k9cop used our news submit to tell us about this wonderful story from Hot Deals Club! I don't know about you, but I cannot stand rebates and avoid them. Most of the time I can get a similar deal by using the Internet and doing a bit of research. This rebate concept all started, to the best of my recollection, during the Carter administration. There was quite a depressed economy at that time and he devised stimulus plan that included among other things, a $50 tax rebate for everyone. Needless to say, this was quite warmly received by the lowly serfs toiling in the trenches. Unfortunately, the lawmakers were not so impressed with the idea, infact, I can't remember if I ever got that rebate. At any rate, this is the first I ever hear the word rebate, but I have been hearing it ever since.
Not long after that, the retail industry keyed on this positive feeling and began a similar program. It's really a great idea, but like many things, over time, it became less than it once was. In todays marketplace, there is discontent regarding rebate offers, as the feeling is, that if there is any way in heck to avoid honoring the deal, the consumer will be left holding the wrong end of the proverbial stick.
This must be more than just conjecture, or prejudice, as it appears in our tiniest state, they have taken a giant leap for the consumer.
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That means any in-store, print, or media advertisements which show an after-rebate price, they are required to honor the after-rebate price during checkout. If a store omits the existence of a manufacturer rebate while advertising products, then the store would not be responsible to honor the rebate. (thanks, Felix) Hats off to Rhode Island lawmakers. Every year, attorney general offices in every US state receive complaints totaling millions of dollars of unpaid promised rebates. Although the most common reason for unpaid rebates is customers forgetting to mail in a rebate form, often rebates go unpaid because of confusing instructions, incomplete forms, or the rebate company loses the paperwork. |
Apparently, this law went into effect last July 3, and in the meantime, even caused a rush to stores for free Pepsi! Until my state can offer instant honoring of rebates, I will continue shopping online. For good deals on items of interest for CD Freaks, be sure to visit our Bargain Basement Forum. There, you can often find great deals on drives, media, etc., no matter what part of the world you live in. Also, feel free to pass along any bargains you find!
Source: Hot Deals
