Here's another in my long list of ripoff mail-in rebates. This one really just dumbfounded me. I purchased a Toshiba Satellite P25-S526 Notebook from BesBuy. When I checked out, I received a pre-printed mail-in rebate form that BestBuy gives when any rebate is associated with a product sold.
I filled out all necessary paperwork (rebate form, UPC on product box) and mailed it in in a timely manner. A few weeks later I received a package on my doorstep from Toshiba. Opening up the unlabeled package, I found a new battery pack for my notebook. My first thought was, "How nice, this must be one of the perks of being a Toshiba customer."
Never have I been slapped in the face harder by the hand of irony. After talking to a work buddy that bought the same laptop and sent in for his rebate, I found out that Toshiba has the right to substitute the rebate. Meaning, they decided I'd like to have a battery instead of $100 cash.
I researched this rebate offer on their website and found that the rebate supposedly offered by them was for the consumer's choice of a) a crumby laptop backpack, b) a spare battery that would normally be covered under the BestBuy extended service plan or c) $100 cash (we all know it's in the form of a check).
What the consumer isn't told is that it's up to them to choose, else Toshiba picks for them.in fact, I and the Toshiba customer service rep went around and around about this during our phone conversation. I stated that the rebate form I sent in, again pre-printed from BestBuy, clearly stated I, the consumer, opted for the $100 cash.
Finally, I was told to ship the battery pack back to the address on the box it came in with a note stating I'd like to opt for the $100 cash instead. After thinking about that, i declined to send it back for fear of never seeing another bit of correspondance from Toshiba ever again (no battery pack, no $100).
So, now I've got a nice new Toshiba Satellite P25-S526 battery pack for sale if anyone's interested!
0 comments