So I get a text message from AT&T Wireless acknowledging they have received my rebate request. And I go - progress! I wrote earlier about Rebate processing as an angioplasty opportunity. Good to see rebate processing become more automated. More retail stores are printing the rebate forms at point-of-sale. Buy.com links your on-line receipt to a PDF copy of the rebate form to facilitate the printing. Many manufacturers also acknowledge receipt of your rebate form by email.
But the back-end process is still way too manual. Too many rebates are rejected because supposedly there is no proof-of-purchase, there is insufficient personal information on the rebate form, or they are not received in the narrow rebate time frame. Once that happens, the chances of a buyer winning an appeal are pretty slim.
Then there is processing time. The AT&T text message above says the rebate will take 8 weeks to process. 8 weeks to do what?
Finally, rebate checks have all kinds of poorly spelled names and addresses. So even if the rebate arrives, the bank may balk at cashing a check addressed to someone who kinda, sorta sounds like you. Others are sending rebate debit cards, which you have to call in to validate. Another potential point of failure.
Overall, some progress, but still a process with plenty of plaque.
