I hate rebates

[Reservoir Dawg]

I just got a letter from Hummingbird. Great, I thought it was going to have a check for my $45.00 rebate after purchasing an ICE 45. Nope, I forgot to send the UPC code in with the reciept, Ugh! I know I'm the [PoorWordUsage] for not reading the fine print but, that's what these companies are counting on so they don't have to pay.

On the bright side I do love the flasher I just wish I could have saved $45.00

[DTro]

Can't you resubmit it?

I agree though, I'm not a fan of rebates and I wish they would just discount the thing up front instead.

[Cheetah]

Such is life with rebates. Always re-read the fine print a few times and make photocopies of everything. I suggest calling back and find out how to re-submit it with the UPC this time.

[Ebiz]

I actually don't mind rebates, as long as you read the fine print... I think you get a better discount this way as they run the numbers to build in the people that will forget to send it in or read the fine print

[Reservoir Dawg]

"Can't you resubmit it"

I would, but after a few weeks I threw the box out.It is my own fault. You do have to send UPC codes in with most rebates but, I just don't bother with them unless its a substantial amount.

[Jim Almquist]

I am not a big fan of rebates but I make sure to follow the instructions to a T just to make sure I get my money. It is there plan that at least 1/3 will be wrong or never sent and that is where they make a little extra.

[hcmpls1]

You sir are the definition of breakage. Exactly what manufactures with mail in rebates hope for, actually count on. It seems cute that they did a $45 and $55 mail in rebate for the Ice 45 and 55 however, the breakage is greater the lower the dollar amount, and significantly less for amounts lower than $50. People forget about it. Some say screw it and don’t send it in. And some don’t fully read the instructions and don’t submit all required items... Any one of these scenarios come into play and the manufacture doesn’t have to pay that particular rebate out. The industry average redemption rate on a $50 mail in rebate for a $300 product is 35%... That means only 65% of rebates are fulfilled or redeemed for one reason or another. For the manufacture, this is much better than offering instant savings. They get the impression of a decent savings but don’t have to pay it out. Not too customer friendly. Overall, companies that use mail in rebates regularly bank on 40% are never redeemed. BTW, a $10 mail in rebate has a 10% redemption rate or a 90% breakage rate… Marketing 101.

[Sonicrunch]

You sir are the definition of breakage. Exactly what manufactures with mail in rebates hope for, actually count on. It seems cute that they did a $45 and $55 mail in rebate for the Ice 45 and 55 however, the breakage is greater the lower the dollar amount, and significantly less for amounts lower than $50. People forget about it. Some say screw it and don’t send it in. And some don’t fully read the instructions and don’t submit all required items... Any one of these scenarios come into play and the manufacture doesn’t have to pay that particular rebate out. The industry average redemption rate on a $50 mail in rebate for a $300 product is 35%... That means only 65% of rebates are fulfilled or redeemed for one reason or another. For the manufacture, this is much better than offering instant savings. They get the impression of a decent savings but don’t have to pay it out. Not too customer friendly. Overall, companies that use mail in rebates regularly bank on 40% are never redeemed. BTW, a $10 mail in rebate has a 10% redemption rate or a 90% breakage rate… Marketing 101.

Bingo.

[harvey lee]

One simply has to follow all the rules.

I would guess it was sent to a redemption center for Humminbird and noit the company itself as that is the way it is typically handled.

About the only thing you can do is call Humminbird and ask if it can be resubmitted for payment.

That's if it has not passed the redemption date.

My wife works for a companmy that handles these type rebates and the rules have to be followed to the T.

You cannot believe all the people who submit rebates and do not follow half the rules.

[Craigums]

The companies also require the UPC and serial numbers for internal audits so it's not like they are trying to pull a fast one and scam you. The instructions to redeem the rebate are right on the rebate form. That being said, I bought a Marcum LX-5 at the St. Paul ice fishing show back in december. I scanned a copy of the reciept, rebate form and UPC code for my personal records. And as of right now Im sitting with a $50 prepaid marcum debit card in my wallet. I love rebates

[herefish101]

If it says "mail in rebate" I will not buy it, it's that simple. If you wait a little longer that item will go on sale for the same reduced rate.

[harvey lee]

I also save all my paperwork when I send in a rebate. I did mess up on one for a computer and they contacted me and I was paid after sending in the needed paperwork I did not the first time.

