Last November my hunting partner and I both purchased Federal Ammunition. One of the decisions in the purchase was the $5 a box rebate. We bought two boxes each and were entitled to $10 bucks each.
I called Federal on March 31, 2008 because I had not received a check nor had my hunting partner. Federal rebate center told me that a check had been issued to both of us. I had them check and no checks made out to us had been cashed. I was told that new checks would be issued.
I called today, June 5, 2008, and basically was told that Federal would not allow them to pay because the rebate period had passed. Otherwise So Sad, To Bad.
Rebate non-payment is one of the biggest scams going; clearly some manufactures do not plan on paying rebates. I am rather disappointed, I thought Federal was a stand-up outfit, but I must remember with the restructuring of the American Industrial base, what was yesterday is no longer true today.
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,141847.msg1098565514.html#msg1098565514I have been spoiled by Garmin rebates, I have purchased two Garmin units during a rebate period and I received the promised rebate. Friends have also purchased Garmin units upon my recommendation during a rebate period and have received their rebate check.
I realize that rebates are a method of getting a buyers attention and making the sale. I might be a little tight fisted, if the up front price without rebate is not good I will not buy. Fortunately the Federal ammunition was an in store promotion and I would have purchased it anyway, but when I told my son-in-law (hunting partner) who is raising four daughters about the rebate, it became an economic incentive.
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/06/05/15/rebate_scams_how_i_deceive_the_heck_out_of_you_with_consumer_rebates.htmhttp://www.fresnofamous.com/blog/brattybrat/shoppers_beware_of_rebate_scamsWhat has Federal gained by my rebate application, they now have my e-mail address and send me product information on a regular bases. Funny how they retained my address, but could not send me a rebate check. I will be adding Federal to my Spam Blocker. In effect Federal is using the rebate offer to mine for consumer contacts for their database, which has a commercial value.