CompUSA Another Ripoff rebate hustle Spokane Washington

I'm 36 yrs old. My wife and I have a combined household income in the upper 10% of wage earners. I've been a computer(s) owner since junior high. What does that have to do with anything, you ask? Well, you'd think a company like CompUSA would be eager to keep my dollars flowing into their coffers. Afterall, my new Toshiba laptop won't be the last computer I buy, but it may be the last computer I buy from them.

Let me quote from the letter I just received from Kevin Hain, who holds the unenviable position of "escalations supervisor" with CompUSA, a busy department these days no doubt.

"Purchasing a product with an advertised rebate does not constitute a contract or promise of payment, nor does submission guarantee the consumer automatic approval. Rebates must be applied for, and unless the instructions are followed precisely, meeting all terms, conditions and requirements, payment can be and will be denied."

If automobile manufacturers opperated by these same standards they would quickly find themselves out of business. "...does not constitute a contract or promise to pay," then exactly what does it constitute? What strikes me here is their willingness to admitted that their rebates are not worth the newsprint they are written on. I'm actually awestruck by their honesty.

So congratulations Kevin Hain, Escalations Supervisor, you win. Keep my $150. Sorry to have bothered you. Obviously I was mistaken in my belief that CompUSA would appreciate the concern of a loyal customer.

John
Spokane, Washington
U.S.A.