wow what great service and this shouldn't be a problem.
Well to my surprise. Today is 08-11-08 and I received nothing.
After doing some research I found out that you can call 800-829-1420. It is the rebate center telephone number or visit https://www.web-rebates.com/pepboys/
Before I call I figured it would be good for me to check the website. We all know how you get nothing done calling a call center all the way in BFE country.
Website was quite easy to use. I found my rebate by entering last name and zip code
The Fun begins, the Rebate Status Inquiry states (Non Compliance Mailed) and the only thing that I can see which could have caused any kind of rejection is (Offer Date Range 05-04 to 05-31, Last Postmark: 06-14). Are they trying to say that I didn't post mail the rebate on time? Did I not sent it? But Wait the FREKEN STORE filled out and mail the rebate form the DAY OF PURCHSE! How can it be late???
A little confused and pissed off, I put a call to the 800-829-1420 number and no surprise. I get some one that is a little hard to understand. This is Ok because as consumers we are very price sensitive so I don't have high exceptions for service that is not the fault of any company. However
After giving the person all of the informant he requested. He said Please wait a moment while I check on the status he then proceeded to say Sir, we will not issue you the rebate due to non compliance, in order for you to receive the rebate you must meet the rebate requirements. These requirements are this and that and you meet all except that you did not purchase the EXTENDED WARRANTY.
OK here we go. My rebuttal comes. EXTENDED WARRANTY? No one mentioned any warranty at the store when I bought the tires because of the special deal. Even if I was absolutely stupid and did not listen. Should the customer service staff know that and tell me that before he fills out my rebates? What is this? The bate and switch technique? Sir we will sell you 4 tires and even mail the rebate in for you however we will just omit to tell you about some required details?
I was HOT on the phone back and forth with the guys and he hit my HOT button and said Sir, you sign the rebate at the store, so what, did you not read it? I replied Yes, I signed and I have no issue with that however I was not told about any warranty at the store when I bought these tires. On top of that, I asked the customer service rep to fill out the rebate to avoid issues like these. He replied Sorry, but we do not have to tell you anything.
OK this is when I blew up and told the guy to stay on the phone while I get my digital recorder set up and I wanted him to repeat what he said to me about WE DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU ANYTHIG. I wanted to get that on recording so that I can let the whole world hear this.
Well no surprise the @#$@#er hung up the phone! And dumb me didn't get his name.
2nd call placed and this time. Time I was sure to set up my recorder and get he guys name. The guys name was Nick.
After going over the info again he pulls up my rebate and said please hold and said please wait and wow. To my surprise the guy game back and said Sir, your rebate will be processed immediately.
WTF transpired? Between the 1st call and the 2nd call. Did someone get scared because they said something incriminating. The We don't have to tell you anything statement.
Yes, the problem was resolved and I got my rebate but believe I am no happy about it.
Regardless, dear consumers. This tells you something about how Pep Boys operate. Please be careful when you buy something there and when it comes to rebate get everything in detail in writing with blood whatever you have to do.
I am going to proceed and file a complaint with the BBB and than also email this same complaint to Pep Boys Corporate office.
Sincerely, Allan *
Ganema
Placentia, California
U.S.A.
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