Shop NBC, Viscom Deceptive rebate promotions Rebate Ripoff! Chaska Minnesota

am extremely upset. I purchased an Proton 32" LCD from Shop NBC on March 25, 2006. This product was promoted with a $150 mail-in rebate. When I received the product, (about a week later) the rebate materials were not included in the packing materials. I called Shop NBC - they were very accommodating by TELLING me they would send the rebate materials in the mail and I should receive them in about 7 - 10 business days. Today is April 22 and I still have not received the rebate materials.

I made a second call to Shop NBC. Shop NBC indicated a request to send the material on April 10. As time is getting short, (30 day limit) they suggested I go to the Shop NBC website and download and rebate form. I did so and the form indicated I needed to provide the UPC symbol cut from the original carton as well as the purchase receipt. Well, the carton is now long gone - I do still have the receipt. I am being informed that the rebate will not be made without it.

As you can imagine, the packing material for this 32" TV was quite voluminous and I had to breakdown the cartons and disgard them. First - had Shop NBC provided the rebate materials with the original package as stated, everything would have been fine. Second, had Shop NBC informed me I could get the manufacturer's rebate form by visiting the Shop NBC website on my initial call, I would have still had the packing cartons and everything would have been fine. Now it is almost 4 weeks later, and I am being informed that because I do not have the UPC code from the original packaging the $150 rebate will be denied.

Right or wrong, my impression is that Shop NBC and/or Viscom are deceptive. I think this is very unfair that I am denied the rebate since this is of no fault of my own.

Additionally, in searching the product I purchased I find the idential TV not being sold at $849 - without rebate. I purchased the TV from Shop NBC for $1,049.00 expecting the $150.00 rebate which apparently is not going to happen. I feel this is very unfair and deceptive.

Cynthia
Portland, Maine
U.S.A.