[GRLUG] Frickin Rebates

[Brad Becker]

Before you order that new Dell that comes with a supposed 'rebate' you better
check this out:

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/computers/dell_rebates.html

The culprit here is Continental Promotion Group in Tempe which conducts,
 among other things, 'rebate fulfillment' services for a number of clients
 including Dell and NEWEGG.  As you'll see this is quite the oxymoron.

Today I received an email from them about my purchase of matched SDRAM dual
channel Patriot memory on 2/22.  In the email they state my rebate claim
($20) was denied, stating that Newegg was a 'non-qualified store', LOL.  I'm
laughing because Newegg had the rebate form right on their web site.

I complained to Newegg and Continental, the latter replying that my rebate
 has now been 'resubmitted' (note: they didn't say approved) and if valid, to
 expect my rebate IN ANOTHER 6 - 8 weeks.

This must be a damn lucrative business!  A little research on the matter
 shows that Continental's owner a few years ago donated $60 Million to
 Thunderbird College in Phoenix and company revenues > $500 Million.  Big
 money is made on consumer laziness and ambivalence ... on both sides,
 retailer and rebate fulfiller alike.

It's fortunate that I had copies of everything.  It's not fortunate for
them ... they picked me :)