Ok, not completely.. but a guy @ slickdeals that works for Office Max says that "OfficeMax is cutting down on rebates. We have a new CEO now since our company merged with a major supplier (Boise Cascade)."
I have a feeling the rebates are catching up with the companies. Profits jump up initally as no manpower is taken up with unpaid rebates for 6-8 weeks. The % increases over time as all employees, in store, phone reps, and management all field calls/visits from customers about the status of thier rebate(s).
My only resolution this year was to get my rebates from '03
paid in January '04- $70 from OM and $80 from Staples/Maxtor. I took up about 20 minutes of a manager's time @ Office Max, not being rude, but going over the paperwork and him looking into their records. I eventually settled on in-store credit, which was decent of him because over half the rebate amount was from the manufacturer. If only 30% of people who never get paid take up one employee's time, that will trickle to the top. The profits that were brought up originally catch up after the employees' time involved- and then it snowballs.
Last week, a Staples phone rep (manager) told me he'd push the check through as I mailed in the paperwork, and faxed it in
twice after that, all detailed in their system under the rebate number. I'm glad I initiated the rebate online! I called to check the status this week, and it was denied as it's outside the promotion's window. Really, Sherlock?? I asked for the manager's supervisor, but I guess he doesn't have a phone.
Finally got the direct phone line of rebate fulfillment dept. @ Maxtor and left her a voice mail. She was very nice, probably pissed that her # was given out. She read the notes, saw that I submitted the rebate info
three times, and said I'd have the check within 7 days, or to call
her back directly.
It's sad that I'm happy I got them both after 7-8 months, it's basically found money at this point. I don't even look twice at anything with a rebate anymore, it's not worth it. I've been burned, and now a few retailers are losing money. I'd rather pay more on eBay up front, it's still less than retail. Hopefully Office Max's decision to have fewer rebates will spread to other retailers.
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