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1-800-Contacts Doesn’t Like Mailing Out Rebate Checks
By JLP | August 17, 2007
UPDATE: I just wanted to let everyone know that I received my check yesterday. The check was dated July 16 but the postmark was dated August 16.
I purchased contacts from 1-800-Contacts in April of this year. Part of the reason I chose them was that they offered a $200 rebate on the particular contacts I was buying, which seemed like a really good deal. So, I purchased my contacts, received them in a couple of days, and promptly sent in the rebate form with all the necessary information.
I waited…
And waited some more…
Finally, on July 5th, I sent them the following email:
I mailed in my rebate right after I received my contacts in April (order #XXXXXXXXXX) and I still have not received my check. What is the status?
This was their response:
Thank your for your email. I am sorry the rebate is taking so long. I checked your file and I don’t have record of it being received here, so it sounds like it may have been lost in the mail. I will just go ahead and take your word that it was mailed in and request the check for you today. Once we have done this it normally take 3-4 weeks for you to receive the check. If there is anything else I can do for you in the meantime please let me know. Have a great day!
August 6th rolled around and still no check so I emailed them again:
Hello,
I haven’t received the rebate check yet. Please see the emails below. It’s been over a month.
Thanks,
JLP
And again, their response:
Dear JLP-
Thank you for your email. I apologize about the wait in getting your Mail in Rebate. From your account I show the check was processed on July 16th, it can be anywhere from 2-4 weeks from July the 16th till you receive that check. From that time frame your check should be to you by August 13th, if you do not receive the check by then let me know and I will have another sent out for you. Please let me know if you have any further questions or need assistance and I will be happy to help.
Have a fantastic day!
Sincerely,
Faith
1800 CONTACTS customer service representative
It only took them about 30 seconds to pull the payment from my credit card when I bought the contacts but it takes them 11 days to process a rebate check! LOL!
This is why I hate rebates! They are a royal pain!
Topics: Miscellaneous | 11 Comments »
August 17th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Now now… They need to make some money off the interest on your rebate check and you get 200 bucks, sees fair, especially since yours was ‘lost’.
Gotta keep a tight leash on those rebates. Good job.
Rick.
August 17th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
I try to avoid rebates too, but I have to say, the last time we ordered from 1800Contacts, the rebate came so quickly, I was actually surprised. Sorry that hasn’t been your experience!
August 17th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Rick and Cathy,
I have been happy with their service and all of my emails have been answered promptly and courteously. I just don’t understand why it is taking so long to process my rebate!
August 17th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I always like to scan any rebate forms I send in just in case the company tries to pull some sh!t
August 17th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
I’ve started avoiding the rebates altogether. They just don’t get it. Do what you promise to people and they will be your best repeat customer.
August 18th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
3-4 weeks is actually really good turn around for rebates. Most companies make you wait 2-4 weeks just to process the rebate (just to make sure you dont return the poduct) then an additional 4-10 weeks to get the check.
I find it interesting that they are so willing to just take your word for it that you sent in the forms and then seem happy to just send out another check if yours got lost, seems this company is doing a very good job. Most rebate companies make you go through hell to fix these errors.
August 18th, 2007 at 11:43 pm
You should try getting a check out of a collection agency sometime. The specialize in collecting money, but are amazingly clumsy when in comes to paying their own obligations (in my experience).
August 20th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
It’s amazing if they actually are willing to give you the rebate without having received the form in the mail. You should count yourself lucky.
August 21st, 2007 at 10:32 am
I live in SLC, where the business is located. They talk a LOT about priding themselves on their customer service. I’d recommend calling back, then asking to speak to a supervisor. If you e-mail them, be sure to send them the link to your post (can be under the guise of giving them the full history). Knowing that the details are posted online could be a great motivator for them to reimburse you.
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:45 pm
I have actually received duplicate checks on separate instances. I guess the question is, is it ethical to cash the check twice?
August 22nd, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Mark,
I would say that it is unethical to cash the two checks.