On March 25, I purchased a Maxtor 30GB hard drive, which had an advertised $30 rebate, from Best Buy in Culver City, CA. On the box of the hard drive, there was a sticker with a $50 rebate from Maxtor if you also purchased the ATA 100 controller card. (Best Buy does not sell the controller card, so I bought it somewhere else.) Both rebates want the original UPC code from the hard drive as proof of purchase. Maxtors rebate has been going for months and expires on March 31st.
All Best Buy had to do was run their rebate ad on Sunday, April 1st and there would be no problem. But they didnt, so there is a problem. (All someone from Best Buy had to do was look at the box.)
I contacted both Maxtor and Best Buy about this overlap and they both told me they require the original UPC from the hard drive and that I had to choose which rebate I wanted. I dont feel I should choose; I am entitled to both. Nowhere does it say rebates cannot be combined. One rebate is for the hard drive; one rebate is for the controller card. Two different items; two different purchases; two different rebates from two different companies. Best Buy caused this problem by overlapping Maxtors rebate so Best Buy should take a copy of the UPC. Best Buy informed me that their rebate center will not honor a copy UPC. That I understand because I am sure the rebate center is contracted by Best Buy and they have their own rules.
I told them that since they caused the problem, Best Buys corporate office, not rebate center, should honor the rebate and I would be more than happy to send the information to the corporate office. Again, I was told they would not accept a copy UPC and that I would have to choose.
I told Best Buy that I know I am not the only person who purchased this hard drive and I am sure they will have more of the same complaints. I told them they should make an exception regarding this $30 Maxtor hard drive rebate since they caused the confusion.
I cannot believe Best Buy is being so rigid! Dont they believe in keeping customers satisfied? They would rather lose this sale (I will return the hard drive if I dont get my rebate) than give me my $30.
Not only will I never shop in a Best Buy again, I will tell all friends, family and anyone who will listen not to patronize Best Buy which does not believe in customer service. Best Buy is going to lose a lot more than $30.
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