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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Canon 20D rebate dispute
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06/14/2005 09:45:52 PM · #1
First, I want to make it clear that I know this isn't Canon that is doing it. Its whoever their rebate processing center is in Meza, Arizona. (P.O.Box 42930, zip: 85274-2930).

That rebate center is working a possible scam. They decline rebates based on "not submitting qualifying UPC codes."

I bought my 20D recently from Best Buy here in California. Besides the explicit instructions on the rebate forms, the store took the time to explain some details to me. I have had problems with rebate centers before so I scanned everything before mailing.

After getting the refusal notice, I called the company and they admitted they did have everything but wouldn't honor the rebate unless I resubmitted copies of what I had. I called the New York office of Canon and they immediately "took up the cause" for me. They said they would handle the processing themselves.

One lesson I've learned that I'd like to share:
Rebate centers are known to do these types of things. They'll find some excuse not to give you the rebate so they can pocket the profit. When that happens, don't waste your breath or emotions on them. Send a certified, return-receipt letter to the rebate center expressing your distain for the tactic. At the bottom of the letter "CC" (carbon copy) the corporate offices of the equipment company (in my case, Canon). That has gotten me results more than once.

Message edited by author 2005-06-14 21:48:23.
06/14/2005 10:18:45 PM · #2
whats a rebate dispute?... i have just had a problem with my service technician ( it's in another thread ) although i have been under the impression it was canon, after i did all the chasing around, i have since found out it was not canon ( australia ) at all, and we now have the problem fixed and camera will be sent back to me today... like i said in the other thread... Canon are wonderful.... very very helpful and considerate.....

//www.kellymuncephotography.com

Message edited by author 2005-06-14 22:19:34.
06/14/2005 11:34:54 PM · #3
I've had the same thing. They say that they couldn't confirm that the lenses serial number or that it was already registered. So I called them back two times then they approved it. Now I've another rebate pending, and according to their site, everything is correct but they have been just waiting to cut a check.
Maybe I should call them again as well.
I think these guys are running at best a bit shady operation.
06/14/2005 11:43:40 PM · #4
Thanks--very timely warning for me. I have a sealed envelope here with a Canon lens rebate--but I didn't make a copy of the UPC label, and now I will open it and do that.
06/14/2005 11:50:19 PM · #5
i copied everything and mailed it a few days ago. how long do you wait before you attempt that?
06/15/2005 07:36:18 AM · #6
Reemas: I'm not sure I understand your question. I mailed the rebate documentation to the Arizon center within 6 days of purchasing the equipment. I replied to the non-acceptance notice within 3 days.

Again, this is not an isolated case. I have had problems with rebate centers before and I have seen consumer alerts on the news as well as read online cautions about the scams that rebate companies work.

But complaining was not my intent in this post. My intent was to pass some knowledge & experience. I have read posts in other forums from those who slam the manufacturer.

MAIN POINT: It is rarely the manufacturer that is messing with the consumer. Most companies "farm out" their rebate claims to businesses such as the one in Arizon (who, by the way, refuse to identify themselves by their business name). Such rebate centers cloak themselves in anonymity by using the manufacturer's name (i.e. "The Canon Rebate Center) and by using PO Boxes so that for the vast majority of us, they are untraceable.) Thus I recommneded a trackable written letter that plainly indicates a CC to the corporate offices of the manufacturer. This accomplishes two things:

1. The corporate office of the manufacturer can see how their contract with the rebate firm is being managed (or mismanaged)

2. It usually makes the rebate firm nervous when they see the CC at the bottom because they know that when the manufacturer gets their copy of the letter it could easily result in the loss of a major account.
06/15/2005 07:41:09 AM · #7
RoadRunner:

I'm not sure if you were being glib or if you really don't know what a rebate dispute is?

Just in case: A rebate dispute is when the consumer and the rebate firm disagree on the qualifications of a rebate claim.
06/15/2005 08:00:47 AM · #8
I have never had to claim a rebate for Canon products but I have consistently heard nightmare stories about their contracted rebate agency.

Don't be fooled. This is Canon's problem.

For anybody that has been screwed around by this rebate place, write a letter to Canon telling them that the service you've received is unacceptable and that you've heard multiple accounts of the same experience by other customers. Canon needs to take care of this now...
06/15/2005 08:04:49 AM · #9
Originally posted by focus:

RoadRunner:

I'm not sure if you were being glib or if you really don't know what a rebate dispute is?

