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10/27/2004: "UPC codes and midterms"

Ugh, I was woken up by around 3:30am by Wendy-- who had just finished studying for her b-school exams. I then spent the next 30-40 minutes trying to get my internet connection to work and then scrounging around the apartment for this cable modem UPC cutoout that I *really* need for my rebates.

I really *hate* the whole concept of having to file rebates. Lately, an increasing number of manufacturers have been using this very annoying method of providing "low-cost" goods in which they hope to screw the consumer. The theory is that they make the rebate process as difficult as possible having postmark restrictions, check cashing date restrictions, and sometimes the dreaded first invoice restriction (e.g. you need to wait until you receive your first invoice before submitting the code). Worse yet, the whole process can take several months and end in an email or postcard saying that your rebate was incomplete for some reason which you can no longer verify. In fact, even rebates which I *know* I've successfully completed get rejected at times for frivolous reasons and require extensive followup. It's such a pain in the ass.

Here's a guide on what to do to make the process a bit easier:

http://www.ajc.com/money/content/money/0204/22rebateside.html

Ugh hate this process-- it pisses me off!