Rebates I bought
a new camera right before the Wolf Trap concert. I
hate rebates and here's why. |
|
| In
principle rebates are a fine idea, but the manufacturer intentionally
makes it hard on you to collect it. Typically I don't do well performing
all these tasks. First we need the receipt. Now, where the hell
did I put the receipt? Assuming I find it and it can still be read,
I am sure there are several other tasks I must perform. Like including
the upc symbol from the box. Did I even save the box? And if I did
save it, and manage to find a knife and/or scissors to extricate
the upc symbol from it, I'd better include finding a band-aid while
I'm at it for the inevitable laceration I'll suffer from either
the cardboard or the knife/scissors.
Ok, all set. Now I have to gather some
more equipment to finish the task. Envelope, stamp, and pen, and
oh yes, reading glasses to read the fine print. It's a good idea
to make sure you are even eligible for the rebate before you go
to all the trouble. Finally it's all together, filled out and
ready to go. Being careful not to cut my tongue on the envelope
flap, I seal it and take it to the mailbox. |
Only a few more things to do. First, try and remember when it will supposedly arrive, because in 6-8 weeks, I will have totally forgotten about it. Next, if I actually see it arrive with the mail, to recognize it and open it. After that I have to remember to save it in a safe place. Now this is tricky because, and I'm sure this doesn't just happen to me, a safe place can be so safely hidden away that even I can't find it. Another tricky part is to actually get it to the bank before the expiration date. It's all downhill from there. Now I can enjoy the $30 or whatever on a meal and a drink or maybe a new book from Barnes and Noble. So wouldn't it have been easier on everyone involved to just have given me a coupon to Olive Garden or Barnes and Noble in the first place? It would be just as easy to lose that - or leave it on the fridge to expire. In fact, it would be way easier.
|
to
see some of the photos taken with my new Canon S2 - click here! Wolf Trap ~ Musicfest ~ Atlantic City ©2005 cha cha trusty |
|
