Are ya'll following the rebate scams

[lancemoreland]

that are being discussed on the other photo forums? I always knew that rebates were basically a scam but this is ridiculous. Some of the Canon rebates are worth up to $800 and the company handling them is rejecting them and pocketing the balance. The Company, Young America is being sued by 40 states for this. These guys actually have financial incentive to commit fraud by being allowed to retain unclaimed rebates as income. These lawsuits are being fought over hundreds of millions of dollars, not chump change.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...bate_suit.html

http://www.mass.gov/treasury/PressReleases/11705.htm

[ppcass]

I have filled out about 8 rebates for different things over the last couple of years and recieved one...these are from some major companies...Cingular, Best Buy, Canon...as far as I am concerened rebates are worthless. This doesn't surprise me!

[JohnT]

I guess I'm in the other camp. I've received every rebate I've applied for so far.

[brad]

Rebates are purposely complicated to fulfill so that companies like this handler can make money. You have to have all your ducks perfectly in a row, exactly like the instructions say, or the rebate can be rejected.

[lancemoreland]

Originally Posted by brad

Rebates are purposely complicated to fulfill so that companies like this handler can make money. You have to have all your ducks perfectly in a row, exactly like the instructions say, or the rebate can be rejected.

They are now getting greedy and rejecting them even when they are correct betting that you will not follow up.

[Bartman01]

Originally Posted by lancemoreland

They are now getting greedy and rejecting them even when they are correct betting that you will not follow up.

I have had this happen on several occasions. Usually upon contacting them, informing them that I actually DID send in the required paperwork, that I kept copies of everything, and would be happy to forward the copies to them for review - the "issue" magically resolves itself and my rebate is processed.

[lhdvies]

I can't believe all the problems with rebates that I read about here--I have used every rebate Canon has had (in the last 2 1/2 years) to the max and have never had one problem. They usually do take the full 6-8 weeks, but I have always gotten every penny. I always do it online first and then follow it up to the letter. No problems so far. I am also just sending in the current one for $290.00--so I guess we will see want happens once more.

[srwatters]

Seagate's processing company is well know for this too. Without fail, every rebate I sent in for Seagate products was rejected. I made the 800 call and often after waiting 5 or more minutes had my rebate magically awarded "this time only". At least four times this happened. I now try to avoid teasers with rebates and look for the lowest net cost when I buy.

[Daniel Bates]

Same here... If something's advertised with a rebate, I ignore that price and just look at the price I pay when I walk out of the store (or away from the computer, whichever).

[LPFyreDawg]

Rebate Smeebate. It all a crock of $*|7. I agree wtih Scott just go for the lowest price.

[HOUSCOUS]

I had excellent experience with Canon. I probably told the story before. One of my $300 Rebate check from Canon was expired for 4 months because I forgot to make the deposite, I called them and asked them to send me another check. Got the second check in 2 weeks.

[Cope]

I have only had to argue over one rebate, and I prevailed with only two emails. I have only been denied one rebate (Lexar) but I knew going in that my dealer was probably not an authorized Lexar dealer. I would gladly take a lower price w/o rebate, but if the rebate is offered, I will go for it.

[lancemoreland]

Check over on dpreview. Tons of horor stories. One poll on the lens forum shows about 50% of legitimate rebates being denied.

[suzyjazz]

I guess I've been lucky since I've never had a problem getting a rebate. Canon, Sandisk, Behr, and several others have all worked out in the last few years. What I have noticed is the Canon ones seem to get lower each season. I can't believe the rebate on the 100-400 L is only $40. They used to do a rebate on the Rebel body, not that it matters to me, and they don't do that anymore.

[mobilezen]

I've been lucky too as far as rebates. I usually photocopy everything and send out the rebate form. Well if my $30 Canon rebate can turn into a $300,000 settlement, why not right. That would get me equipment galore and a nice SUV to tote. :D