Outpost.com Item with Rebate doesn't ship until after Rebate Period deceptive company Internet

I have had no problems with outpost.com in the past. I have ordered a fair amount of products from them and never had a problem. This is until I tried ordering a CD-ROM that came with a $20 rebate. The rebate stated that the purchase had to be between 12/6 and 12/10. I put an order in on 12/8 which was in the time period. I then received an e-mail from Outpost on 12/11 that the product was on back order and won't ship until 12/12 (after the rebate period).

But I still purchased the product within the time period right? Of course not because the invoice is dated when the product is shipped. I called Outpost and talked to 2 different "customer service" people who both told me there was nothing they could do.

They couldn't offer any discount or future coupons. Something smells fishy. They said it was due to the manufacturer isn't shipping the product. If that is the case, why do they advertise the product as having a rebate if they have none in stock?

I looked at the product again today (12/11) and the rebate is still there showing up when you look at the product. If someone isn't careful, they will order it thinking they will get a $20 rebate.

Adam
Pickerington, Ohio
U.S.A.