Is Parago on crack?

[Einsamherz]

Here's the details.....

Tracking Results: Status Details

Rebate: $40.00 Rebate Check.
Promotion: Purchase Maxtor 40GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive at Office Depot only
Submission Type: MAIL
Date Received: 01-20-2003
Status: Invalid
Status Detail: We apologize for the misunderstanding, but your rebate is invalid because your rebate submission was not postmarked before the promotion deadline. A postcard acknowledging your invalid reason will be mailed to you.

Now I sent this rebate in OVER A MONTH AGO (I even considered holiday mail). Correct me if I'm wrong, but it *SHOULD* have been postmarked when the Postal (dis)Service first received it....giving me at least a week before the end of offer date and another 10 days for the "postmarked" crap. It should have been there within a week TOPS. Something tells me they dropped the ball. This isn't the first time they've been smoking something while processing my rebates though....It normally wouldn't be a big deal BUT IT'S 40 BUCKS!!! Don't they realize that this is a SEVERE BLOW to customer retention (and satisfaction) for their customers (Office Depot) and customers' customers (me)?

There's obviously no way to magically prove I sent it when I did, except maybe the fact I did. Any ideas what I can do to argue this?

[PresterJohn]

the old postmark trick is a common ploy by many to attempt to null the rebate offer.

you need to call the customer service and ask to speak with a manager. be polite but insistent and calmly explain it to them.

good luck.

[Daft_Ghosty]

well don't know about this time.. but keep a copy of the receipt.. and take it to a post office and get a receipt when u send it off next time..

as for their message.. they claim it isn't postmarked before the promotion deadline.. you know this is bull as you sent it out more then a week before deadline.. and the mail is postmarked the day you sent it.. I would get their phone number and call and complain.. and if they don't give you the rebate after your complaint.. tel them that you will be filing for legal action against them for false advertising..