TOP STORY[/size] Make tech rebates work for you, not against you[/size]
Rebate scams can make getting a promised discount on products much more difficult — and much less reliable — than it might seem at first glance. But if you do your homework and take a few precautions, you can minimize the risk and maximize the discounts.[/size] The full text of this column is posted at WindowsSecrets.com/2010/01/07/02 (opens in a new window/tab). Columnists typically cannot reply to comments here, but do incorporate the best tips into future columns. |
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Make tech rebates work for you, not against you
Home » Forums » Newsletter and Homepage topics » Make tech rebates work for you, not against you
- This topic has 24 replies, 16 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 4 months ago.
AuthorTopicWSStephanie Small
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 6:43 am #465445Viewing 12 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
WSmarsmimar
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 9:49 am #1196040One tactic I’ve used with varying results is to ask the seller to apply the refund immediately to the purchase price and then have the seller apply for the refund. Sometimes the seller can convince the “rebate giver” that a product was given to a customer to replace a defective model, or was written off by the store as a demo, etc. In some cases the seller has greater latitude with the rebate giver and is willing to pass that along to the customer in order to finalize the sale. No guarantees it will work but it never hurts to ask. Especially if you’re willing to walk out the door to go to a competitor.
-
WSserczh1
AskWoody Lounger -
WSPFM
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 2:12 pm #1196270Bing cash back seems to work well and I’ve had good luck with the Symantec rebates through Frys. You can usually find Norton Security / AV software there for free or heavily discounted after rebates. (i.e. they currently have the 3-user Norton Internet Security 2010 / Ghost 15 and Utilities bundle with free shipping for $9.99 after rebate at http://www.frys.com/product/6117689
-
WScyan
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 15, 2010 at 8:48 am #1204354Bing cash back seems to work well and I’ve had good luck with the Symantec rebates through Frys. You can usually find Norton Security / AV software there for free or heavily discounted after rebates. (i.e. they currently have the 3-user Norton Internet Security 2010 / Ghost 15 and Utilities bundle with free shipping for $9.99 after rebate at http://www.frys.com/product/6117689
I went to that site (Frys.com) but I saw a price of $99.99 (not the free offer & shipping that you mentioned). Maybe you can clarify this?
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 15, 2010 at 2:05 pm #1204479I went to that site (Frys.com) but I saw a price of $99.99 (not the free offer & shipping that you mentioned). Maybe you can clarify this?
Hi Caryl,
I just checked today’s Fry’s ads. Fry’s changes their ads on Fridays, They sometimes also have specials on other days too.
I JUST went to the Fy’s site… http://www.frys.com/template/onad/product_navigation/ and on this page you will see Norton Internet Security – 2 User for $54.99 with rebates.
Click on that and it will take you to a second page.
It is weird. It says $54.00 less $5.00 instant savings….and the net is $9.99. they left off the $40.00 (2 – $20)rebates mentioned on the top line of the ad.
The shipping is free.Please be sure to print your $40 rebate form from that page. It is on the left below the yellow truck that shows the item is in stock and ships free. It says it also available for store pickup.
EVEN IF YOU ARE GOING TO THE STORE….. BE SURE TO PRINT OUR THE REBATE FORMS FROM THE SITE. There are 2 – $20 rebates
One rebate is just for buying the product. You just need the store recept and the form. The other rebae is an upgrade rebate. That requires proof of previous ownership of a qualified product which is listed on the form and the completed form.All the conditions are there. You can print the form before you buy the product to be sure you have the documentation to get the rebate.Foloow the instructions to the letter. If you have a question, call them. Amazingly, I have found them to be very helpful Make yourself a note of an phon calls and quesions you asked..with date, time and name of the person you spoke with.
Norton sends Visa Prepaid cards. You can track your balance on line at their site. I use tham all the time. They are NOT a problem at all. At least has not been problem for me and I have done this for at least 10 years. (I hav 2 $20 Visa cards from Norton on my dining room table that I just received this week.)