Just in case: A rebate dispute is when the consumer and the rebate firm disagree on the qualifications of a rebate claim.


sorry focus, no i wasn't being 'glib' whatever that means... i was fairdinkum....i don't think we have anything like that in australia..... ive never heard of it..... thanks...
06/15/2005 11:15:33 AM · #10
"fairdinkum" Even though I am American, I actually know this word! :-)

My youngest daughter met her now-husband on line, an Australian from the Adelaide area. So now my wife & I have an Australian son-in-law and a daughter we never get to visit, much to our dismay.

As for the meaning of glib, per Webster's dictionary:
//www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=glib&x=18&y=17
06/15/2005 11:20:48 AM · #11
Shoot. I copied everything BUT the codes. I hope it goes through. $100 is nothing to sneeze at.
06/15/2005 04:23:53 PM · #12
Just got confirmation from Canon. They are processing the refund & apologized for the way the Arizona firm handled the claim. I'll give it 4 weeks to see if the rebate arrives.
06/15/2005 05:00:09 PM · #13
I had a similar issue a few years ago whne I bought my digital EPLH. There was an offer for a free camera pouch. I sent in all the stuff and received a notice telling me that they were not honoring my request because I had sent in the "rebate receipt" Best Buy had given me instead of the actual receipt.

I contacted both Canon and Best Buy. Canon sent me a terse reply that seemed to imply that my motives were suspect and that I was attempting to defraud them out of their measly little bag. Best Buy, on the other hand, apologized and sent me a $20 gift card which I used to buy a bag.

Canon customer service definitely failed to impress me the way their cameras do.
06/15/2005 06:09:38 PM · #14
**My youngest daughter met her now-husband on line, an Australian from the Adelaide area. So now my wife & I have an Australian son-in-law and a daughter we never get to visit, much to our dismay. **

Oh No Focus that is terrible... normally the man goes to the womans country..... that is such a shame they live so far away... gosh my parents live over the fence... not that i see them very much but the kids are always in and out through the fence getting lollies out of 'Gram's and Far's ' lollie jar, o.k on occasion i do too....lol..... i couldn't imagine hardley ever seeing my kids, no matter how old they are.... Adelaide is such a beautiful place... have you been there yet?...

www.kellymuncephotography.com

Message edited by author 2005-06-15 18:11:20.
06/15/2005 06:25:19 PM · #15
I had something similar, but I don't remember the manufacturer offering the rebate. I sent everything in and got a denial notice... I called to ask why since everything was sent in and I offered proof (my copies), the gal said oh no, that's ok - we'll go ahead and process your rebate.

06/15/2005 08:59:01 PM · #16
Originally posted by focus:

First, I want to make it clear that I know this isn't Canon that is doing it. Its whoever their rebate processing center is in Meza, Arizona. (P.O.Box 42930, zip: 85274-2930).

That rebate center is working a possible scam. They decline rebates based on "not submitting qualifying UPC codes."

I bought my 20D recently from Best Buy here in California. Besides the explicit instructions on the rebate forms, the store took the time to explain some details to me. I have had problems with rebate centers before so I scanned everything before mailing.

After getting the refusal notice, I called the company and they admitted they did have everything but wouldn't honor the rebate unless I resubmitted copies of what I had. I called the New York office of Canon and they immediately "took up the cause" for me. They said they would handle the processing themselves.

One lesson I've learned that I'd like to share:
Rebate centers are known to do these types of things. They'll find some excuse not to give you the rebate so they can pocket the profit. When that happens, don't waste your breath or emotions on them. Send a certified, return-receipt letter to the rebate center expressing your distain for the tactic. At the bottom of the letter "CC" (carbon copy) the corporate offices of the equipment company (in my case, Canon). That has gotten me results more than once.


Sometimes their excuse for denying your rebate seems to be as flimsy as that it was the first one on my desk this morning and I wasn't finished with my coffee.

I can understand why you are quick to excuse Canon, they did straighten out your problem. But it is ultimately their responsibility. Even if they took care of everybody that complains to them as you did, they are still coming out ahead on the rebate program because of the sleazy tactics used by the firm they have hired to do the dirty work for them. Canon is not new to the rebate game. They've had a program at least once a year for a while now. If they cared, they would be running an honest program. Personally I have given up on getting anything from them. When I bought my 20D, I gave the rebate materials to a friend so she could combine it with a lens purchase. And guess what? They tried to screw her out of her rebate too. She's still fighting them.
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