Screwed by Canon rebate.

I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm
quite anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in
the rebate with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at
least minimizes the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we
didn't receive your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know
I go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so
that most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to
the rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

John wrote:
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm
quite anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in
the rebate with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at
least minimizes the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we
didn't receive your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know
I go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so
that most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to
the rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

Hi...

I agree, I too want what's promised me, even if it's a penny

Suggestion is to write directly to Canon, tell them (politely) what's
happened. (write them with paper and pen, not email)

I have nothing to cite, but I very very strongly believe that the
rebates are processed by contract "rebate" companies, who have a set
amount of money to rebate, and are "paid" by getting to keep whatever's
left over.

Take care.

Ken

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

You, my friend, are not the only one.

A year ago I bought a laptop package from COMP USA. The package included a
Toshiba laptop, Hawking wireless router, and a Canon printer/copier. I,
like you, expect problems with these rebate offers but the prospect of
cutting about 40% off of the package price provided some determination to
make it work.

COMP USA came across like gangbusters. We had all of their rebate checks
within a few weeks.

Hawking was quick with one check and when they faltered on a second, COMP
USA came across for them too.

CANON was a nightmare. They required three rebate packages to recoup the
$100 cost of the printer. All three went to different mail stops. As I
recall two were for $40 each and one for $20. I just checked my email file
and we sent no less than 19 emails to CANON. About 1/2 of these refer to
about 9 or 10 personal phone conversations I had with their (outsourced)
rebate center. At one point in the process it appeared as though one of the
rebates was going through, then we started all over when they "lost" our
application.

Finally I got one of thier managers on the phone and explained that we had
photocopies of all of the material we sent them; and we had made it a
personal challenge to make sure we got every ^(*&! penney out of them no
matter how long it took. We had most of our money within a few weeks of the
call.

They try to wear you down. Don't let them do it.

RonB

"John" wrote in message
...
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm quite
anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in the rebate
with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at least minimizes
the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we didn't receive
your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know I
go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so that
most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to the
rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.


I'm assuming that you're in the US (because we in Britain get few rebates)

I'm thinking of a Canon camera with a £100 rebate on it - and if I find
myself in your position I will write to them giving them 14 days to honour
their rebate promise, with a warning that legal action will ensue if they
don't pay up.

If nothing is forthcoming I will issue proceedings in the county court
(small claims section) and serve a summons on the *******s.

The cost is £30 - which they have to pay if they [1] wish to settle before
going to court, [2] have to pay if a judgment is obtained against them.

I've used the small claims procedure on two previous occasions - one case
was heard and won, the other was settled prior to a hearing. I no longer
waste time pleading for people to cough up what they owe me - serve a
summons, it's more dignified and it gets very good results.

The important thing is that you don't get into protracted arguments with
them - just warn them, and then sue them..

John - Glad to hear your problem (not really) as I was about to purchase a
canon printer with rebate. After hearing your problem, I will switch
companies and buy with no rebate.
Wish you the best of luck with your battle, as it sounds like that's what it
will be.

"John" wrote in message
...
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm quite
anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in the rebate
with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at least minimizes
the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we didn't receive
your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know I
go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so that
most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to the
rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

You may be able to start a chargeback procedure against the retailer via
your credit card company. This is a somewhat cumbersome process, but much
easier than going to court, and may get the retailer going to bat for you to
avoid the chargeback.
--

Mike Russell
www.curvemeister.com/forum/

"Just Sue The *******s" wrote in message
...

"John" wrote in message
...
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm
quite anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in the
rebate with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at least
minimizes the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we didn't
receive your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know
I go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so
that most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to the
rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.


I'm assuming that you're in the US (because we in Britain get few rebates)

I'm thinking of a Canon camera with a £100 rebate on it - and if I find
myself in your position I will write to them giving them 14 days to honour
their rebate promise, with a warning that legal action will ensue if they
don't pay up.

If nothing is forthcoming I will issue proceedings in the county court
(small claims section) and serve a summons on the *******s.

The cost is £30 - which they have to pay if they [1] wish to settle before
going to court, [2] have to pay if a judgment is obtained against them.

I've used the small claims procedure on two previous occasions - one case
was heard and won, the other was settled prior to a hearing. I no longer
waste time pleading for people to cough up what they owe me - serve a
summons, it's more dignified and it gets very good results.

The important thing is that you don't get into protracted arguments with
them - just warn them, and then sue them..


