But that’s a whole lot in this case.
Here’s why I suck. I bought an item with a mail-in rebate, diligently followed all the directions, and chose the “no-wait rebate by check”. The No-wait rebate guarantees that the check will be mailed in 3-5 days instead of 8-10 weeks, for the cost of 10% of the rebate. Actually I didn’t follow all the directions; I didn’t make a copy of all the forms for my records. See, I knew that OnRebate would take every opportunity available to screw me, yet I didn’t bother to hold onto my evidence. I SUCK.
Here’s why OnRebate.com sucks. They screw you any way they can. That is sort of their job, but I hate them anyway. I checked the status of my rebate, which I found was approved on 12/8. I could swear that the first time I checked my rebate, it said I was set up for the no-wait one. However it hadn’t totally been 3-5 business days, so I let it slide. After I checked back a few times, I wasn’t set up for the no-wait rebate anymore. That seemed strange, so I used their website as they let me, and chose “change pay type.” I did that, or so I thought, and went on my way.
Each time I checked back, however, my pay type changed back to the 8-10 week kind. So I called ‘em up, told the system I wanted “operator,” waited for 7 minutes (they didn’t even have music until right before the guy picked up) and asked what the deal was.
Here’s what I learned in a nutshell, their computer said one thing and one thing only and it absolutely cannot be changed whatsoever.
They:
- have a confusing, misleading website that doesn’t work like it should.
- keep no actual records of what you send in.
- won’t listen to you even if you do have copies of what you sent in.
- do whatever they want
You are entirely at their mercy. At least it looks like I will get my rebate eventually.
As best I can remember, when I was initially registering for my rebate, I chose the regular payment before deciding to change over to the no-wait rebate. Apparently, their systems absolutely cannot correct for this. So, in the future, if you must deal with these people, be ready and beware.
Dr. Church Says:
Yeah I had a tango with them a year or two ago. Since then I’d rather just pay full price than bother with rebates. It ends up pissing me off too much otherwise.
Brad Says:
I am now approaching 20 weeks of waiting for my 8 - 10 week rebate. Calls and emails get the same answer, “Your rebate will be sent in 5 - 10 business days”
Filing a report with the Florida Attorney General seems to be the way to go. I have had varying success with rebates from Tiger Direct. I have done thousands of dollars of business with them, but I think that is coming to an end.
Status Date/Time
User applied for OnRebate 8/4/2006 8:42:48 AM
Email was sent for Confirmation 8/4/2006 8:42:48 AM
Email was confirmed by the user 8/4/2006 8:47:03 AM
Printed out the rebate registration, awaiting receipt of documentation 8/4/2006 8:47:12 AM
The Rebate was accepted 8/11/2006 10:50:38 AM
Payment Sent
Print Your Rebate
Icart Says:
The first problem I experienced was that it never opened a window to let me print anything. I had to figure out (on my own-they never responded to my email) how to go back into the system (via tracking) and to print it out. THank goodness I know my way around sites and computers-a novice wouldn’t have known what to do. Now, I put into the system for another rebate and it says it’s already in process. I haven’t even submitted it yet (and there are no check marks for email verified, etc..). There were two different rebates for the same item so unless it got them confused, I don’t know what the problem is. I took a screenshot of the page and pasted it into word. I haven’t gotten as far as expecting a check in the mail yet (the timeframe is too early) so I’ll cross that bridge when it comes. HOwever, given everything I’ve read so far, I do see a class action suit coming down the pipeline. TigerDirect may have some great deals but their ownership/alliance with this company sucks.
Mike Coster Says:
This seems like false advertising. I got a notice on 1/29 stating my rebate was processed and that a check would be mailed on/about 3/1. So, they intentionally stick it to you with an excessive delay. This is ripe for a class action suit. Email me if you are interested. We need four or five plaintiffs. I have a lawyer in mind. mike mikerkba@aol.com mikerkba (atsign) aol (dot) com.
Maverick Says:
Count me in for a class action suit. I just got an email from the bastards a few days ago saying that I didn’t include the invoice with the rebate. Total bull.
After being scammed so many times, I took extra care to not only follow all directions requested (and I read all the fine print three times) but also to document everything. I have photos and video of EVERYTHING.
I’m also filing a complaint with the Attorney General and Better Business Bureau.
The amount due back from them is small but over the years it’s added up and I’m fed up. I let it slide the other times but not this time. I’m mad as hell.
April Says:
Dear Consumer
Hello, my name is April and I am a Customer Service Advocate at Onrebate.com. I am here to ensure customer satisfaction, and assist with your rebate process. I ask you contact me at april.jackson@onrebate.com for any additional assistance.
nobrainer Says:
So this comment came from an IP listed as belonging to IBM, located at the RTP site, plus I have received other hits from IBM recently as well. I did get a response from the person at that email address. Perhaps OnRebate hired some IBM consultants to fix the horrible mess they’ve made for themselves?
I’m a cheapo. I would have opted for the regular rebate just because I didn’t want to share any of the savings with the company.