Recently my wife’s computer system was zapped by lighting.
We went to a nearby Office Depot and spent nearly $1500 on a new system.
At the check out counter, we were advised of a $250 rebate on the things purchased.
After carefully going through all the hoops, and fulfilling EACH requirement, we received a postcard that said the rebate wasn’t going to be paid and listed a reason that was patently false.
Based on this and similar experiences from Office Depot, Best Buy, and other major chains, I believe all rebates are lies and that these major chains are liars.
I would counsel you that if a rebate is offered, ask for that discount up front and have THEM fill out the paper work and get the check. If it’s so easy … let THEM do it.
In the future, if we purchase anything from Office Depot, we will assume all rebates are fraudulent marketing schemes and not sincere offers.
If no response is forthcoming from our Office Depot where we purchased these things, I have half a mind to contact the state Attorney General and report the usage of never-paid rebates as a deceptive marketing practice used by Office Depot to deceive customers.
Can you tell I’m steamed?
Rich Whittle on May 24th, 2006 at 12:25 pm
I have bought computers and computer products from Office Depot and got my rebates in a timely manner.
When I sent in the rebates I used certified mail, so I could prove that they received if there was any problem. Maybe this showed the fufillment company (usually not Office Depot) that I meant business!
Have you tried talking to the mgr of the store where you bought the system?
If that doesn’t work try your local TV stations. They usually have a consumer reporter who lives for stories like this.
It’s amazing how, after the TV station gets involved and the cameras come out that you get your rebate!
Chuck on May 24th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
Thanks for the tips. My wife made the purchase and scrupulously followed the “rules”.
We were in this process too.
Bogle’s Blog » Beware of Office Depot Rebate Scam on July 20th, 2006 at 10:42 pm
[…] Tobiasly’s Blog has a number of well documented cases of Office Depot rebate scams. Just a few additonal examples of complaints are here, here, and here […]
Joe McDonald Sr on August 24th, 2006 at 5:04 pm
I purchased a laptop with 3 rebates, they beat me out of the big $150 one. You should consider a class action suit.