Prime Peripherals Rebates

[Seagull]

As posted on fatwallet:

"I just got off the phone with tcarebates. I've been trying to get info from them for the last 3 weeks concerning 2 different Prime Peripheral rebates from last Feb. + March. Every time I call they would have a different excuse, computer down, website problems, etc. Today I was told that Prime has suspended all rebates effective "months ago" but that tca just found out about it in the last few days. Anyone waiting for a Prime rebate is to call Prime at 781-986-3960. Their website has a link "For all questions about products regarding rebates please e-mail us at [email protected]"

[alaskadan]

I've been trying to stay away from products that offer rebates simply because of horror stories like this one. Apparently, though, this one has a possible happy ending with PP switching to a different rebate place (read over on F@tw@llet).

I've been trying to figure out a mechanism that would ease (and speed up) the process for receiving rebates back. What would it take to start a rebate processing company and what things should my company do to bring a quicker resolution to rebate submissions?

Does it take tons of capital?

Tons of data processors?

What?

Seriously, I think if someone could take a survey (like me) from all of you that have legitimate concerns and ideas about how rebates should be handled, I think a decent business model could be developed to hopefully circumvent these kinds of nightmares.

Any positive suggestions for what you'd like to see in a rebate processing company?

[brainsmile]

I hate rebates

[sizemic1]

welp..the idea behind rebates is soley a sales tactic.
Which is obviously no surprise there.
But what may or may not surprise you is..only about 25% of all eligable rebates are actually submitted.

The idea is to tease you with a good price on a company's product "after rebate". Most people go for it..then forget or are too lazy to send it in.

The next part deals with the time frame. If they clearly state 6-8 weeks to get your rebate...by then, you'll most likely have forgotten that you've even sent it in. Therefore, if the company actually *doesn't* send the check to you, you most likely wouldn't even know better. It's only the deal driven "apexers" like ourselves who keep these companies on their toes.

The last part is..a lot of the times the checks that are sent to you look *exactly* like junk mail. So you figure of the 25% of the rebates that are sent in, maybe 23% of the check are actually mailed out and probably 10-15% are actually cashed due to people accidently throwing them away.

You mentioned wanting the streamline the process and keeping people informed, but that goes completely against the whole ideology of rebates.