S: I hate rebates!!!

[ride2bhi]

So just received an email from SMC that my rebate for my wireless router had been rejected. They stated that I didn't include my original UPC code, which I most definitely included and stapled to the rebate four times, and that there was nothing they could do unless I had a copy of the UPC code. Of course I can't find the code even though I always make copies of the code but for some reason this one is missing. Called J and R and got the code, but it won't help because I need the physical copy. I hate all the hoops they make you jump through for rebates and think that it's convenient for them to "accidentally" lose a piece of information that is vital for them to refund your money. The whole system seems like it is designed to make it as difficult as possible so that a large percentage of people don't bother and thus the companies make a quick buck. I know everyone knows all this by now, but damn it pisses me off when I buy something for what should be a good deal, but end up getting screwed in the end. Router is going to be $74 now instead of the $24 it was supposed to be after rebate.:(

[Markel]

I make a habit of keeping a oopy of all major rebate subissions. It has come in handy a number of times.

This week I had to take RebatesHQ to task over an OfficeMax Belkin rebate form that they had messed up (even after resubmission). I must have been lucky enough to get a helpful rep, because she entered my rebate as we were talking on the phone.