I felt very lucky that I was paid the funds as I did not follow one rule.

I now do it as requested and the rebates are fine.

[Steve Foss]

On the one hand I hate the hassle. Just give me the darn money off the price.

On the other hand, when I buy something I tend to not compute the rebate into the decision to buy. So I send the rebate stuff and forget about it. That way, when the debit card comes in the mail it's always a pleasant surprise. Making lemonade out of lemons, and all that.

[bk_MN_iceman]

Hah! I got the same letter in the mail yesterday. Fortunately, I still had the packaging so back in the mail it went. Hopefully will see a check in a few weeks. Tough break ResivoirDawg

[fishin4fun85]

i work at mendards....rebate capital U.S.A......I always looka t it as a down payment towards my next project around the house....paying it forward type of deal....besides....who doesn't always go back to menards anyway right?

[FlagsDown]

that's why I avoid My Nards-because of their rebate [PoorWordUsage]. That and the fact that 90% of their stuff is cheap junk.

[mnfathead]

I'm with you on the rebates, but the good thing is you should only have to get burned once and make the nec. adjustments!!! I was curious though where did you find the unit with the rebate, i'm looking to upgrade my 15 y/o fl 8.

[irishwalleye]

Had same problem when I bought my ICE-45 last year when they were "rebating" the cover/case for it. The World's Greatest Outfitter still had the rebate advertisement up when I purchased, even tho it had expired.

Oh well, still the best flasher of the 3 I own.

[Northlander]

I buy sale items. I NEVER buy any things that require me to mail in a rebate. Just give me the price off the top and quit wasting my time and make me jump hoops. Its a scam because they know people will mess up or just forget.

[eyebjim]

When I see a rebate, if it is not in store rebate I disregard it and look at the full price as what the cost is. I will never ever buy something based on a rebate price as they always seem to find a way to worm out of it. Weather it is the poor wording of what is required to make you less likely to qualify or multiple upcs on the box etc. It's a the pain in the butt and it's not worth playing their game.

[Reservoir Dawg]

I'm with you on the rebates, but the good thing is you should only have to get burned once and make the nec. adjustments!!! I was curious though where did you find the unit with the rebate, i'm looking to upgrade my 15 y/o fl 8.

The rebate offer ran from Sept 1st to Dec 31st 2010. I upgraded from my FL8se also. I kept the good old fl8 in case someone needs it that is fishing with me.

[Ryan_S]

Admittedly, at first glance it seems like they are trying to hose you; if you don't cross your t's and dot your i's they won't help you. The truth is far from that. If you try calling in and explain the situation, they will very likely allow you to resubmit for the rebate. The reason they require the UPC is because there are people out there who love rebates. They buy the product, send in for the rebate and then return the product to the store and make a nice profit. To prevent that, you are required to send in the part of the box that would allow you to easily return the product to the store. The companies which offer rebates aren't trying to give you the shaft, they are just like you and me--they don't want to get ripped off. If you want to play the game, follow the rules. If you can't follow the rules, don't complain that you're not allowed to join in the fun.

[deerminator]

Ditto, I am bracing for a Cuddeback $50 rebate where I lost the receipt. I got a copy from Cabela's, but I can see Cuddeback saying nope, despite me sending in the other three required pieces of evidence from the box along with the copy of the original receipt. I will push back like heck if they do deny me on it. Still, if they don't give it to me, I am the one who didn't follow the rules! Dangit, I hate rebates.I'm usually so good about following everything to a T.

[MNice]

Come on, it's not rocket science!! Read and follow directions and you will get the rebate, it's that simple. I just got 2 new phones for one of my daughters and myself and have $100 coming back, total cost to me <$50 for two smartphones. Read & re-read to make sure.

ps. I hope I didn't jinx myself

[hcmpls1]

Good luck deerminator... Without a receipt, which is proof of purchase, there's no proof where you bought it from or for how much. Manufactures will often times give a retailer money on the backend to discount their product instantly during other promotions. Since a receipt shows where and how much you paid for it they know you are not trying to "double dip" by buying it on sale and then trying to get a non-qualifying mail in rebate which would further degrade their margin. I'm afraid 999,999 times out of 1,000,000 you're SOL. Like MNice and others have said, it's not rocket science. Follow the directions, make copies and documentation and you have nothing to worry about.