Why a "mail-in" rebate?

Voible · 10-07-2004, 02:25 PM

Why does Sprint force its existing customers to go the "mail-in" rebate route for new phones when anyone walking off the street as a new customer can get an instant rebate?

With all the problems I've had with Sprint plans, I simply don't trust them to actually deliver on the mail in rebate. (which takes forever to process WUWT?). Thus, the competition looks pretty good. I need 4 new phones on an account I've had for years.

Also, I was told by Sprint CS that "retention plan" customers are not eligible for the rebate program.

I feel like they don't want me as a customer anymore.

**LJA** · 10-07-2004, 04:14 PM

companies do mail-in rebates because the return rate is very low. most people don't bother to send in the paperwork.

Loth · 10-07-2004, 06:15 PM

The retention plan bit is true only if your MRC is under $34.99.

Other than that its, um...not.

Loth

Jumpcut · 10-08-2004, 12:12 AM

I'm on a retention plan and received my $150 rebate exactly 7 weeks to the day after I mailed it.

Draggar · 10-08-2004, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJA

companies do mail-in rebates because the return rate is very low. most people don't bother to send in the paperwork.

Not only that, mail in rebates are generally handled by a 3rd party and are not looked at as a "direct loss" to wall street.

A $400 phone with a $150 mail in rebate looks better on the books than a $400 phone marked down to $250.

**Fubar101** · 10-08-2004, 11:42 PM

Mail in rebates are cleared by a third party also means the customer meets the requirements for the mail in rebate. It is a series of check and balances. This prevents reps from giving mail in rebates to customers that do not meet the requirements.

Aeternavi · 10-09-2004, 02:52 PM

Depends on where you go. For instance, the local SPCS store wanted to do a mail-in when I was ready to upgrade, but the SPCS kiosk in the mall (I talked them into it) did it as instant.

It has been proven that 75% of people that get those do NOT send in for the rebate, companies bank on that. The only way that we can combat this crap of mail-ins is to either boycott products that have them, or making sure that you send out for them EVERY time. Even if you do, there is a 50/50 chance they will decline the rebate. This is because yet again, people get lazy. They are also banking that you will say the hell with it and not try to get your money.

10-07-2004, 02:25 PM	#1
Voible Two Cans & String User Join Date: Sep 29, '04 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 7 Phone: old Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 12	Why a "mail-in" rebate? Why does Sprint force its existing customers to go the "mail-in" rebate route for new phones when anyone walking off the street as a new customer can get an instant rebate? With all the problems I've had with Sprint plans, I simply don't trust them to actually deliver on the mail in rebate. (which takes forever to process WUWT?). Thus, the competition looks pretty good. I need 4 new phones on an account I've had for years. Also, I was told by Sprint CS that "retention plan" customers are not eligible for the rebate program. I feel like they don't want me as a customer anymore.

10-09-2004, 02:52 PM	#7
Aeternavi Telephone User Join Date: Aug 6, '03 Location: Syracuse, NY Posts: 230 Phone: Sanyo 8100 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 210	Depends on where you go. For instance, the local SPCS store wanted to do a mail-in when I was ready to upgrade, but the SPCS kiosk in the mall (I talked them into it) did it as instant. It has been proven that 75% of people that get those do NOT send in for the rebate, companies bank on that. The only way that we can combat this crap of mail-ins is to either boycott products that have them, or making sure that you send out for them EVERY time. Even if you do, there is a 50/50 chance they will decline the rebate. This is because yet again, people get lazy. They are also banking that you will say the hell with it and not try to get your money. __________________ 1360A/T, 7PM UL N&W, Free & Clear America, 500 free roaming minutes, 2 lines, Vision... $95. Less GM 18% discount, but NY taxes so much that I barely see it. Mitsubishi Forums

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10-07-2004, 04:14 PM	#2
LJA Grumpy old Dog Join Date: Dec 2, '02 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,393 Phone: Appl iPhone 3gs Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts SU$: 136	companies do mail-in rebates because the return rate is very low. most people don't bother to send in the paperwork.

10-07-2004, 06:15 PM	#3
Loth Telegraph User Join Date: Mar 17, '04 Location: California Posts: 35 Phone: Treo 650 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 14	The retention plan bit is true only if your MRC is under $34.99. Other than that its, um...not. Loth

10-08-2004, 12:12 AM	#4
Jumpcut Telephone User Join Date: Aug 26, '04 Location: Calif. Posts: 286 Phone: HTC Touch Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts SU$: 434	I'm on a retention plan and received my $150 rebate exactly 7 weeks to the day after I mailed it.

10-08-2004, 11:42 PM	#6
Fubar101 Cellular Phone User Join Date: Jan 1, '04 Posts: 1,621 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts SU$: 3,960	Mail in rebates are cleared by a third party also means the customer meets the requirements for the mail in rebate. It is a series of check and balances. This prevents reps from giving mail in rebates to customers that do not meet the requirements.