Staples.com Black Friday Rebate Rip Off's at Staples.com Ontario California

I wait up unti 3a.m. (PST)l to grab a couple of Black Friday specials on staples.com. They opened at 6am CST, which was 3am my time.

I tried grabbing one of those laptop specials, but the server dies and stalls before I can get my order placed. Nix the laptop special.

Then I grab a 500gb external Maxtor and Tom Tom. I got two of the three things I was after. I input the order, and wait, wait, seems like the server is stalling out again. Took over an hour to get the orders through, but they finally went through.

Then I wait for confirmation. It took until Monday, the 26th to receive confirmation that my orders were even placed. I get the standard letter:

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 15:47:32 -0800
Thank you for choosing Staples.

Due to extremely high volume over the Holiday weekend, we are still processing your order. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. As soon as we complete your order you will receive an order confirmation with your order total and your actual delivery date.

As your order is being processed we will contact you should any items be unavailable for delivery.

If you would like us to continue processing your order, no action is required on your part. You may cancel the order and receive a prompt refund if that is more convenient for you. If you would like to cancel your
order, please contact us toll free at 1-800-333-3330 or email us at support@orders.staples.com.

If you have already received an email order confirmation for this order today, please disregard this message.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you. We appreciate your patience regarding this matter.

Sincerely,
Staples Customer Service

Then I receive an email telling me my rebate is invalid:

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 03:32:09 -0800
Thank you for your rebate inquiry. We have received your submission, but we are currently unable to honor it because our records indicate the purchase date was 11/27/07 and the promotion was only valid for purchases made on 11/23/07.

We appreciate your participation in this promotion. If there is anything else we can do to assist you, please contact us at Staples.rebates@parago.com. We are always happy to help. Be sure to visit our website at StaplesEasyRebates.com for future rebate opportunities.

Linnea
Rebates Customer Service

Staples logged the order on 11/27th! Invalidating my rebate offer. The rebate was only valid on purchases made on the 23rd. Because of server problems and volume, they re-date it 11/27!

Black Friday shopping online with Staples is a RIPOFF! All they have to do is redate your order to invalidate your rebate. I could have purchased this at Frys for $99 with no rebate! I'm done with Staples. The have lost any more purchases from me this holiday season! Don't plan on getting this rebate, its all a lie! I stayed up to 4am on 11/23, never again. Black Fridays online aren't any better than standing inline overnight. I'm sleeping in next year.

Kim
Myrtle Creek, Oregon
U.S.A.