MyRebates411 fiasco (Foxconn vid card rebate not received)

[ToolPackinMama]

I never had any trouble getting a rebate honored before. Comments anyone?


<<Problem type: Foxconn Problem

*Name Laura Kabel
*Promotion Code FXNE120506121706040
*Date of Purchase 2/11/2007
How can we help you? "Give me my rebate."



Hi,

Thank you for contacting MyRebates411. Your check will be issued in two
days. I also want to personally thank you for being respectful in your
request.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you; however,
please understand that the delay or an incorrect check amount is not our
fault. We just process Foxconn's rebates and pay them once they send us
the funds. We are just as frustrated as you are because we are the ones
that are getting a bad reputation for not paying the rebate.

We are asking customers to please understand that Foxconn accidentally
created a problem with their Rebates during certain dates (12-15 thru
2-28) and to please bear with them and us.

We know there is a delay on payments and some might arrive with
incorrect amounts. The problem is not our fault and we have been assured
by Foxconn that you will not lose your rebate because of it and you will
receive the full face value.

The problem is that Foxconn accidentally made incorrect changes to
several rebate forms without informing us and then posted them on newegg
and some other vendors without telling us. This resulted in customers
downloading forms with promotional codes, dates, and amounts that do not
coincide. In addition, these rebates were never posted on our website,
so they were never correctly tracked. Customers were entering their
information using the wrong/old promotional code. This is why the amount
or date on the website can be different from the amount on your form.

This is a very complex, difficult problem, we are did our best to help
Foxconn work out a solution. It is the manufacturer that is ultimately
responsible for paying the rebates.

Foxconn is a good company. In fact, some customers may receive too much
in the initial mailing of the checks and they will not be asked to
return the additional funds. Mistakes sometimes happen and everyone
involved is working in good faith to get everyone paid.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Customer Service
Monday Aug 13, 2007>>

 

[John Doe]

I never had any trouble getting a rebate honored before. Comments
anyone?

Lots.

Companies are in the business of taking money from you, not sending
money to you. That's just business. Rebate forms explicitly state "we
aren't responsible if you don't get a rebate". It's a fool's
agreement.

The best way to handle a mail in rebate offer is to save time by
forgetting about it and immediately move to the next item. That's like
an "instant time rebate".

Why do they offer a rebate? Maybe mainly because it prevents returns
since you have to remove the UPC symbol from the packaging.

 

[Frank McCoy]

Lots.

Companies are in the business of taking money from you, not sending
money to you. That's just business. Rebate forms explicitly state "we
aren't responsible if you don't get a rebate". It's a fool's
agreement.

The best way to handle a mail in rebate offer is to save time by
forgetting about it and immediately move to the next item. That's like
an "instant time rebate".

Why do they offer a rebate? Maybe mainly because it prevents returns
since you have to remove the UPC symbol from the packaging.

That, and:
A. They get the use of your money for months.
B. More people than not forget to send the rebate in on time.
C. Many people just plain don't follow the instructions.

B. Is actually the commonest. Think about it:
In many cases a person buys a computer item intending to use or install
it; but instead it languishes in the bag or box for weeks or months; so
when the time comes to do so, THEN he/she remember the rebate ... and
it's too late. This is especially true for gifts and even more-so for
Christmas gifts ... The time most rebates are offered.

And, like you say, it does kill store-returns; so the stores like them.
Getting an RMA for a bad device can be a pain.