Here is a hint….. ALWAYS KEEP THE CD AND TITLE PAGE OF NORTON PRODUCTS YOU BUY. THEY TYPICALLY WANT ONE OF THOSE AS PROOF OF PREVIOUS OWNERSHIP TO GET THE REBATE. Onepurchase can yeild you two proofs of purchase. Keep them in a safe place. They are like ftutre money. (I am not suggeting you cheat. I am sayng that in case you lose one..you have the other. They also can be used for anual birthday gifts for friends and famiy who may not take virus protection as seriously as you do. You coud buy them the protection at sme future time and ge the rebate too! This keeps them virus free…and keeps your machine protected from any emails they send you.
(This also includes your keeping the title page or CD other products for proof of ownership of a competitive product. I’ve seen folks grab these up at yard sales. The virus protection may be expired, but as in this case… they will get you a $20 rebate!)
Hope this helps…
TechRose
-
-
WSwebsquad
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 2:16 pm #1196273Two recent experiences. (1) Switched from AT&T (with whom I was very well pleased) to Verizon (only to get the BB Storm/2, which AT&T does not offer). It was a smooth cut-over; they transferred both of my old phone numbers to the new devices. I then filled out the $100 rebate stuff on-line instead of mailing it in, and got the rebate (a Visa debit card thing) in less than two weeks. (2) Purchased Norton Internet Security 2010 and also filled out the rebate form on-line — the workflow/tracking leads me to believe that this is also going to be a smooth transaction.
I’ve never been stiffed on a rebate in the past (and I’ve done about 25 in past years), but then I’ve always taken a lot of time to read the fine print and taken a lot of care to not make any stupid mistakes to give the rebate administrators an excuse to deny the rebate — however, having said that, the two on-line experiences I’ve recently had were simple to complete, and reduced the burden to trivial. If you must go the rebate route, the on-line method is recommended.
rc primak
AskWoody_MVPJanuary 7, 2010 at 3:42 pm #1196316I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-- rc primak
-
WSmattfast1
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 8, 2010 at 12:20 am #1196511I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
To be fair, had you purchased that item in a Best Buy, there would have been no rebate since Best Buy adopted the practice a few years ago of doing all rebates on the back end, directly with the manufacturers. Also, with many small items sold at Best Buy, if they fail within the manufacturers warranty they can be exchanged in the store without having to deal with the manufacturer – and usually for an upgraded product.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1198200I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1198841I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1199594I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1200479I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1201360I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1202173I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1202885I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
-
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 13, 2010 at 4:36 pm #1203851I’ve commented previously about the value of dealing with a retail store whom you can trust. It is as true of rebates as of service warranties.
My local Micro Center has not only given me the best warranty and out-of-warranty service of any store I’ve tried, but they were helpful in a couple of rebate fiascos. One was Sun StarOffice 8. Sun stopped supporting the product and moved it to open source at about the time I sent in my rebate form and documents. In the long run, the rebate was passed through four clearing-house organizations, lost twice, and finally refused as no longer valid. When I finally got the Micro Center on the case, they only succeeded in getting me $10.00 on a $20.00 rebate offer. But the Micro Center actually took the matter into their own hands and gave me a $10.00 Micro Center pre-paid Visa card out of their own pocket. That is why I am a loyal Micro Center customer — they help with even things like rebates.
My point is, your best ally or your worst enemy can be the sales and management people at the store where you buy tech products. If I had tried to get Fry’s or Best Buy to help me out in this case, I would have gotten nothing for my efforts. When you find a store you can trust, stay with them — they can be as valuable as any discount offered someplace else, because you get more than just a product — you get post-sales support and technical assistance. To me, that makes shopping at the Big Box stores ridiculous and foolish.
Not that I would ever pass up a really great deal on a USB Hard Drive at Best Buy or Fry’s. If it’s just a peripheral with a very low chance of failure outside of the warranty period (manufacturer’s warranty), I can easily justify taking a chance, even if I would never trust the sales or repair staff at that store with a full computer or software purchase.
WSHandy-Harry
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 5:32 pm #1196384I find Staples Easy Rebates very easy to use; easy to file on line, easy to follow status on line. Check has always arrived as promised. Staples seems to realize that an easy rebate makes a happy repeat customer. They’re my preferred seller. To bad lots of other sellers haven’t figured that out.
