I purchased a wireless router with two rebates at CompUSA. Usually I avoid anything with a rebate because I know that rebate companies obviously make their money margin by generally frustrating people until they give up on what is due to them. But I thought these are CompUSA rebates and CompUSA is reputable, right??? Hmmm.
First, when the clerk entered the purchase, there was no rebate. Only when I mentioned it did he give me the rebates.
Taking no chances, I carefully read ALL the fine print and noticed that one of the rebates required a copy of the bar code to be mailed in with all the other stuff. The other rebate allowed an electronic filing. (For technical reasons I did not file both by mail.) I followed both procedures (mail and electronic) TO THE LETTER!!!
A couple days later, I got an e-mail from CompUSA's little "erebates" ripoff emporium stating that the receipt data I entered electronically did not match any of their records. I checked their data against my receipt and all the data I entered is absolutely correct. The data they show matches the receipt I have exactly! But they say it doesn't match THEIR record. Maybe it's the store's problem? Maybe it's global warming? Who knows?
So now they are trying to make THEIR problem (unmatched record) become MY problem. But they don't provide any recourse. Out of curiosity, I followed the procedure to correct any errors just to see where it goes and it disallows any entry at all. There is no further recourse on their website. I am convinced these people do this in the hope that legitimate rebatees will just give up. It's a ripoff scheme, people!!! I think I can prove corporate criminal intent! Let's all say it together: CLASS ACTION! Class action! Write your congressperson. Well... No, I guess I'm not THAT hot about this... Yet.
Now I have to return to the store with all my receipts and shake their chains, rattle their cages and cause a scene to get them to do what they are legally required to do and if they were completely honest, would do without being FORCED. Caveat Emptor. Let the buyer beware.
I know what will happen when I go to the store. The CompUSA manager will be "away on important business" so his or her underling will wink at this little indiscretion of their "erebate" subdivision, apologize for them and pretend it was an unfortunate mistake and that they are above it all. But the FACT is that CompUSA is complicit in this dishonest and despicable business practice. It's either that or they are too incompetent to handle something as simple as a rebate. Which is worse?
AND — I haven't heard ANYTHING yet from the mail-in rebate. We'll see how that goes.
I DARE anyone in authority from CompUSA to respond publicly to this filing. If I'm wrong about any of the material content I have stated here I'll donate the rebate back to CompUSA with my written apology and an equal amount to charity. If I'm right, you owe me for my time, inconvenience and general insult.
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