I purchased (4) HP dv4040us laptops from Office Depot on August 12. HP had a rebate, "The Right Choice, The Right Reward" for $50 cash back or $300 hotel getaway for each qualifying product purchased. To qualify for the rebate I had to include the completed coupon (rebate form), copy of store-identified sales receipt, invoice, or HP packing list for your qualifying purchase, dated between March 15 and October 1, with purchase price circled, and include UPC and serial number bar code label (s) from each product box. I was to mail everthing no later than 45 days after the purchase date. I fulfilled all the requirements and sent in the information. I check my rebate status on-line approximately 45 days later to find that I had not qualified for the rebate. I called in to question why, and was informed that I had purchased the laptop outside of the qualifing dates. Evidentally they had the rebate ending on August 1. I explained that the rebate form I had received listed October 1 as the ending date, and was mentioned in four separate locations on the rebate form. I was then transferred to a supervisor (Rhonda) who wanted verification of the rebate form. I sent a copy, via fax, to her the very next day. She explained that it would take 48 hours for her to get authorization by a separate party. I called 48 hours later to find that I was still being rejected! I spoke with another supervisor named Heather who explained that the rebate ending date had only been extended to October 1 for certain stores, Office Depot not being one of them. I explained that this stipulation was not mentioned anywhere in the rebate form, and her reply was that since "they" had rejected it there was nothing else that she could do. I was also rejected when I asked to speak to "them" concerning the rebate's change in terms and conditions. It seems to be illegal to simply change the terms and conditions of the rebate after the rebate has already been issued to the stores for use with a purchase. The final purchase price is determined by the eventual return of these rebates. I think this is a perfect example of a "bait and swich scam"! I am going to try making an argument with Office Depot, but they are just the middle-man on this and probably will not take responsibility for HP's actions.
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