[Joeaksa]

Thom,

Unfortunately this is the case in many rebates. I work for one of the major rebate fulfulment companies and we really have hands tied by some of the companies we work with.

We process all the paperwork on the rebates and when its proven that a person qualifies the information is sent to the company. They usually then check some of the information in the batch then ok payment. Until the funds are released and sent to us, we cannot cut a check to the consumer.

One computer maker (no names and its not CompUSA) refused to pay for months and our boss kept calling them and telling them that its costing you "good will" in the marketplace but they still did not pay. Finally after several months they paid up but the word got out. These days they are better but they still push the limits.

I buy things with a rebate as well and glad that CompUSA got in hot water. Wish more would as well when they do not follow the guidelines and try to stiff the consumer on rebates.

To cover yourself in the future, everyone doing a rebate should make a photo copy (I scan it) of the rebate and receipt. This way when they say "we cannot find it" or "something is missing" I can send it right to them. Had this happen several times and got the supervisor on the line and they Ok'ed it when they heard I had copies. No, it was not the company I work for...

JoeA