In July I purchased 2 Motorola RAZR phones and signed up with Cingular via the SimplyWireless Internet site (SimplyWireless.com). I was pleased with the ease of ordering, the speed of receiving the product and the paperwork included with the phones. However, I purchased the phones based on the advertised "rebate" that would essentially make the phones "free" once the rebate was received.
Unbeknownst to me when I purchased the phones that the rebate process was in 3 stages: 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. Not only that, but SimplyWireless farms out their rebate processing to a company called Continental Promotions Group. SimplyWireless washes their hands of any problems you have in getting your rebate. I had no problem in receiving my 3 month rebate check but the 6 and 9 month rebate process has been a challenge to say the least. It has involved my contacting the Better Business Bureau in Arizona several times, as well as sending numerous e-mails back and forth to BBB and Continental Promotions Group (via myrebatestatus.com). The bottom line: if you don't like following up and continually badgering companies for adequate customer service, don't buy anything that advertises a "rebate" unless it is an instant rebate.
Companies hope that you won't go through all the hassle of collecting/photocopying receipts, reading the fine print and sending in forms, and then following up. I would suspect that 9 times out of 10, consumers don't jump through all the hoops necessary to get their rebates, which is highly beneficial to the companies selling the products. I don't recommend SimplyWireless.com nor the company they used to process rebates (Continental Promotions Group). It's been like pulling teeth to get a straight answer out of anyone and I have just one more check to squeeze out of them and the rebate process will be done with. This has been a very educational experience to say the least.
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