Sfintel
AskWoody PlusJanuary 7, 2010 at 5:40 pm #1196387The technique that I use is:
-
[*]Scan all materials (receipt, rebate form, UPC, etc) to a PDF
[*]Attach the PDF to an Outlook task
[*]Set a reminder on the task to whatever the expected due date is (if the rebate says 10-12 weeks, I put +12 weeks on the task due date)If the rebate provider has a web site, I’ll set up a reminder earlier than the due date to ensure they’re processing the rebate. Also, if I get any update EMails along the way, I’ll add them to the task so I have a complete record of all activity. When the rebate check finally shows up, I can mark the task as complete so I don’t get any other reminders.
—Steve
Gary Ogle
AskWoody PlusJanuary 7, 2010 at 6:56 pm #1196422Ringo Fonebone touches on a very sore point with me: many firms claim they will not send rebates to Post Office boxes.
If my PO Box is good enough for my bank, credit card companies and even the guvamint from time to time, it’s darn well good enough to receive a rebate.
The ultimate insult is that we most often mail the rebate requests to ….. wait for it …… a PO Box. There oughta be a law. This practice is blatant discrimination against people who live in rural areas.Gary
WSgwhitfield
AskWoody LoungerWSstevenjklein
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 7, 2010 at 9:27 pm #1196477One thing to keep in mind is that the vast majority of rebates are handled by 3rd-party fulfillment companies. And they expect their workers to work very fast, making mistakes inevitable.
The #1 reason rebates are rejected is because the companies claim that required items (receipts, bar codes, etc.) weren’t included. If your UPC code falls out of the envelope onto the floor when they tear it open, don’t expect those underpaid overworked rebate processors to bend over and pick it up. They’ll just reject it. (And you won’t have a 2nd UPC code to send them!)
So, what can you do? Make it easy for them. Keep the following points in mind:
-
[*] Use a highlighter pen to highlight the line on the receipt showing your item, and the price.
[*]Type or print VERY NEATLY on the rebate form
[*]Staple or tape the UPC code to the rebate form
[*]Staple the receipt to the rebate formI also highlight the key phrases on the rebate form itself. If it says, “include your original receipt or a copy,” and if I’m sending a copy, I’ll highlight the words “or a copy” on the form.
The key thing to keep in mind this this: You want your rebate to be the easiest one they process. Make it easy for them, and they’ll take care of you. Since I’ve adopted these practices, I’ve never once had a rebate refused.
Don Davenport
AskWoody PlusJanuary 8, 2010 at 11:02 am #1196664The technique that I use which has always gotten results, even with the bad boys of the rebate business is as follows:
Complete all required paperwork and scan everything to .PDF file.
Mail US Mail with signature required. – Scan this to the PDF.
Wait the time they state on rebate or until you get the card saying you didn’t do it right (they always blame you).Email them and attach the .PDF. state in the email that they have 10 days to get a check to you or you will complain to the following people (easy to do with mail merge)
Attorney General of the state rebate is sent to.
Attorney General of the state item was purchased
Better Business Bureau of city rebate sent to
Better Business Bureau of city where purchase
VP Marketing of business where purchase (use investor relations of their website)
VP Marketing of product manufacturer (use investor relations of their website)
Federal Trade CommissionI have had to do this three or four times and have yet to not get a check within 10 days. Apparently way too much threat to their business or they can see the amount of effort to reply to all the inquires from the various organizations as not cost effective.
Don
WSgeekwannabe
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 11, 2010 at 9:20 am #1197433I once failed to include the bar code with a rebate request for a printer, called and was told to send it. I did, they couldn’t find it etc, etc. so I found out who the company’s CEO was and wrote a personal letter to him, outlined my rebate problems and stated that I was in the market for some of their other products which I would not buy given my experience with the rebate. I very quickly had an expensive overnight response via UPS and the offer of a free set of ink cartridges. I gladly accepted this since it was worth much more than the rebate. I don’t believe that reputable companies want their customers stiffed by the rebate centers. We just need to make them aware.