I have never worked with a Canon rebate, but have worked with several other
reputable companies. I can truly say I have never been screwed out of a
rebate. I would not worry about Canon. Follow the directions to the letter,
keep copies, and watch your mail because some of these rebates look like
postal spam. It is a scam because most people don't file for rebates, but it
can be done pretty reliably. (Keep a log of submitted rebates). Suits in the
US cost lots of money, if cheaper in the UK, God bless you.

MrB wrote:

"Just Sue The *******s" wrote in message
...

"John" wrote in message
...
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm
quite anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in the
rebate with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at least
minimizes the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we didn't
receive your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know
I go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so
that most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to the
rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.


I'm assuming that you're in the US (because we in Britain get few rebates)

I'm thinking of a Canon camera with a ?100 rebate on it - and if I find
myself in your position I will write to them giving them 14 days to honour
their rebate promise, with a warning that legal action will ensue if they
don't pay up.

If nothing is forthcoming I will issue proceedings in the county court
(small claims section) and serve a summons on the *******s.

The cost is ?30 - which they have to pay if they [1] wish to settle before
going to court, [2] have to pay if a judgment is obtained against them.

I've used the small claims procedure on two previous occasions - one case
was heard and won, the other was settled prior to a hearing. I no longer
waste time pleading for people to cough up what they owe me - serve a
summons, it's more dignified and it gets very good results.

The important thing is that you don't get into protracted arguments with
them - just warn them, and then sue them..


I have never worked with a Canon rebate, but have worked with several other
reputable companies. I can truly say I have never been screwed out of a
rebate. I would not worry about Canon. Follow the directions to the letter,
keep copies, and watch your mail because some of these rebates look like
postal spam. It is a scam because most people don't file for rebates, but it
can be done pretty reliably. (Keep a log of submitted rebates). Suits in the
US cost lots of money, if cheaper in the UK, God bless you.

I always wonder about posts like this. The original
poster *did* all of that.

He was asked to send in the original product identification
code. He did that. The rebate center claimed that the product
identification code was *not* in the mail he sent.

How does he prove otherwise?

The process is a ripoff.

If it was for real, the company would allow the store to
give you the rebate on the spot and then the company would
file for a refund. Everybody wins that way -- the company
gets more business, more product is sold, and the customer
is happy.

Since it is NOT done that way, and since you have no ability
to prove you complied with the original rebate request, it is
a scam.

For myself, I stay away from all such offers and tell the
retailer that I'm doing that and why.

--
--- Paul J. Gans

Ken Weitzel wrote:
John wrote:
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm
quite anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in
the rebate with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at
least minimizes the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we
didn't receive your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know
I go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so
that most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to
the rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

Hi...

I agree, I too want what's promised me, even if it's a penny

Suggestion is to write directly to Canon, tell them (politely) what's
happened. (write them with paper and pen, not email)

I have nothing to cite, but I very very strongly believe that the
rebates are processed by contract "rebate" companies, who have a set
amount of money to rebate, and are "paid" by getting to keep whatever's
left over.

Keep the leftovers?

Not really.

But rebates are not usually handled by the companies themselves.

Years ago I asked a lens company sales rep how they could give a $50
rebate on a particular lens.

His answer was only one out of ten bothered to send in for the rebate.

IOW a $50 rebate only cost the company $5.

"John" wrote in message
...
I know that the institution of rebates is meant to rip you off so I'm quite
anal about paying attention to the details and ALWAYS sending in the rebate
with delivery confirmation. The delivery confirmation at least minimizes
the "Sorry, we never received your rebate" or "Sorry, we didn't receive
your rebate in time" excuses.

I read the rebate forms several times looking for the "gotcha's". I know I
go through way more trouble than I should for $20-$50 but it's the
principle. They make it as annoying as possible to claim a rebate so that
most people won't bother. I'm the one that bothers.

I send in my rebate to Canon along with all the rebate form, purchase
receipt and I cut out the UPC code from the box and put that in the
envelope. My new tactic is to use wide tape and tape the UPC code to the
rebate form.

I checked on my rebate status just now.

Error(s): An original qualifying UPC was not included

Yep. No matter how hard I tried, Canon still managed to screw me over.

Since they want "an original" qualifying UPC", my copy won't suffice.

Canon, the next time I'm in the market for a product I'll remember this
incident.

My experiences with rebates has been 100% good including Canon in the past.
I'm the one the companies hate because I turn in every rebate offer I get
when I buy a qualifying product. I just got the Canon 70-200 f/4 L yesterday
and it has a rebate. I just tested the lens and it is awesome, so it is time
to get the rebate turned in. I hope for better luck.
John