First of all let me say Shame on me! I went ahead and purchased an item I needed that just happened to have a rebate handled by OnRebate. I had come across complaints about them before, but bought the item anyway.
I know how rebates work, and there are a lot of reputable companies that pay them with little hassle. There are valid reasons for not paying claims such as a certain time period for the purchase, mailing of the rebate, proof of purchase and UPC codes etc. These all protect the manufacturer or company offering the rebate from fraud.
OnRebate is another story. This company seems to be set up to try and avoid paying rebates by setting up a series of hurdles in the hope that consumers will overlook or miss something, even if it actually has nothing to do with proof of the purchase. I'm sure some people simply give up when they see what needs to be done. People need to be warned about this company!
Here's what happened with my rebate:
I purchased a power supply for my computer that had a $50.00 rebate with OnRebate. Knowing that this company would reject rebates for reasons like no signature, I made sure to read all the fine print and make sure every step was followed. I filled out the online form to get the process started. I filled out the forms, attached the UPC, signed my name and checked off the items as I went. I looked for anything that could have a double meaning like copy of the original receipt for example could mean the original receipt from the retailer, or a copy of it. This is where I had a problem.
Generally, the receipt has certain information including date of purchase, item purchased, amount etc. I never received a piece of paper from the retailer that had receipt' written on it. I did receive a packing slip from them that with all the information on it. This was my receipt incase I needed to return the item. The only difference was it said packing slip, not receipt on it.
Here is what it says at the OnRebate website about packing slips in the Q&A:
Q: What is a packing slip?
A: Packing slips can be substituted for an invoice or sales receipt. When making a purchase over the phone or online, you receive the package and packing slip through a delivery service. The packing slip must include your bill to and ship to address, where and when the item was purchased, what was purchased as well as the purchase date. All information must meet the requirements as stated in the terms and conditions of the rebate offer.
Today I received an email from OnRebate saying my claim was denied because I included the packing slip, not the receipt. What?
I tried to call the OnRebate 800 number and it is only automated. I know there are ways around this, but it is not stated anywhere on their website, and the average consumer would definately not know this. It appears they are set up to avoid paying claims.
So why am I taking the time to write this? It's not so much about the money as it is about a rebate company whose business appears to avoid paying rebates! People need to contact their states Attorney General, the manufactures that use OnRebate, the BBB. Let as many people as possible know about their business practices!
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