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Rebate SCAM eMax and Quickbooks

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Has this happened to you? I went to OfficeMax looking to buy QuickBooks and there was a huge end-of-aisle display with a poster advertising the $100 rebate. I ask the kid at the cash register about the rebate, “The form is in the box” he said. You read the rebate form and there’s tiny little disclaimer at the very bottom that says the rebate is only good for current customers. You have to show proof of ownership of an older version. There was NOTHING about that rqeuirement on the poster in the OfficeMax store.

So am I naive and/or stupid, or was I duped by a really sleazy trick? I am so mad I don’t even want to use the QuickBooks now, but you can’t return opened software.

Advice? Suggestions? My complains to OfficeMax fell on deaf ears. “That’s a manufacturer’s rebate…” I say they’re accomplices in this scam.

Haven’t heard back from Intuit yet.

Topic

All Rebates are scams.

In reply to Rebate SCAM eMax and Quickbooks

If you pay attention, and read closely, basically ALL rebates are scams. They take your money up front, and often don’t return it.

First, I did not take the time to go to Office Max and check the poster myself.
Usually there is some “FINE” print in the ad, or on the poster that explains the details of the rebate.

The higher the rebate, the more restrictions there are, and the less apt you are to actually receive the rebate.

Some “general” rules that I have found apply to rebates:

On software, if the rebate certificate is on or in the box, odds are that the rebate is ONLY for upgraders. This may be for only prior customers. But often includes switching from a competitors product.

You are limited to 1 rebate campaign per company per year.
If you send in a rebate for a brand X hard drive, all subsequent rebates that year will be rejected.
This often even catches you when submitting store rebates as opposed to manufactures rebates.

Follow the instructions to the LETTER!!!
Any errors or delays will result in not getting the rebate.

One disturbing requirement I came across was that the manufacture of some software REQUIRED sending in the “certificate of authenticity” in order to get the rebate.
So, if you submitted the required proof for the rebate, you technically could not use the software per the EULA!

My rule of thumb, DON’T BUY ANYTHING JUST BECAUSE OF A GOOD REBATE!
Make your decisions based on the out of pocket cost.

Chas

good advice

In reply to All Rebates are scams.

Thanks Chas. I finally heard back from Intuit and the guy told me to check the box itself for the disclaimer. I’ll look for it this weekend. Feeling kind of stupid right about now.

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