WSTechRose
AskWoody LoungerJanuary 19, 2010 at 1:55 pm #1205468Carly,
I just went to the Fry’s Website… http://www.frys.com/product/6037598?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PGThis is for Norton Utilities for 3 users.
The item is on sale until 1/21/2009
NORTON INTERNET SECURITY 2010 – 3 USER
$40.00 RebateSYMANTEC:
For WindowsFRYS.com #: 6037598
Price: $54.99
Instant Savings: $5.00
After Rebate: $9.99The shipping is still free.
You can download the rebate form From the Fry’s site and fill it out while you wait for the item to be delievered.
It has to be PURCHASED byt 1/21/2010
You have 30 days FROM THE PURCHASED DATE to file the rebateIf you are having a problem seeing this, feel free to contact me off list… TechRose@LoveBytes.Info
I just spent my $40 in rebates yesterday. (They send you Visa prepaid cards. You will get two seperate ones..$20 each.)
Hioe this helps.
Viewing 12 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
Kevin Beaumont on Microsoft Recall
by
Susan Bradley
4 hours, 25 minutes ago -
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is no longer being manufactured
by
Alex5723
5 hours, 32 minutes ago -
0Patch, where to begin
by
cassel23
5 hours, 17 minutes ago -
CFPB Quietly Kills Rule to Shield Americans From Data Brokers
by
Alex5723
19 hours, 10 minutes ago -
89 million Steam account details just got leaked,
by
Alex5723
6 hours, 55 minutes ago -
KB5058405: Linux – Windows dual boot SBAT bug, resolved with May 2025 update
by
Alex5723
1 day, 3 hours ago -
A Validation (were one needed) of Prudent Patching
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
18 hours, 41 minutes ago -
Master Patch Listing for May 13, 2025
by
Susan Bradley
5 hours, 49 minutes ago -
Installer program can’t read my registry
by
Peobody
46 minutes ago -
How to keep Outlook (new) in off position for Windows 11
by
EspressoWillie
16 hours, 28 minutes ago -
Intel : CVE-2024-45332, CVE-2024-43420, CVE-2025-20623
by
Alex5723
23 hours, 49 minutes ago -
False error message from eMClient
by
WSSebastian42
1 day, 14 hours ago -
Awoke to a rebooted Mac (crashed?)
by
rebop2020
1 day, 23 hours ago -
Office 2021 Perpetual for Mac
by
rebop2020
2 days, 1 hour ago -
AutoSave is for Microsoft, not for you
by
Will Fastie
21 hours, 44 minutes ago -
Difface : Reconstruction of 3D Human Facial Images from DNA Sequence
by
Alex5723
2 days, 4 hours ago -
Seven things we learned from WhatsApp vs. NSO Group spyware lawsuit
by
Alex5723
1 day, 5 hours ago -
Outdated Laptop
by
jdamkeene
2 days, 10 hours ago -
Updating Keepass2Android
by
CBFPD-Chief115
2 days, 15 hours ago -
Another big Microsoft layoff
by
Charlie
2 days, 15 hours ago -
PowerShell to detect NPU – Testers Needed
by
RetiredGeek
12 hours, 32 minutes ago -
May 2025 updates are out
by
Susan Bradley
3 hours, 28 minutes ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5600 released to DEV
by
joep517
2 days, 21 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.3964 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
2 days, 21 hours ago -
Drivers suggested via Windows Update
by
Tex265
2 days, 21 hours ago -
Thunderbird release notes for 128 esr have disappeared
by
EricB
17 hours, 8 minutes ago -
CISA mutes own website, shifts routine cyber alerts to X, RSS, email
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
3 days, 4 hours ago -
Apple releases 18.5
by
Susan Bradley
2 days, 22 hours ago -
Fedora Linux 40 will go end of life for updates and support on 2025-05-13.
by
Alex5723
3 days, 5 hours ago -
How a new type of AI is helping police skirt facial recognition bans
by
Alex5723
3 days, 6 hours ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.