rebate scam...

[nyphonejacks]

trying to see if it is worth the effort, and if this will work..

i see some companies offering mall in rebates, where they need a photocopy of your receipt, and a photocopy of the UPC/serial number of the item...

is it worth it, and would i actually get the rebate if i purchased the item got the photocopies of the required items, then returned the original purchace to the store unopened for a cash refund?

would this be illegal?

if the rebate form, or the terms of the rebate do not specify that i need to keep the item, or do not specify that i need to activate service with the item (particularity i am looking at cell phone rebates) then i can not see how this would violate any laws...

would the company processing the rebate know that the item was returned? should i hold the item for the maximum allowed time of the stores return policy, or would i be able to return the item the same day, after making the photocopies? 

[RushPwnsX]

I think it's similar to when dresses are on sale. If you buy it when there is a rebate offer, then you can't return it.

[jx]

I think it's similar to when dresses are on sale. If you buy it when there is a rebate offer, then you can't return it.

So how long have you been a crossdresser?

[nyphonejacks]

why would i not be able to return it... the rebate is from the manufacturer, and the service provider (two different rebates) not the store where i would be buying & returning it.... i might understand if it was from the retailer, but even then - the return policy should not be canceled based on a rebate... normally sale, or clearance items are the only thing that state final sale, no returns/refunds...

[RushPwnsX]

I think it's similar to when dresses are on sale. If you buy it when there is a rebate offer, then you can't return it.

So how long have you been a crossdresser?

I'm not a cross-dresser if I don't go out in public. And if I do go out in public and people don't notice I'm a man...
I just looked it up on the dictionary. It doesn't matter if I am seen or not  

why would i not be able to return it... the rebate is from the manufacturer, and the service provider (two different rebates) not the store where i would be buying & returning it.... i might understand if it was from the retailer, but even then - the return policy should not be canceled based on a rebate... normally sale, or clearance items are the only thing that state final sale, no returns/refunds...

There are two reasons no one really knows much about this.
1. It's impossible
2. People like money and don't want to risk loosing the idea by sharing

There probably is a way to make a little gold, but you need to find it out.

[MattGSX]

If the rebate only requires a photocopy of the UPC, then you should be good. I've found, though, most rebate centers get around exactly what you're asking by requiring the original UPC off the box. If they only ask for photocopies, and the contracts state nothing about cancellation of service/returns, then go ahead and try it. What's the worst that could happen? You just say you decided to return the item after mailing in the rebate and forgot about it. No way they can prove that isn't the case.

Also, unless you're specifically violating the terms of a contract you signed up for when buying said product/service or violating the rebate agreement, then you're doing nothing illegal, as far as I can tell.

[nyphonejacks]

this is one form for $20... is says you need to send the following 3 items...
A photocopy of your sales receipt or order confirmation sheet
for the qualifying phone purchased. (Please check
model of your phone purchase to the right.)
Please verify the phone purchase date is clearly visible and the
date is between February 1st – March 31st, 2010.
• A photocopy of the MEID/UPC barcode from the phone box.
• This completed offer form.

[i choose not to publicly post the link, so that if/when i attempt this hopefully it works - pm me if you want more info on the company, or a link or something, ps, it is a company i would never activate service with, i did for about a month and it was awful]

there was a second rebate from them, but it expired on the 15th of this month, and is no longer on there website...

limit 5 per household... so if this works, you would purchace 5 of the $100 and up phones (to get the $40 rebate and not the $20 rebate) make the photocopies, then return the phones for a profit of 40X5=$200

[MattGSX]

Huh. Well, then, they're just victims of their own poor planning. There's a reason most companies require the original UPC, and its for precisely this reason. Bravo, good sir. Now, good luck returning the phones.