Hours invested in getting my rebate... And still owed $85.
I bought a Rebel XT digital camera and a 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III zoom lens. These are not cheap products. Rebate deal was camera rebate $75, lens rebate $5, buy both together and double the rebate on each. Double $5 plus $75 is $160.
I cut out the UPC symbols, made copies of the warranties, made copies of the receipts, and filled out the forms. I read all the fine print and sent in everything exactly as specified. I received in the mail a check for $75 with no explanation of the missing $85.
I started the whole phone call thing involving numerous computerized menu choices, lots of time on hold, being told to call other numbers and department, etc. I finally talked to the rebate problem center. Yes, they have a whole department (or contract company?) devoted to this.
We finally determined that their records showed that my UPC was for a "Canon Zoom 75-300 IIU" instead of a "Canon Zoom 75-300 III". I told them that I had the box (with the hole in it from the cut out UPC code) and it said "III". And I was also holding the lens and it said "III".
They said that I have to resubmit for the rebate. I told them that it was obviously their mistake and they should send me the rest of the money. They said they shredded the UPC symbols that I sent in order to protect my privacy. I then asked them if there is even such a thing as a "Canon Zoom 75-300 IIU". After a pause, the answer was "no".
With this new information, I again requested the check.
The answer, like talking to a robot, was "we ask that you resubmit". I assume this runaround is an intentional effort to minimize rebate costs. But when they are called out, they could at least do the right thing. But they will not. I guess that this will go on for months until I get sick of them and they get to keep my money...
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