So I did the double rebates this time around and instead of getting 640 bucks for a 5D and 85 1.8, they send me 20. They said it was an invalid upc that I sent. So I call the rebate center today. First guy I get was like a 16 year old boy. He said how can I help you. I told him that I had an invalid UPC and didn't get my full rebate. He put me on hold to get a supervisor when I insisted they tell me what was wrong with my original mail in. He gets back to me in 5 minutes and said call back because he had trouble transferring me to a manager.
So I call back and got another tech. This tech told me, don't worry, they were going to send me two checks and to wait a couple more weeks. The tech said this before even looking into my rebate files. I said NO, there is a problem with the UPC according to them and this had to be fixed. The tech then put me on hold and then after trying to get her to understand what a 5D and a 85mm 1.8 was, finally said OK they will send out a check for $640. I hope they send it, but I really had no confidence in this tech. I felt nothing has been fixed and this tech just wanted me off the phone. I'll just have to wait. I sure as hell won't do any rebates with Canon anymore.
So I did a little research and a TON of people are having the same problem. Just check out this link, http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1032&thread=21090939&page=1 . Many people have the same problem as I did and when they call, they will eventually correct the mistake, but the tech will not say what the original problem really was.
It appears like the rebate center who processes the rebates for canon has pocketed millions of dollars through an agreement with canon for unclaimed rebates. Check out this link.
SHAME ON CANON FOR LETTING THIS HAPPEN! I love Canon gear and all the gear I have is Canon. Canon please fix this cancer before you lose your loyal customers.
,
MANIAXE.
Edited by Jeff on Dec 22, 2006 at 07:09 AM GMT (Reason: all caps in title)
I never really trust rebates - regardless of what company is behind them. I've been screwed over before, and now I no longer fall for this scheme.
Although many people have had success, there's also a significant number of people who have rebate problems. In general, I do not like the whole rebate idea - it's often used to promote sales, yet the companies realize that a certain % of rebates will either be "erroneous" or unsent, and it's their gain.
I've never had a problem with rebates. I scan and photocopy everything. I send them registered mail w/a return receipt if it's for more than a few bucks. If any problems crop up, I can e-mail a copy right away. FWIW, I've never had any problems with over $1000 in rebates.
The problem with Canon rebates is, it can be a LOT of money you can get back. Mine was $120, but other's have applied for more.
I was royally pissed when they were fumbling around my rebate. After I waited the alotted time, and they seemed to be fumbling around with it, and I think accused me of not following instructions which I did I blew my top.
I cut out top sections of the boxes of the lens involved in my rebate. I then photographed the serial #s, lens, boxes. I included printouts of these pictures. included copies of receipts. Basically, they could not argue I didn't purchase these items.
I then wrote up a nice letter with all the above paperwork. I said I was a valued customer and filed my rebate on time, and waited the alotted time and got nothing. I then ended with, if they did not file my rebate check within 2 weeks of receiving this letter, they would hear from my lawyer.
The check was issued very soon after they received that letter.
The thing to add, when you send in your rebates, send it certified and SIGNED delivered, so you have a copy that someone at Canon signed for it. More insurance for you.
I just went through a very similar problem with the Canon rebate line. It took 3 calls to the number before I got a supervisor that could help me with a failure on the double rebate problem. I purchased a 30D and a 430EX flash and they were going to send me $10.00 instead of $220.00. The supervisor eventually agreed that they had all the items they needed to process the rebate correclty. I checked their web-rebates site and it all looks good now. I kept copies of all the documentation and UPCs before I sent the stuff into Canon.
Update: 1/8/2007: I received my rebate check last week in good order.
Edited by David Luber on Jan 08, 2007 at 06:40 PM GMT
This seems to be a recurring problem with the canon rebates. The company handling it looks for ANY excuse (even a made-up one) not to pay. It may well be a money saving tactic. They figure that if a few people don't fight it, they've save a pretty decent chunk of change (at $100-650+ per rebate). It's a shame we have to handle it this way, but the information above is very helpful.
Keep duplicate copies of everything you send them. Send return-receipt so you have proof. Don't back down. Good luck.
I had the same problem last year with the triple rebate. (no problems the year before). They said I was missing part of the submittal.
I sent an email to Canon's customer service (somebody posted a good email address on this forum). I got a phone call from Canon that day and a check the next week.
Apparently I was involved in a class action lawsuit against Best Buy and Sirius radio. They said one code OR another, and then rejected mine and a bunch of other rebates saying they needed one code AND another.
Was supposed to get check in November as they settled, nothing yet though.
Yep, the same problem here. Instead of $700 they are sending a check for $50. Needless to say, I had all the forms, UPS codes, was web prequalified , etc., etc. Have double copies of everything will start the tug of war with them.
Why is it that the UPS for the high figure item always lost?
How can they get away with lying and screwing up everybody?
Why is it, indeed, no smart lower has started a class action suit? John Power? Any other lawers?
gfiksel wrote:
Yep, the same problem here. Instead of $700 they are sending a check for $50. Needless to say, I had all the forms, UPS codes, was web prequalified , etc., etc. Have double copies of everything will start the tug of war with them.
I predict there won't be a "war". Just call them up, and explain, and they'll mysteriously say "OK, we'll send out the difference in a second check".
I've NEVER had any problems with Canon rebates until this year. This was in the spring (before the double rebates). They "lost" my 5D UPC, but not the one for my 24-105. I called and asked about it, and they cut me a 2nd check. I didn't even have to provide any additional proof at all.
Seems to me like these third-party companies Canon use are stealing from people. Canon should at least be partially responsible for this.
Canon need to be brought to book, as do the third party companies that handle the rebates.
Dave, thanks, that's encouraging. So, a 5 min call and a short blood pressure spike is all I need to get the rebate ? I will try it. Would be better with without it, though:
RGS65 wrote:
Oh god, here we go again. We always get these posts around rebate time.
Listen, if you do it right, you'll get your money.
I have always gotten mine.
Be patient and persistent.
I assume you kept copies of everything?
Well, no that's not exactly true depending on what "do it right" means. If you mean follow their instructions, no you won't get your money. If "do it right" means copy everything and then call and beat them up then OK, but I don't think that's what people would consider "right".
Canon changes their rebate house just about every season. Last years triples were reasonably smooth compared to this year. This year the rebate servicing company is blatently and obviously rejecting doublings on high priced rebates. The idea behind this is to only pay people who follow up with a phone call to complain. It is a common tactic in the rebate business.
Are you unhappy? Well, first call the rebate company, it is all part of their game. You'll call, get put on hold a few times and then get your money. NEXT call or write Canon and let them know that you know they actively chose a known dishonest rebate fufillment house just to try and save a buck. Remind them that your experience with their rebate house is an extenstion of your experience with Canon and that you are not happy. Remind them that when they choose a rebate house next year they should consider this.
RGS65 wrote:
Oh god, here we go again. We always get these posts around rebate time.
Listen, if you do it right, you'll get your money.
Because it appears that every time around rebate time thousands of customers get screwed or attempted to.
And, actually, if you do everything right you DON'T get the money. Where in the rebate form is "We will try screw you but if you are persistent, maybe, you will get it?
What is the difference between that and attempted robbery? "Oh, sir, I was trying to pull your wallet out of your pocket but it's great that you've noticed it. You may keep your money. For now."
,
I will try it. Would be better with without it, though: